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Facts About Heaven

We read in: Ecc 1:4, "One generation passes away, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever." And then we read in: Luk 21:33, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall never pass away." How can this be? Because God's word is the truth!Joh 17:14-20, "I have given them Your words, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You would take them out of the world, but that You would keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in Your truth; Your Word is the truth. 18 Even as You did send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, so that they also may be sanctified in Your truth. 20 I do not pray for these only, but also for those who shall believe in Me through their word." If you believe in Jesus, He is praying for you! As we come to understand God's word, we understand that forever is for ever and is not an eternity or everlasting as some would interpret the meaning of forever. We look forward to God's kingdom coming here to earth! Mat 6:9-10, "Therefore, you are to pray after this manner: 'Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name; 10 Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. … ." Let's examine false thoughts about heaven and seek truthful facts about heaven:

Misconception number 1: We will spend eternity in the clouds.

We read in: Mat 5:5, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Rev 21:1-3, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. 2 And I, John, saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice from heaven say, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men; and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people; and God Himself shall be with them and be their God."

Misconception number 2: The Bible says very little about Heaven.

Heaven is mentioned in 442 verses in AFV and mentioned in 551 verses in the King James Version. Truth is: people with spiritual understanding, are able understand the "deep things" of God. 1Co 2:9-10, "But according as it is written, 'The eye has not seen, nor the ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.' 10 But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things—even the deep things of God." We are able to pass on such deep knowledge to our children: Deu 29:29, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever so that we may do all the words of this law." The truth is 2Pe 3:13, "But according to His promise, we look forward to a new heaven and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells." People will be expecting that day to come: 2Pe 3:3-7, "Knowing this first, that in the last days there will come mockers, walkingaccording to their own personal lusts, 4 And asking, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the forefathers died, everything has remained the same as from the beginning of creation.' 5 But this fact is hiddenfrom them— they themselves choosing to ignore it— that by the Word of God the heavens existed of old, and the earth came forth out of water and amid water, 6 By which the world at that time, having been deluged with water, had itself been destroyed. 7 But the present heavens and earth are being held in store by His Word, and are being reserved for fire in the day of the judgment and destruction of the ungodly."

Misconception number 3. We can learn about Heaven from people’s claims of going there.

Obviously people who claim to have gone to heaven and back have not been judged and according to scripture are not telling the truth! Many people write books claiming to divulge secrets that some readers believe, instead of Scripture. Heb 9:27, "And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this, the judgment." God's word is true, people often lie, – Joh 17:17. The apostle Paul apparently had visions: 2Co 12:1-4, "Indeed, it is not expedient for me to boast. But I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago, was caught up to the third heaven. (Whether this man was in the body, I do not know; or out of the body, I do not know—God knows.) 3 Now I know {another} such a man, (whether taken up in the body, or out of the body, I do not know—God knows), 4 And that he was caught up to Paradise, and heard unutterable sayings, which a man is not permitted to speak."

Misconception number 4: Heaven now will be Heaven later. Grandma died and went to heaven.

There is a spirit in humans, besides the holy spirit that is in some humans. God has revealed where the spirit in man ascends: Ecc 3:21, "Who knows the spirit of man whether it goes upward, and the spirit of the beast whether it goes downward to the earth?" God knows, and has told us the human spirit returns to Him. Rev 6:9-11, "And when He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony that they held; 10 And they cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, do You not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?' 11 And white robes were given to each of them; and they were told that they should rest a short time yet, until it be fulfilled that both their fellow servants and their brethren also would be killed, just as they had been." Paul said: Php 1:21-24, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor. But I do not know what I should choose. 23 For I am hard pressed to choose between the two. I desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better; 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes."

Misconception number 5: We’ll live forever without a body. Some people think that human spirits are better off without bodies.

Such thoughts are not biblical. Jesus appeared before His disciples in physical form: –Luk 24:36-43. Job also had faith and vision as he looked to the future: Job 19:25-26, "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He shall stand upon the earth in the latter days; 26 And though worms destroy my skin and body, yet apart from my flesh shall I see God."

God will bring others who previous died, with Jesus: 1Th 4:13-14, "But I do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, that you be not grieved, even as others, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in exactly the same way also, those who have fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with Him." 1Th 4:17-18, "Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds for the meeting with the Lord in the air; and so shall we always be with the Lord {upon the earth}. 18 Therefore, encourage one another with these words." Psa 37:29, "The righteous shall inherit the earth and dwell in it forever."

Misconception number 6: People get excited about going to heaven.

In reality few of the New Covenant Saints will go to heaven; because God's kingdom, is coming to a restored earth. Act 3:18-23, "But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you. 21 Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He tells you. 23 Everyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among his people.' " God has a reward planned: Mat 19:27-29, "Then Peter answered and said to Him, 'Behold, we have left everything and have followed You. What then shall be for us?' 28 And Jesus said to them, 'Truly I say to you who have followed Me: in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit upon the throne of His glory, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life.' "

Misconception number 7: Heaven will be boring. Thinking that Heaven will be boring portrays a lie that God is boring.

We are looking forward to the New Jerusalem: Heb 11:10, "For he {Abraham} was waiting for the city with the foundations of which God is the Architect and Builder." Heb 13:14, "For we do not have a continuing city here on earth; rather, we are seeking the one that is coming." Pro 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish; but happy is he who keeps the law." All glory belongs to God! – 1Co 10:31, "Therefore, whether you eat, or you drink, or you do anything, do all things to the glory of God." The curse will be removed: Rev 22:3, "And there shall be no more curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him."

Misconception number 8: We won’t be us anymore or remember our former lives.

Those are false lies. There are currently elders and other Old Covenant saints who were resurrected and dwell in heaven awaiting the final establishment of God's kingdom on earth: Rev 5:8-12, And when He took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having harps and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are You to take the book, and to open its seals because You were slain, and did redeem us to God by Your own blood, out of every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 And did make us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign on the earth.' " 11 And I saw and I heard the voices of many angels around the throne, and the voices of the living creatures and the elders, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory and blessing.' " When Jesus died, there were many signs and wonders that occurred at His death and after His resurrection, such as Old Testament saints who arose out of their graves and went into the city revealing themselves to many. Mat 27:50-53, "And after crying out again with a loud voice, Jesus yielded up His spirit. 51 Then suddenly the veil of the temple was ripped in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook, and the rocks were split, 52 So that the tombs were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had died, were resurrected 53 After His resurrection; and they came out of the tombs. Then they entered into the holy city, and appeared to many." They had died, not receiving the "promise." Heb 11:39-40, "But these all, though they had received a good report through faith, did not obtain the promise 40 Because God had determined in advance to provide something superior for us so that without us they would not be made perfect." 1Jn 2:25, "And this is the promise that He has promised us: eternal life."

Misconception number 9: Heaven will be a spiritual realm with no human culture.

There will be physical humans as well as spiritual in God's new heaven and earth. Isa 65:17-25, " 'For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth. And the former things will not be remembered, nor come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and I will joy in My people; and the voice of weeping will no more be heard in her, nor the voice of crying. 20 There will not be an infant who lives but a few days, nor an old man that has not filled his days, for the child will die a hundred years old; but the sinner who is a hundred years old shall be accursed. 21 And they will build houses and live in them; and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 They will not build, and another live in them; they will not plant, and another eat; for like the days of a tree are so will be the days of My people, and My elect will long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They will not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for calamity. For they are the seed of the beloved of the LORD, and their offspring with them. 24 And it shall come to pass, before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox; and dust will be the food of the serpent. They will not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,' says the LORD."

Misconception number 10: All people get saved and partake in heaven's rewards.

Jesus Himself said in Rev 21:7-8, "The one who overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone; which is the second death." Rom 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."

Rev 21:1-7, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. 2 And I, John, saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice from heaven say, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men; and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people; and God Himself shall be with them and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall not be any more death, or sorrow, or crying; neither shall there be any more pain, because the former things have passed away.' 5 And He Who sits on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' Then He said to me, 'Write, for these words are true and faithful.' 6 And He said to me, 'It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the one who thirsts, I will give freely of the fountain of the water of life. 7 The one who overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son {and she shall be my daughter}.' "

God directs us, as a living temple, how to conduct ourselves, in marriage and business partnerships, to please God, our Father: 2Co 6:14-18, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and lawlessness have in common? And what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 And what union does Christ have with Belial {worthlessness, as an epithet of Satan}? Or what part does a believer have with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement is there between a temple of God and idols? For you are a temple of the living God, exactly as God said: "I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 17 Therefore, come out from the midst of them and be separate," says the Lord, "and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you; 18 And I shall be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters," says the Lord Almighty.

The best is yet to come: Rev 21:22-26, "And I saw no temple in it; for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city has no need of the sun, or of the moon, that they should shine in it; because the glory of God enlightens it, and the light of it is the Lamb. 24 And the nations that are saved shall walk in its light; and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honor into it. 25 And its gates shall never be shut by day; for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it." Only those written in the book of life can enter into it.

We look for and await the river of life: Rev 22:1-5, "Then he showed me a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 And in the middle of the street, and on this side and that side of the river, was the tree of life, producing twelve manner of fruits, each month yielding its fruit; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him, 4 And they shall see His face; and His name is in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; for they have no need of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God enlightens them; and they shall reign into the ages of eternity. Have joy serving God into the ages of eternity

Facts About Heaven

"©" January 2025, Ekklesia Church of God - New Covenant Saints

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