Not too long ago I was asked: So, do you really believe in heaven -- I mean, in eternal life?
Absolutely!
Well then, can you tell me what heaven is really like?
No, I can't. But I can tell you what is NOT! Take the absolute best experience of your life, that which gave you the greatest joy, and know that it pales in comparison to what God gives you in eternal life.
Then, recall any moment you have suffered. Think of all pain or fear of any kind, from the fears of a tot to the trembling doubt of a senior citizen.... and KNOW that none of THAT will ever occur again.
Hmmmm, my inquirer said -- that's not too bad!
I just smiled and said, that's right....not bad at all, eh?
I realize that I have never had to state my ideas about heaven so precisely before. Oh, sure, I have proclaimed my belief that after all of "this" is over, God in Christ will embrace me forever. But this person did not want some theological statement. And this person did not want to be told "Oh, you will see all of your loved ones and be in and with Christ". This person has suffered from feeling unloved and unloveable... and although baptized and confirmed as a child, this person's faith has not been nourished in adulthood - other gods entered and claimed time and space.
Somehow, laying the experience of the best or the worst of times next to eternity in God's presence helped my inquirer to trust the hope that dying wouldn't be so bad after all. The hope in the truth of God's loving presence as the last "surprise" of life opened new avenues!
How about you? If asked about your "take" on heaven, how would you answer?
Absolutely!
Well then, can you tell me what heaven is really like?
No, I can't. But I can tell you what is NOT! Take the absolute best experience of your life, that which gave you the greatest joy, and know that it pales in comparison to what God gives you in eternal life.
Then, recall any moment you have suffered. Think of all pain or fear of any kind, from the fears of a tot to the trembling doubt of a senior citizen.... and KNOW that none of THAT will ever occur again.
Hmmmm, my inquirer said -- that's not too bad!
I just smiled and said, that's right....not bad at all, eh?
I realize that I have never had to state my ideas about heaven so precisely before. Oh, sure, I have proclaimed my belief that after all of "this" is over, God in Christ will embrace me forever. But this person did not want some theological statement. And this person did not want to be told "Oh, you will see all of your loved ones and be in and with Christ". This person has suffered from feeling unloved and unloveable... and although baptized and confirmed as a child, this person's faith has not been nourished in adulthood - other gods entered and claimed time and space.
Somehow, laying the experience of the best or the worst of times next to eternity in God's presence helped my inquirer to trust the hope that dying wouldn't be so bad after all. The hope in the truth of God's loving presence as the last "surprise" of life opened new avenues!
How about you? If asked about your "take" on heaven, how would you answer?
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