Heaven: The Home Of The Soul
Now you would think that a fellow who has preached thousands of sermons could, with all the ease in the world, talk about any Bible subject he chooses. Well, I don’t feel that adequate about the subject of heaven. Actually, I don’t know that I feel that confident about any Bible subject, but I am more confident about some than others. Anyway, I don’t feel completely adequate to talk on the subject of Heaven, The Home of the Soul. I suppose it is because so little is known about God’s home. The ways of God are past finding out.
Where would you begin if you were preaching a sermon on heaven? Would you go to the words of Job where he said, “If a man die, shall he live again” (Job 14:1-2)? That wouldn’t be
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We are going to be so surprised at all of that beauty and all of that glory, and all of the wonders that God has in store for us. It will be the biggest surprise party ever.
Anyway, let’s begin the subject of heaven by using some words from the oldest apostle who ever lived. He was about ninety-six years old when he wrote: “And 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.” (Rev. 21:1) He was the disciple that Jesus loved best and his name was John. At one time he was known as the “son of thunder,” but God had calmed that temper in him and he wrote time and again that the brethren ought to love one another. (I, II, and III John) John had learned what it was to love and to be loved.
Anyway, John said, “no more sea.” But, why did He put that phrase in there? What is the meaning? It must have some significance or it wouldn’t be there. Just three words, but very meaningful.
And there are a lot of other places in the Bible where just one word or a very short phrase has so much meaning. For example, the verse that states “Jesus wept” (John 11:35), is the shortest verse in the Bible. There are just two words in that verse; but so full of meaning when one thinks about all that had happened to cause Him to weep and the words of Paul to
Salvation describes the deliverance by God for those who believe in him. It is the saving of the soul from sin (and its consequences) through Gods will and grace. Though it takes different forms in every religion, the principle is still the same, often emphasising the necessity of both good works, repentance, and asceticism, as well as divine intervention (in this case the action being the grace of God). If assuming that Christ is the full truth, then the only way to gain access to God after death is through the salvation given by the Christian God. Jesus himself has indicated that a person must hear the word, believe it, repent of past sins, and be willing to confess faith before others, be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins, and then continue to live a faithful life throughout this physical life if we are to go to heaven.
He states that nowhere in the Bible does it say that we are indeed going to heaven. He explains that salvation is not away from this world, instead God’s new creation has already come to life in Jesus of Nazareth. Heaven - as stated by Wright - is God’s final accomplishment. This means that God’s “new earth and new heaven” are coming to this earthly world. Wright argues that after death we wait until the day that we are - like Jesus - resurrected into this heaven that is coming to earth. Wright also states that “Salvation, then, is not going to “heaven” but “being raised to life in God’s new heaven and new earth.” , This is relevant because it clearly shows that “heaven” (God’s new creation) will come to this world - to this earth in. This is important because it ties in directly with Wright’s notion of why we need to work in this
He depicts God as frightening, and authoritative over human fate. Furthermore, Edwards believes this so strongly he wants sinners to change their horrible ways. Although Edwards acknowledges God is in control of fate, humans can stop themselves from going to hell through one way. If humans stop sinning God, will be less likely to have further reasons to want to send them to hell. Sinners at the Hands of an Angry God creates this view through several elements in the recorded sermon. Firstly, the text is interactive for both the readers and audience. Edwards’s persistent use of the word you especially make the text personal. Secondly, several literary devices in Edward’s text create a well-written and frightening warning to sinners. As well, it emphasizes and reminds the readers or audience that God is in charge of eternal fate. Overall, Edwards’s beliefs on providence and afterlife stay with the readers due this. The sermon provides vivid clear images for its
Through the use of hopeful repetition, Jonathon Edwards conveys to the readers optimistic thoughts the shows us how God upkeeps. . Edwards stresses the fact that God wants us to be on the right path of life “restrains” (3) from sending us into hell as in giving us a second chance. Edwards uses the word “restraint” to show how God is on our side and he expects great thing out of us, the loving side of God. Furthermore, Edwards uses the word “promise” (5) multiple times to show the readers that God is not just making a promise to let everyone into heaven. Trying to convey the theme of devoting oneself to Christ, Edwards uses the phrase “God made no promise to keep any natural man out of hell one moment” (5) as a reference that only true Christians will get into Heaven. This pressures the unconverted because it makes them think, “Should I convert so I can get into Heaven?” With this thought process in mind, Edwards also exclaims that God’s wrath is “eternal and everlasting” (10). This means that people cannot just call themselves Christians and get into Heaven. They have to show God that they
John realizes what he must do, he must find out the truth of the Place of the Gods. None of his people have ever been to the Place of the Gods. They do not know they truth about it, so the knowledge they had been spreading is false. John knew it would be difficult for his people to understand the truth after being taught wrong for so many years.
The afterlife is a concept that has troubled humans for a long time. For many decades, people have worried about “their ticket” to heaven and what heaven consist off. First and far most, Mouw stresses the fact that there’s more to life than to just make it to a separate world or heaven. He says our life is about redemption of humans, but also transformation of culture. However, people are still and will always be concerned about getting into heaven. Fortunately, Mouw answers these questions with biblical interpretation. Like I said previously, Christians have believed heaven to be a distant world in which saved souls rest after being extracted from earth. Mouw believes heaven to be a renewed creation of God in which the earth is not destroyed, but rather transformed and
On numerous occasions, the New Testament shared the concept of paradise alluding to a gathering place for the saints of God. When Jesus was on the cross with the criminal, He turned to him and replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Lk, 23:43). From this point, Jesus provided an afterlife concept giving the criminal hope and satisfaction that there was more coming after death.
The things important to him here on earth, represented by his friends, would not help his account in heaven. Everyman learns that his salvation is determined not by his
10 things the bible teaches about Heaven. BY: Aurora Heaven is a real place. Jesus had actually called heaven an actual place, filled with real people. John 14: 1-3 had compared heaven to a large mansion with several rooms.
This is also misunderstood by some people who claim to be Christians. Around 25% of born again Christians think that no matter what religion you believe, that they all teach the same lesson and that everyone eventually is saved by God. Most people surveyed described Heaven as a non-physical realm. In contrast, Scripture describes Heaven as a garden, a city, a kingdom, and other physical types of places. Unlike what some people think, Heaven is not our default destination.
All those who belonged to the Church knew the importance of helping one another reach their desired end, that is, Heaven. They would encourage each other and rejoice with another when they overcame some battle. It was especially joyful event when one was
The scriptures used for A- G above are the following: A- John 8:12-20, 48-59, B- John 14:1-14, C – John 5:16-47, D – John 4:27-38, Luke 13:1-9, E, F – Luke 17:1-10, G – Luke 13:22-30, Matthew 7:7-12.
Freedom is felt with none of life’s possessions or expectations influencing the lives of many. Materialism is a major factor in the lives of many people in our world. In heaven the want for others’ possessions is not felt. There is no need to worry about objects because all that could be needed is provided. There is no want or need for any tangible goods because what is provided becomes much more important. Souls are provided a wealth of knowledge worth much more than anything on earth. There is no need to worry about making a lot of money or making sure to have a secure job. There is no need to worry about a future in heaven. The status of people on earth is viewed outwardly by other people. Those in heaven see the opposite, viewing the inner person. Once in heaven, the content of your beliefs, values, and morals are judged, not the content of your house or bank account. Also, appearances do not
Have you ever wondered what is beyond this world? Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo is an incredible story that has a shocking plot, followed by interesting characters and an inspiring theme. A young boy emerges from a life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven. This book is filled with unbelievable events and great twists that will make you not want to put the book down!
insecurity. While you are on this planet, you will lose everything you have, including your life. The one gift you will never lose is the guarantee of eternal life in the pristine meadows of a world that never dies and never takes from you. You will be a part of me, and I shall be a part of you. Should someone ask, 'Where is God?' angels will point at you and say, 'There He is.' Give unto me everything you have, and I shall give everything I have unto you. See how your faith has placed me in your debt. See how your deeds have earned you all the riches heaven has to offer. I owe you life as you have never imagined, and I am eager to pay my debt. If you do not receive the fullness of salvation, my life and everything about it will be for nothing. You have given your heart to me, and I have given my heart to you. As a servant, it is my pleasure to carry you over the threshold of heaven's gate and release you to immerse in pastures of glistening crystal light where there is splendor and completeness. I have not come to offer hope. I come to grant a guarantee, and the guarantee was written with my blood. I have come to demonstrate to you the guarantee is real and sealed by the Creator Himself.