Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Is Heaven Any Different Than Hell?

We don't spend enough time thinking about Heaven, do we?

A pastor once confessed, "I can't stand the thought of that endless tedium. To float around in the clouds with nothing to do but strum a harp...it's all so terribly boring. Heaven doesn't sound much better than Hell. I'd rather be annihilated than spend eternity in a place like that" (Heaven, p. 6). I personally had a friend who told me that he wished he could just rest a while before going to Heaven. Also, someone else I knew was found crying in his room - afraid of Heaven because he didn't know what he was going to do there FOREVER and thought earth was more appealing.

I have a feeling that these thoughts are all over the place in Christian circles. And, they're there because people really don't understand how amazing Heaven is going to be. However, I want to make certain that one big reason why people have this attitude towards Heaven is because the church has been silent in the teachings of Heaven for way too long.

Over the next three weeks, I am going to share with our youth ministry the awesome blessings of Heaven - how God, in His grace, gives us exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think! I trust it will be an encouragement for all who hear.

As I study for this, I'd like to get your honest thoughts on Heaven.

What is it about Heaven that makes it so amazing? What do you think it's going to be like? Do you look forward to it or does Heaven sound scary or boring? Do you think it's okay to get really excited about Heaven? Is Heaven full of grace?

Let's ponder the amazing blessings of God in Heaven together....

73 comments:

Anonymous said...

heaven to me is just undiscribible. I believe its going to be so amazing. I talked to a couple friends about this one night and they talked about how they want to do certain things before they die cause they dont want to miss the joy in those things. The Bible says better is one day in the house of the Lord is better then thousands else where. I think were going to have the most joy you can possibley have when were in heaven. When we see God wow were going to be in so much amazement. I dont think were going to sing prasies to God for ever but if you think about it were going to be spritually perfect and for us to sing to God would give us amazing joy. Yeah and when i think of forever im like woe and it gives me a headache sometimes but then i think when im in heaven my thoughts are going to be WOW YES forever. If we were to get to heaven and after being there for a while if God were to say were going to have a day break or even an hour break were we would go to earth i think we would be upset thats just how amazing i beleive heaven will be.

Anonymous said...

it better be better then hell, or what is the point! I am lookng forward to NO MORE SIN and getting away from this flesh, I can't imagine NOT being tempted on ao dialy basis! YEAH. oh yeah and worshiping God constenetly
-K

AgapeTheologian said...

Umm... First off, we are not going to heaven. I don't know where we get this idea of going "up"? Heaven will be on earth. That's why as Christian we are in constant battle with the adversary. God's kingdom is here, Satan's is also here. I'm sorry to break it to you all, but Satan is not in Hell. Satan is roaring
around like a lion looking for anyone to devour.(1Pe 5:8)

After the Devil releases it's champion the battle will be a ton more harder. Then God will say it's time to defeat Satan, it will be over. People will be in Hell, and we will be on earth with new created bodies.

Heaven is for spiritual beings and God created as spiritual.(Angels, etc...)

Heaven will be on earth, and we will roam for over with God and praising Him. My theology hasn't expanded upon what exactly we will be doing, but it will feel great! Whatever we will do, We will enjoy! I love God!


-Agapejustin17

Anonymous said...

hey, Interesting topic...I was just resding tonight in Isiah 65 and it talks about the pain being gone, and the sorrow, and ALL SIN! I don't know about all of you but I can't wait for that day!

Anonymous said...

Justin if heavens on earth then were are all the people who have died?

Anonymous said...

Hi, this is Caleb. I went to your TNT.
I think that I should look forward to heaven, but it's kinda hard to when you don't really know what to expect.

Pastor Timothy said...

Wow, great comments. Thanks for all who've been visiting (including the first-timer here, Caleb.)!

Real quick - about heaven and earth, those are interesting thoughts, Justin. We'll hopefully get to that in our study....

Also, about what the rock groups say - "UGH!" That is the deception of the devil.

About the need for grace.... Don't you think that Heaven is grace at perfection since we don't deserve Heaven? Also, it would seem that if God were to let His hand off of us even after death, we would go the same way as Satan did? So, instead of doing that, God gives us perfect grace continuously.

These are my thoughts for now. Keep your posts coming!! :)

AgapeTheologian said...

Luke, good question. That did make me think for a while. Those people would be in 'Paradise'. Does that mean Heaven? My answer would be 'No'. It would be a further happiness.

The greek word for paradise is παράδεισος(paradeisos) which means: a park, that is, (specifically) an Eden (place of future happiness)

So, God's kingdom is on this earth, wouldn't they go that Kingdom, which we do not know where that is. Anywhere with God would be happiness. The 'New Heaven' and 'New Earth' will be on this earth. But it will be made like new. This earth will be like how God inteded it to be, just like the Garden of Eden. Isn't that amazing! I think it's so cool. I hope that answered your question. If you have anymore, please ask...


-Justin

Pastor Timothy said...

Hey, Hey, Hey.... Who's blog is this? :)

Anyway, not sure about the New Heaven being on the New Earth.... Interesting thoughts. Let's think of some other questions here....

Anonymous said...

...to answer your question, the blog is yours but it's free to write on.:)

Do you think Lake of Fire and HELL are different? Why?

AgapeTheologian said...

Just to finish answering Luke's question,

"Justin if heavens on earth then were are all the people who have died

I found out there are 3 different main views.

1.That there is a state of when Christians are dead, it's a non-consious state(sleeping) and just waiting til Christ's coming

2.Preogortory(check spelling)

3.Our spirit goes up with God and dwells in the, "Holy of Holy's"
Then will be sent back gown in our bodies at the coming of Christ.

I hope I explained these clearly but briefly.

Now for Hell, the first two our the same but the 3rd is different.

-If you are un-saved, you go to basically a waiting place to get into Hell and you have to wait the the coming of Christ and then get judged and proven guilty. Kindof like when a criminal goes to jail and is waiting for the something worse, Prison Does this make sense? Please ask if it doesn't.


-Agapejustin17


p.s.I hope it's ok with PT2 is you comment.:P Sorry PT, I just had to.

AgapeTheologian said...

I think we need to advertise our sites some more...just a word from your parents house.


:p


-Agapejustin17

AgapeTheologian said...

Could you please answer my question? I'm just wondering what you think?

"Do you think Lake of Fire and HELL are different? Why?"


In Prayers,


-AgapeTheologian

Pastor Timothy said...

Yes, I think they are different. The Bible says that Hell will be cast into the Lake of Fire....

Anonymous said...

well i honeslty think that heaven could not be as glorious as some poeple say it is unless it comes frome th bible. I am looking foward to heaven but yet not.

AgapeTheologian said...

Stephen,


What do you mean? Heaven is from the Bible? I don't actually see what you're talking about?

When God returns, we will have a perfect earth(Heaven) and God will be on it and we can walk and talk with Him. It will be just like the Garden of Eden.

Are you asking for verses or a book on Heaven?


In prayers,

-AgapeTheologian

AgapeTheologian said...

PT2,


Where is that verse that says God will destroy they earth forever. My understanding so far is that this earth will be renewed just like the Garden of Eden?


Thanks,


-AgapeTheologian

AgapeTheologian said...

Thanks for the Clairification Mrs. Field.


-AgapeThelogian

Anonymous said...

Hey all,
what about the mansions in heaven, it says that there wil be mansions in heaven but yet we will live on a new earth forever?

Pastor Timothy said...

Wow, all of these comments are great, and they're causing me to think. Thanks to all!!!

Answering Stephen's question first - In John 14:1-3, Jesus says that He's going to prepare a place. The question we should as is, "What is that place?" Many people say it is the Heaven we go to when we die. But, Revelation 21 seems to answer that question. I would say right now that the Bible teaches that Jesus is preparing the New Heaven for when the New Earth is ready. That's amazing!!! For 2,000 years Jesus has been preparing the New Heaven/New Jerusalem.... WHOA! How amazing is that place going to be?!

Justin and Barb, your comments coincide. I guess my assumption was that the earth was going to be totally destroyed by fire because of 2 Peter 3 ("the elements will be destroyed by fire," and "the earth and everything in it will be laid bare"). However, that doesn't seem to be the case if you take all of Scripture and even the context into account.

Peter is comparing the destruction by Flood to a future destruction by fire. So, the question is, "Did the earth cease to exist when the flood was gone?" The answer is definitely not. So, will the earth cease to exist after the destruction by fire? No. And I think that Romans 8:18-22 is a great passage that supports that answer.

How amazing this earth is going to be when sin is no more and God reigns down perfect justice!!! What an amazing earth we'll be on!

Anonymous said...

hey all, think about this:
Is God going to destroy heaven, and if he is, why is he when heaven is already perfect?

AgapeTheologian said...

Stephen,


Heaven will not be destroyed. It's perfect and Holy and that is where God dwells. The New Heaven will be on Earth. So, God can be both places...

AgapeTheologian said...

PT2,


I still don't think this earth will be destroyed. I talked with someone at work who I respect. He said that it can also be translated as the fire will come and destroy and melt all the sin and the imperfect things on this earth. When God create the earth in Genesis He said it was very good. Sin entered the world and now God has to destroy it after the Devil releases his weapon(anti-christ).


In Prayers,


-AgapeTheologian

Anonymous said...

well justin,
I think that it could be a possibility that God will not destroy the earth, he might cleanse it with cleansing fire, like it says in the bible somewhere that christians will be claensed with fire. so it might be so. But Do you think that God will either create a new earth or just cleanse it?

Pastor Timothy said...

Uh, Justin,

My last post agrees with you.... This earth is going to be "cleansed through destruction." I'm saying that based on what Stephen said. I want to use biblical terms like destroy. However, when I say "destroy", I don't mean that the earth is going to be totally wiped away. I just mean that the earth is going to be totally cleansed with fire so that we'll now have a new earth.... Make sense?

Stephen, I do agree with what you're saying too.

AgapeTheologian said...

Are you saying the same thing? It sounds like when you say 'Destroy' you are saying that all the mountains and trees are going to be destroyed. What I'm saying is that all the 'Sin' in the world will be done and put away with.

Do you think this will be how God will 'kill'(If I can say that, all the unbelievers?



In Prayers,


-AgapeTheologian

Anonymous said...

well is God going to create a new earth or just cleanse it?

Pastor Timothy said...

Stephen,

I believe that God is going to regenerate the new earth.

You might be saying, "What do you mean by that?!" I mean that the earth is going to be "new" in the same sense that we're all going to get new bodies. I'm still going to be me in Heaven. It's just that I'm going to have more perfect qualities. In the same way, it's still going to be earth. It's just going to have more perfect qualities. Does that make sense?

Anonymous said...

yeah it does, but it says that God will also create a new heaven what does that mean even tough heaven is perfect?

Pastor Timothy said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Pastor Timothy said...

Your assumption is that the intermediate Heaven (the Heaven we go to when we die) is completely perfect....

I think the people in Heaven are perfect, but I don't think that Heaven exists without at least some availability of the presence sin and sorrow.

Think about the fact that Satan has entered Heaven before - when he met with God to see if he could tempt Job. If Satan can still enter Heaven, then the intermediate Heaven isn't in a totally perfect state yet - even though it's so much better than this earth because nobody who lives there sins....

Give me your thoughts

AgapeTheologian said...

I don't think Satan went in Heaven to ask God. I may be wrong. But I believe it also says God can't be in the presence of sin. Satan is 'Sin'.

Anonymous said...

hey pt,
if heaven has sin then God is not holy, because God cannot be around din or be in the prensence of sin because he is holy

AgapeTheologian said...

I looked in Job 1 and I don't see any signs that Satan was in Heaven. It said 'Sons of God and Satan came along as well.'

Who are sons of God? We are, the Believers of the Most High.

So Satan didn't go to God's dwelling place. Satan would have been killed instantly because of His sin.


In Prayers,


-AgapeTheologian


p.s.I agree with you Stephen

Pastor Timothy said...

Job 1:6 and 2:1 are clear that Satan came along with the sons of God to go before the presence of the Lord....

Where does the Lord dwell? In Heaven. It's clear that Satan was in the Lord's presence to speak to Him in the intermediate Heaven....

In answer to your question, Stephen. I believe that because of Jesus' sacrifice God proves His pefect holiness. That enables Him to be patient towards active sin in the universe.

However, did Jesus' sacrifice cover Satan's sin? No. So, I would have to say that God is not lessened in holiness just because someone sinful speaks to Him. Satan's doom is sure. God has already pronounced judgement on Him. Jesus has won the victory. Satan is awaiting his final destination in the Lake of Fire. But, in keeping with your thinking, can God allow Satan into His presence? Here are a couple of thoughts. If God couldn't talk to Satan because he's the epitome of sin, then He couldn't have even kicked Satan out of Heaven because even coming close to speak to him would have been a sin for God. For God to pronounce judgment on Satan would have also been a sin because He would have been speaking to Satan face-to-face. For God's angels to fight against the demons would also be sin because they're in the presence of sin.

The Bible never says that God cannot see sin or be around sin (since He's everywhere, that would be impossible). What the Bible says is that sin must always be judged by God's holiness. Sinners and sin itself cannot stand (i.e. - remain steadfast) in the presence of God. That means, God will not tolerate unjudged sin. So, in order for Satan to speak to God, his sin has to be judged. And it has been. Think of it this way, Satan is on death row. For a murderer on death row to speak to the judge doesn't make a judge any less of a just judge as long as the verdict remains the same. God's verdict has always remained the same - keeping in perfect harmony with His justice.

Along with this, unbelievers are judged and so are believers. All of these people are going to come before God in judgement in the end. Each of them individually - sinners in the presence of God. The believers will enter Paradise, and the unbelievers and the demons will be cast into the Lake of Fire. Does that make more sense?

Anonymous said...

wow wow wow back up a little, were does it say that God will make a new heven or destroy it or whatever? maybe i just don't understand it.

Anonymous said...

JUST SAYING HI!
-K

AgapeTheologian said...

Hey,


I still have to ponder on these thoughts. But I am still a little touchy on the intermediate Heaven. We would have to be spirits to be in the intermediate Heaven. God made us to be on Earth. When God renews this earth to be like the Garden, that is when we will have our new bodies...

Have you ever thought about us just being in a unconscience state and awaiting for God to call for his elect that have died and we ALL will rise up? Just some thoughts.

That's all for now...Please let me know your thoughts...


In Prayers,


-AgapeTheologian

Anonymous said...

heave will be amazing because God said so.. Lets all wait and find out and be SUPRISED instead of trying to figure out where the pearly gates are and the gold river!!!
as long as GOd is there. wow.
-K

AgapeTheologian said...

If i understand correctly, Pastor Timothy thinks we will go to this intermediate place/heaven. Then He will make a new one. But if we go to that intermediate heaven then we would only have our spiritual beings not bodies. Bodies were made to be on earth not Heaven...



In Prayers,


-AgapeTheologian

Pastor Timothy said...

K - Paul says in Thessalonians that he doesn't want us to be ignorant about the place the "sleeping" saints go when they die. I know that the New Earth is going to be even more than I could imagine, but that shouldn't keep me from studying Heaven. In the same way that I keep studying about God even though I know I'm not going to know everything about Him, I should be studying about Heaven. There's TONS of facts about Heaven in the Bible (so much more than I ever thought). It's quite encouraging. Also, it's a command to be Kingdom minded; so, how can we be Kingdom minded if we have little or no understanding of the Kingdom itself...? We were created for a person and a place - Jesus is that person, Heaven is that place.

Also, in regards to the intermediate Heaven (which is a place with the Tree of life and the New Jerusalem being built by Jesus) - we will only have our spirit's there, awaiting for our new body. The intermediate Heaven is the "layover" on the way to our final destination - the New Earth. We receive our new bodies at the final resurrection of the saints!!

Oh yeah, NO PURGATORY!!! ICKY.... Obviously that cannot be true for at least a few reasons, but one reason is that Paul says "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Once we die, we're with Christ - awaiting the final consummation of the ages!

AgapeTheologian said...

Can you write again why you think in the intermediate Heaven? Just because there is a new heaven that is going to be created doesn't mean we will go to the old one...I'm just trying to understand.


In Prayers,


-AgapeTheologian

Anonymous said...

what IF we are hoping for these things to be there and expecting them to be there and they are NOT or they are different. won't we be disappointed? thus why i say, lets be suprised!!! BUT if this study is drawing you omore closer to God, then AMEN!
-K

Anonymous said...

so if heaven is a perfect place, then how come there is sin in it? If God is holy and just, then he must get rid of the sin in his presence. How can we go to a not so perfect place where we are going to be made perfect?

AgapeTheologian said...

Can you write again why you think in the intermediate Heaven? Just because there is a new heaven that is going to be created doesn't mean we will go to the old one...I'm just trying to understand.

Stephen, If I understand correctly what PT2 is saying, it's that our spirit will go up to Heaven, the imperfect Heaven. We won't get our bodies until Christ returns...

Pastor Timothy said...

K,

Have you ever gotten excited about a vacation spot before? Have you had a lot of expectations before? Usually when it's vacation, you still are excited - not usually disappointed.

I don't think we'll ever be disappointed with Heaven. God gives greater than what we can even imagine. So, Heaven will be greater than what we imagine - as long as our minds are focused around the Bible as our guideline.

Also, Stephen, read my post again. God can see sin and be around sin as long as it's been judged. He cannot tolerate sin (meaning, He cannot be content with unjudged sin).

Justin, we go to the intermediate Heaven when we die because the Bible says that when we die, we are with the Lord.

AgapeTheologian said...

Where does it say that. And Yes, we will be with the Lord when we die but does that apply we will be with the Lord immediatly when we die? All Jesus said to the thief was, 'I will see you in Paradise.' I believe the greek work for paradise is like a garden. Meaning Garden of Eden. Check me on that. So, wouldn't that mean it will be when we get out bodies?


-AgapeTheologian


p.s.Check my blog...I think you'll like it...

Anonymous said...

justin,
if our spirirts go up to heaven, then how do we see things that are happening on earth. because in revelation it says that the saints watch the earth and wait for Gods judgment. so how can you see when your a spirirt?

Pastor Timothy said...

Justin,

Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-8. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. The MOMENT I die I am present with Christ!

Stephen,

God is spirit and totally sees everything on the earth.... I don't think there's a contradiction. Spirits can still see....

Anonymous said...

do we need to know IF there will be animals in heaven? does anyone care? I hope IF they are there, that we won't have to 'clean" up after them! ' I was hoping NOT to work in heaven! unless its to praise God-oopps which I guess I could learn to do that to the Glory of GOd! ahha
-K

Anonymous said...

Justin- Like your thought, absent from teh body, when is that exactly? what about brain dead, yet heart is still pumping? just curious..-K

AgapeTheologian said...

We will be absent from the body when we die. Then we will go to the intermediate heaven. Then when Christ comes back we will get our bodies back.


In Prayers,


-AgapeTheologian

Pastor Timothy said...

Justin,

Good re-statement.

When Christ comes back, we'll get our resurrected bodies.... They will be greater than the bodies we have right now - without sin or decay.... Isn't that awesome?!

By the way, K, do you think there'll be no work in Heaven? Just wondering....

Also, since you don't like pets that much, you probably won't have any in Heaven. I'll take yours! :)

AgapeTheologian said...

LOL PT2...Will you be talking about Animals in heaven and if we will see our dead animals???


In Prayers,


-AgapeTheologian

Anonymous said...

Hey this is Chad, I was wondering what your e-mail is PT2. Cause I have the families e-mail that you wanted, but I don't really think I should put it over the internet. Anyways, Cya later.

Chad

Anonymous said...

if god lives in a sinful place then how can he say that he does not let sin into heaven and that it is a perfect place? does that make God sinful?

Pastor Timothy said...

Stephen,

God doesn't live in a sinful place. I think He lives in a place that is affected by the fall. So, at least spiritual beings (like Satan) can go into Heaven. Also, all sinners will one day go before God. That doesn't make Him sinful.

In regards to Heaven, the Heaven we go to when we die is going to be made new in the end. So, that obviously indicates that there's something else that God wants to do with the current Heaven....

Anonymous said...

how can god be perfect yet be in the presence of sin?

AgapeTheologian said...

Then you are saying sin is more powerful than God. God is just and has to punish or discipline sin. Make Sense?


In Prayers,



-AgapeTheologian

Pastor Timothy said...

Yeah, if God could never look at sin or have sin be around Him then He could NEVER punish sin....

Anonymous said...

but isn't heaven a perfect place? or is it not perfect becuase of sin in it?

AgapeTheologian said...

The present Heaven is not a perfecto place. That is why Heaven and Earth has to be renewed and God will renew them both and combine them in the future when Christ comes back. Isn't it cool!!!!



In Prayers,


-AgapeTheologian

Anonymous said...

that is awesome!! so will the city be heaven and the outside of the city earth or will heaven be earth?

Pastor Timothy said...

Stephen,

That's a good question! The Bible says that the New Heaven is coming down to be on earth.

So, Heaven will be a place on earth.... From my understanding, the New Heaven is synonymous with the New Jerusalem. So, the New Heaven is going to be the largest city on earth!

AgapeTheologian said...

Wouldn't it more be like the New Heaven be the continent of Earth. Heaven is Earth in it's final state therefore Heaven is a place on earth.


In Prayers,


-AgapeTheologian

Pastor Timothy said...

That might be more accurate....

Anonymous said...

well we'll find out when we get there!

Pastor Timothy said...

That's for sure! :)

Anonymous said...

i thought i would post again so i can have the first coment and the last coment.

Anonymous said...

Do you think that people will care about what sins you did in the past or will they just say that you are perfect or will they shame you for what you did?

Pastor Timothy said...

There will be no judgment because God judges once and for all! We will all realize that we're in Heaven because of His grace....

Anonymous said...

That does not answer my question.

Pastor Timothy said...

Stephen, when I say there's no judgement, I mean that there's no people to shame us....

People will not look to our past lives in judgement (or to shame us).