The "spiritualist" will loose the thrill of knowing the truth because he or she reduces plain truths to intangible gobbly-gook that could mean anything. Soon there is no real city, no real river, no real throne, no real angels, no real resurrection, no real anything. Everything is just a shadow of what they think it means. And everyone is left to wonder what it really means. lol
Now... I'm one for arguing for a literal New Jerusalem...a reality...and then I'll discuss the symbolic significance of it's architecture. I have the best of both worlds.
I don't have a problem with a literal new jerusalem, at least, although my interpretations have become quite like you describe~I would say see when there may not be a reduction, but an attempt at expressing a truth unfamiliar to you, in inadequate words, without benefit of body language or facial expression, of aspects of Scripture that may more likely be impactful today, this last day of your life.
I would advocate a forced attempt, even, to aid an alternate viewpoint that seemed to edify another that has not yet edified you as a difficult but rewarding path--but I would first assure that some edification would occur. Don't seek the part you don't agree with, in other words; find the part you can agree with. This can only increase your understanding and either convert you or sharpen your personal resolve in an area. An atheist that puts his money where his mouth is sets out to disprove God for himself; with famous results. A Christian should do no less, imo.
The city is the Bride because the Bride inhabits the city. If the entire Bride were on a ship, we could point to the ship and say, "Behold the Bride!"
When God creates a New Heavens and a New Earth ("Behold I make ALL THINGS NEW."), that speaks of a New Creation, redeemed from the curse. This includes gold.
The Bible actually tells us quite a bit about death, Heaven, and the New Creation. The only thing that prevents one from seeing these truths is a Christoplationist approach to the texts.
So a Literal city can be adorned like a bride? Doesn't fit. It is not an issue of platonic influence, but natural mindedness that interferes, I think.
A literal city the size of the new Jerusalem could not fit on any mountain. It would cover land from Israel down into Africa. It would rise as high as jets fly. It. Is in no way physical. Check the measurements and then try to look at it sitting on earth.
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
What a wonderful topic, it makes my soul happy and thankful to God for Mercy and Grace.
I'm not deep and intellectual enough to get to spiritual on this topic. I'm just a lil' young country backwoods preacher, and I've never really dealt with this from a theological perspective, so I'll just sit back and learn.
What I will say though is, in the words of my pastor "I just want to see Jesus!"
If I can meet the creator of the Universe and hear HIM say "well done", this whole life will be worth it. My eyes fill with tears just thinking about it! We work and toil for the approval of man our entire lives, only to endure disappointment, shame, and to come to realization that those who we look up to are just as carnal, just as corrupt, and just as vulnerable as we are.
*Deep Pentecostal Preacher Voice* BUT OH WHEN WE SEE JESUS!!!
It's going to be hard for me to continue reading this discussion without "acting up". LOL
Long story short though, I'm not TOO worried about what's "on the other side for us". I trust my Father in Heaven that what ever he's got in store for his blood washed children, it's going to be pretty good.
So a Literal city can be adorned like a bride? Doesn't fit. It is not an issue of platonic influence, but natural mindedness that interferes, I think.
Yes. An entire city can be decked out in finest gold and beauty in preparation for her debut as headquarters of the Universe. Ships are said to have a "maiden voyage". Are they really "maidens"? Of course not. It's imagery used to describe the city, it's inhabitants, and it's coming role in the New Creation.
Quote:
A literal city the size of the new Jerusalem could not fit on any mountain. It would cover land from Israel down into Africa. It would rise as high as jets fly. It. Is in no way physical. Check the measurements and then try to look at it sitting on earth.
Ah... you make a lot of assumptions in the above post. For example, you make the assumption that it actually "touches down". It may hover for eternity, John doesn't tell us. Also, you forget that this is a New Creation. If the city IS that big and touches down on earth... the implication would be that the New Earth is also quite larger than our present world. You're assuming that things will be as they are now. You can't gage eternal realities by this present world that you can see.
Okay, I have some resources with which to post now. I’ll cover what I believe the Bible implies about death, the Heaven, the Resurrection, and Eternity. You guys can share your thoughts. Some of you will be upset that I don’t “spiritualize” it until it means some arbitrary concept; others will be elated, or perhaps surprised, at what the Bible does imply. The implications of a text are just as important as what it is literally saying in context. My focus is upon the texts implications. Also, I’m writing primarily about the elect saints of God, not the lost.
Death & Heaven (The Intermediate State):
When we die there is a division in our body, soul, and spirit.
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
The body returns to dust (decay). The soul (psuche; psyche or mind, self) is escorted into the presence of the Lord by angels, and the “spirit” (pneuma; breath, or bonding life force) returns to our God who gave it. Here’s a reference of a soul being taken to an intermediate state after death:
Luke 16:22
{16:22} And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was
carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man
also died, and was buried;
Now, under the New Covenant souls do not rest in “Abraham’s bosom”, but rather the presence of the Lord:
2 Corinthians
{5:8} We are confident, [I say,] and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Upon entering the Lord’s presence I believe that the righteous souls are judged for their works, not to determine salvation, but to determine eternal rewards:
II Corinthians 3:13-15
{3:13} Every man’s work shall
be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it
shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s
work of what sort it is. {3:14} If any man’s work abide
which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
{3:15} If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer
loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
2 Corinthians 5:10
{5:10} For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his]
body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good
or bad.
I believe the Bible implies that there is a conscious and living reality experienced by those souls who are present with the Lord. We see also this among the souls of the martyrs before the throne in Heaven:
Revelation 6:9-11
{6:9} And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under
the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of
God, and for the testimony which they held: {6:10} And
they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord,
holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on
them that dwell on the earth? {6:11} And white robes were
given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them,
that they should rest yet for a little season, until their
fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed
as they [were,] should be fulfilled.
Notice that the souls of the martyrs are consciously aware of their existence before the throne of God in Heaven. Notice that they are crying out for justice. Notice also that they ask an interesting question, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” This question implies that they have a sense of “time”, else they wouldn’t ask, “How long…?” So yes, there is a sense of time in the intermediate state. Notice that they perceive a spirit body. This is seen because white robes are granted to them, representing the righteousness of Christ. Notice also that God, or an angel, informs them that they must “rest for a little season”. This also implies that “time” is a Heavenly reality among both the souls of men and the inhabitants of Heaven. We also see conscious awareness after death in the story of the rich man and Lazarus:
Luke 16:19-31
{16:19} There was a certain rich man, which was clothed
in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
{16:20} And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus,
which was laid at his gate, full of sores, {16:21} And
desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich
man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
{16:22} And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was
carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man
also died, and was buried; {16:23} And in hell he lift up his
eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and
Lazarus in his bosom. {16:24} And he cried and said,
Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that
he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my
tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. {16:25} But
Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime
receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things:
but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. {16:26}
And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf
fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you
cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from
thence. {16:27} Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father,
that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: {16:28}
For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest
they also come into this place of torment. {16:29} Abraham
saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them
hear them. {16:30} And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but
if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
{16:31} And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and
the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one
rose from the dead.
I believe these passages to teach conscious existence after death, a sense of time, and concern for those on earth rather it is for God to extend mercy or justice. I believe that the implications are that the righteous are carried into the presence of God by the angels, and that the wicked awaken to find themselves in torments. This existence will continue until the resurrection.
The Resurrection:
Jesus arose bodily from the tomb. Only the Gnostics deny this. Thomas touched His body; Christ’s body wasn’t ethereal or ghostly…but real; glorified and eternal. When Christ returns I believe He will bring the souls of saints who have passed on before us. Their souls will be reunited with their bodies through the power of the Holy Spirit and they will bodily rise from their graves just as Jesus Himself did. Then we who are still alive will be transformed, or glorified. Our mortality shall put on immortality, just like Christ’s, and together an entire church will be risen from the grave, glorified, eternal, and holy like the Lord Jesus Himself, the first fruits of all creation.
I Thessalonians 4:14-18
{4:14} For if we believe that
Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in
Jesus will God bring with him. {4:15} For this we say unto
you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and]
remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them
which are asleep. {4:16} For the Lord himself shall descend
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel,
and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise
first: {4:17} Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be
caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord
in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. {4:18}
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
I Corinthians 15:35-55
{15:35} But some [man] will say, How are the dead
raised up? and with what body do they come? {15:36}
[Thou] fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened,
except it die: {15:37} And that which thou sowest, thou
sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may
chance of wheat, or of some other [grain: ]{15:38} But God
giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his
own body. {15:39} All flesh [is] not the same flesh: but
[there is] one [kind of] flesh of men, another flesh of beasts,
another of fishes, [and] another of birds. {15:40} [There
are] also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the
glory of the celestial [is] one, and the [glory] of the
terrestrial [is] another. {15:41} [There is] one glory of the
sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the
stars: for [one] star differeth from [another] star in glory.
{15:42} So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown
in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: {15:43} It is sown
in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it
is raised in power: {15:44} It is sown a natural body; it is
raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is
a spiritual body. {15:45} And so it is written, The first man
Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a
quickening spirit. {15:46} Howbeit that [was] not first
which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward
that which is spiritual. {15:47} The first man [is] of the
earth, earthy: the second man [is] the Lord from heaven.
{15:48} As [is] the earthy, such [are] they also that are
earthy: and as [is] the heavenly, such [are] they also that are
heavenly. {15:49} And as we have borne the image of the
earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
{15:50} Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood
cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption
inherit incorruption. {15:51} Behold, I shew you a mystery;
We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, {15:52}
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:
for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised
incorruptible, and we shall be changed. {15:53} For this
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must]
put on immortality. {15:54} So when this corruptible shall
have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on
immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is
written, Death is swallowed up in victory. {15:55} O death,
where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?
I believe that the wicked will be raised at the final judgment. Here the risen souls of all men will face their judgment:
Revelation 20:11-15
{20:11} And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat
on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away;
and there was found no place for them. {20:12} And I saw
the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books
were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the
book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things
which were written in the books, according to their works.
{20:13} And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and
death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them:
and they were judged every man according to their works.
{20:14} And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.
This is the second death. {20:15} And whosoever was not
found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of
fire.
According to the above, the wicked who are not found in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire. The righteous experience judgment quite differently. They enter into the Eternal State.
The Eternal State:
All of the present physical and natural creation will be purified by fire:
2 Peter 3:10
{3:10} But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the
night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great
noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the
earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Revelation 20:11
{20:11} And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat
on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away;
and there was found no place for them.
Yet this isn’t the end of the physical creation. God will restore creation to it’s pristine beauty and holiness we saw in the beginning before the fall of man:
2 Peter 3:13
{3:13} Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Isaiah 65:17
{65:17} For, behold, I create new heavens and a new
earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come
into mind.
Revelation 21:1
{21:1} 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.
I believe that this will be a new and GLORIFIED creation. There will be no death, sickness, or decay (this includes “gold” lol). Imagine EVERYTHING we know to exist in our fallen creation today. Now imagine it majestic, undying, un-tarnishing, glorified…eternal. We know there are mountains:
Revelation 21:9-10
{21:9} And there came unto me one of the seven angels
which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and
talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the
bride, the Lamb’s wife. {21:10} And he carried me away in
the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that
great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven
from God,
Now, if this is a “new heavens” and a “new earth” (what I call the New Creation) it stands to reason that if we see a “mountain” there are other geographical features. These would include all that are present on any given world, especially those that are represented on our own. So I conclude that the implications are that the New Creation will include:
rolling seas
majestic snow capped mountains
crystal clear lakes
pure white sandy beaches
vast forests and deserts
I read about a woman who was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life after an accident as a small child. She would be filled with joy when thinking about the New Creation. A New Creation would finally afford her an opportunity to walk in the soft green grass, climb breath taking mountain peaks, feel the sand between her toes as she walked down a white sandy beach, and swim in the tides of crystal blue waters of a mountain side lake. For her soul… Eternity would hold ever joy she longed for. We might make light of such an idea… but we take these things for granted. However, this is a wonderful promise we dare not neglect. I personally cannot wait to walk along the beach with my mother who has passed on to be with the Lord. She’s always wanted to see the islands and the volcanoes. I wanted to take her to Hawaii one day. But that wasn’t meant to happen. Perhaps one day… I’ll have the chance to take her to see a beautiful island paradise beyond anything this present earth has to offer. I love you mom.
In this New Creation we also read that there will be family. In fact, all who do the will of the Lord are family. We learn a little about domestic life from Isaiah:
Isaiah 65:17-25
{65:17} For, behold, I create new heavens and a new
earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come
into mind. {65:18} But be ye glad and rejoice for ever [in
that] which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a
rejoicing, and her people a joy. {65:19} And I will rejoice
in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of
weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of
crying. {65:20} There shall be no more thence an infant of
days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the
child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner [being]
an hundred years old shall be accursed. {65:21} And they
shall build houses, and inhabit [them;] and they shall plant
vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. {65:22} They shall not
build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another
eat: for as the days of a tree [are] the days of my people, and
mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. {65:23}
They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for
they [are] the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their
offspring with them. {65:24} And it shall come to pass, that
before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet
speaking, I will hear. {65:25} The wolf and the lamb shall
feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock:
and dust [shall be] the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt
nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
Life will be one of rejoicing daily. No one shall weep or cry anymore. No longer will babies die when only a few days old. No longer will adults die before they have lived a full life. No longer will people be considered old at one hundred! The very idea of one dying at 100 years old will be an accursed thing. There will be work. Rewarding work. We will build houses for our families. We will cultivate our own vineyards and crops. We will not labor for others, but rather enjoy the work of our hands and the fruits of our labor. Our work will be ENJOYMENT. Do we not long for this??? It will one day be ours. We will not labor for nothing and we will not find ourselves facing adversity in spite of our efforts to prevent it. We will be blessed, we and our offspring with us. And God will be so close…before we even call to Him…He will answer. There will be absolute peace throughout the entire creation. A peace only able to be described as one wherein the wolf and the lamb shall feed together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox. Total peace. There will be no more war or violent conflict.
With the above in mind, I draw these implications regarding life in the New Creation. There will be:
laughter
love
family
worship
rewarding and refreshing work
animals
freedom
peace
Christ spoke of this time saying:
Matthew 26:29
{26:29} But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of
this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with
you in my Father’s kingdom.
For wine lovers like me… there will be wine! Yay! Lol
No, seriously. If there are fields, crops, wine, etc… it stands to reason that there will be… food. The most elegant of blessed of food. In ancient times feasting together was an act of intimacy and celebration. Hence the “Wedding Supper of the Lamb”. So I also conclude that there will be:
Also, remember the martyrs? They asked a “question” regarding how long it would be until justice was delivered upon their enemies. But there is a deeper implication here. The very notion of a “question” implies that souls do not instantly know everything. A question also implies the desire to know and seek answers. Therefore… there will be “learning”! Heaven may also have VAST libraries. Please note something in a previous text we reviewed:
Revelation 20:12
{20:12} And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
In Heaven there are “books”. The text specifically speaks of books containing a record of all that anyone has ever done or thought. Imagine the library and the history dating all the way back to the creation of the very first angel! Imagine being able to pour over the history of lost civilizations that are a mystery to us. Imagine being able to sit and drink coffee and pour over a book about every thought and deed in a person’s life, including the behind the scenes spiritual influences. Imagine the knowledge recorded by angels. Perhaps the history and knowledge of entire universes; all stored away in God’s grand library. Research and exploration in this New Creation will open horizons mankind has never seen and had not yet been possible. We’ll understand the “physics” behind the feeding of the five thousand and the walking on the water. We’ll understand the physics behind calming the storm and the raising of the dead. The barrier between science and the “supernatural” will fade until in our minds… they become one and the same.
So I argue for the presence of the following in the New Creation:
holy science
exploration
libraries holding sacred and unknown ages of history and knowledge
The Bible speaks of the New Jerusalem. A city beyond all known splendor. A city regarded as the “bride” because the bride inhabits her. A city whose size defies imagination and symbolism challenges all. If you thought Solomon’s Temple, Zerubbabel’s Temple, or Herod’s Temple was awesome… wait until you see what Christ Himself has prepared for His bride. This mere size of this city implies that either our world will be recreated larger, large enough to accommodate it, or perhaps the city will never touch the earth itself. Let’s take a look at what John says about it…
Revelation 21:10-21 (New Living Translation)
10 So he took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone—like jasper as clear as crystal. 12 The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. 13 There were three gates on each side—east, north, south, and west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 When he measured it, he found it was a square, as wide as it was long. In fact, its length and width and height were each 1,400 miles. 17 Then he measured the walls and found them to be 216 feet thick (according to the human standard used by the angel).
18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. 19 The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.
21 The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.
This city is enormous, larger than any city or built structure currently known to man. It’s beauty is majestic beyond words. Its construction is highly symbolic. Yes, there are spiritual realities to be learned merely from its structure. I believe it will be literal, real, actual. It will serve as the capitol of all creation. A Supreme Holy of Holies. The technology and advanced science required for this structure baffles imagination. It will be mind blowing.
But there are other implications in Revelation 21. Let’s take a look…
Revelation 21:22-27
22 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. 24 The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. 25 Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. 26 And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. 27 Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
There is no temple in this city. Ezekiel’s temple might be present on the New Earth, but not in this city. In fact, the body of the man Christ Jesus Himself serves as God’s temple here. The city radiates light of it’s own from all directions and so it has no need of the sun or the moon. That light radiates from the very presence of our glorified Lord.
We also read that the “kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory.” Kings imply kingdoms. Kingdoms imply government - all offices ranging from the king down to the local magistrate. Thus there will be distinct nations, governments, and cultures on the New Earth. They will be at peace with this city because the gates of the city are never shut up from attack at night…because due to the radiating light…there is no night with regards to this city. All the nations “bring their glory and honor into the city.” This implies tribute. Tribute implies economy. And it is a just and righteous city, nothing evil will ever enter in because evil has been vanquished. With kingdoms and nations there is the implication of cities teaming with inhabitants and citizens.
We also read something interesting:
Revelation 7:9
{7:9} After this I beheld, and, lo, a great
multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and
kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne,
and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms
in their hands;
In Heaven, and the Eternal State, we will see nations, kindreds, peoples, and various languages. This again implies a vast array of nations, cultures, and languages. With culture comes art, music, dancing, and all the creative artistic impulses.
We read about the saints serving as kings and priests:
Revelation 1:6
{1:6} And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his
Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever.
Amen.
Revelation 5:10
{5:10} And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
You see, some will govern in some capacity and others will serve as spiritual leaders. Many who have callings on their lives never fulfilled those callings on earth. In the New Creation these callings will be realized. Our current world is only a training ground. In fact, seeing that the greatest shall be the least and the least shall be the greatest… it’s quite possible that the common saint will find themselves ruling in a capacity greater than that which their pastors or presidents held on earth. The great ones will experience the blessings of serving. The least of the saints will experience the blessings of greatness.
Jesus also alludes to granting authority to govern to the saints:
Luke 19:15-19
{19:15} And it came to pass, that when he was returned,
having received the kingdom, then he commanded these
servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the
money, that he might know how much every man had
gained by trading. {19:16} Then came the first, saying,
Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. {19:17} And he
said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast
been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten
cities. {19:18} And the second came, saying, Lord, thy
pound hath gained five pounds. {19:19} And he said
likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
Notice believers are granted authority over cities.
So we see the following in the New Earth:
teaming cities
nations of people
languages
cultures
art
music
dancing
economy
And of course there are myriads of references to rest and worship. I don’t feel the need to list these, because all know that these are present in the Bible and they are normally the focus of such studies. Worship also implies:
music
dancing
praise
worship
leisure unsurpassed
My hope is that after reading these posts you’ve gotten a visual or an understanding of our eternal reward. That Eternity isn’t some ethereal disembodied state wherein we float around as wispy spirits somehow worshipping some great light in the empty mist of some spiritual plane. But the Eternal State is one that is welcoming to all the senses and to all our righteous human desires. Your every hope and dream will be realized in the New Creation. Dreams you let go of and bring memories of loss will once more be possible and you will have all opportunity in creation to make them a reality. No one will have died with their music lost inside of them and all of creation will live a life of majestic accomplishment, fulfillment, and peace.
As you can see, I believe that the Bible says a lot about death, Heaven, and the Eternal State. I pray this has blessed you.
May God’s peace and the hope of His promises be with you all.
Wow Aquila, you have posted a lot of stuff, not sure I see all of it... perhaps the part about us being able to read the "books" but, for the most part, I think you have brought to light many things that have been overlooked in scripture, and we really have no idea how things will really play out here on earth, once we have been changed to immortal bodies, but I have no doubt, at all, that it will be wonderful.
Linear Mode
