I can remember attending a bible study group, where individuals were asked what they were looking forward to when they reached “Heaven” (the Christian destination in the afterlife). One response remains in my memory. It is one word “Answers”. I suspect that many (including myself) have hopeful expectations of what “Heaven” will provide. Everlasting joy and peace perhaps; possibly a place of tranquillity where there is no pain or suffering. Yet these are hopeful expectations, we cannot be totally sure what awaits us. Answers are the only sure thing we can expect. And some answers may be surprising.
It is interesting to note that a friend of mine (who vehemently would deny any idea of God’s or Heaven’s existence) does not expect to receive answers as for him beyond this life there is only oblivion. However this position prompts me to ask questions such as the one I have placed in my blog profile “What’s the point of relationships if they end when we die?” Another would be to ask if we fulfil our human potential during our earthly life. (I expect to get the answers one day).
For myself I look forward to a great reunion in the afterlife, that one day I will be surrounded by those I love and care for past and present and what a joyful time that will be!!
I invite you to share yur thoughts
Shalom friends!!
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3 comments:
I view this from the perspective of heaven, the kingdom of heaven or of God, beginning in the here and now. Heaven is a state of being rather than a place. To follow the Jesus way is to know that heaven today and such life has eternity inherent within it. I rather like the idea of there being beyond death a great lake of love into which we are brought, a divine and human love held in a God who is beyond the constraints of time and place as love, even human love in many ways, is not constrained by time or place. Lots more that could be said but enough for now.
Thanks Julyan, there are certain phrases and statements made when people are "passing on" or have "passed on". "Gone to Glory" is one I have heard. "I am going to be with Jesus" another and I have myself in the past with regard to death said "I know that one day I will be with Christ" Yet I have come to realise as I think you infer in your post that "Glory" in the Christian context can be experienced now. That being with Jesus/Christ is a present reality as well as a future hope. Where God's will is done on earth; grace is seen to be in action and loving service practiced surely there is heaven seen and experienced in the here and now. Thankyou for your idea of the great lake of love and your statement that human love in many ways is not constrained by time or place.
I would be interested to hear from you or other visitors to this blog your thoughts around different dimensions. Is death for example a means in which we move from one dimension to another? Just putting it out there for comment!
Shalom friends
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