POPE SAYS HEAVEN NOT A PHYSICAL PLACE

POPE SAYS HEAVEN NOT A PHYSICAL PLACE

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November 10, 1999 (David W. Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, fbns@wayoflife.org) - Pope John Paul II has stated that Heaven is not "a physical place among the clouds" (Daily Mail, July 24, 1999). He claims that Heaven, rather, is a "living and personal relationship with the Holy Trinity."

This is yet another example of how the Pope denies the Bible. The following study on what the Bible says about Heaven is from the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity, copyright 1994 by David W. Cloud:

HEAVEN HAS THREE MEANINGS IN THE BIBLE. (1) The atmosphere surrounding the earth (Ge. 1:6-8). (2) The region of the sun, moon, and stars (Ge. 1:14-19; Ps. 19:1). (3) The place where God has His throne (Ps. 80:14; Is. 66:1; Mt. 5:16,45,48). Christ came to earth from Heaven (Jn. 3:13) and He returned to it at His ascension following His resurrection (Ac. 1:11). From thence Christ will return to earth (Mt. 24:30; Ro. 8:33,34; Ph. 3:20; 1 Th. 4:16; He. 6:20). The Apostle Paul visited this Heaven and called it Paradise (2 Co. 12:1-4). It is also called "the third heaven" (2 Co. 12:2) and "the heaven of heavens" (De. 10:14; 1 Ki. 8:27; Ne. 9:6).

WHO LIVES IN HEAVEN? (1) The living God (He. 12:22-24). (2) Angels innumerable (He. 12:22). (3) The spirits of redeemed men (He. 12:23).

WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE? (1) IT IS A HOLY PLACE--no sin or evil (Ps. 20:6; 1 Co. 6:9-10; Re. 21:8,27; 22:15). (2) IT IS A PLACE OF WORSHIP (Re. 4:8-11). (3) IT IS A PLACE OF PARADISE (Lk. 23:43; 2 Co. 12:4; Re. 2:7). Things that are there: Spectacular beauty (Re. 4:2-3; 21:18-21); mansions (Jn. 14:2); a wonderful throne (Re. 4:2-6); wonderful creatures (Re. 4:6-8); wonderful odors and music (Ps. 45:8); fullness of joy (Ps. 45:8); horses (Re. 19:14); wonderful rivers (Re. 22:1); wonderful trees (Re. 22:2). (4) IT IS A PLACE OF GLORY (Ps. 73:24). The Lord Jesus is the Lord of glory (1 Co. 2:8). Glory refers to kingly splendor and wealth (Mt. 6:29); God’s brilliant light (2 Ch. 7:1-3; Lk. 2:9; Mt. 17:1-3; Lk. 9:29-31; Re. 21:11,23); great beauty (Is. 63:1); and the manifestation of God’s unfathomable wisdom and power (Ps. 19:1). (5) IT IS A PLACE WITHOUT ANY UNPLEASANT THING. No sorrow, pain, or death (Re. 21:4), no hunger or thirst (Re. 7:16), no darkness (Re. 22:5). (6) IT IS A PLACE OF SERVICE (Re. 22:3). (7) IT IS A PLACE IN WHICH EVERYONE IS LIKE JESUS CHRIST (He. 2:10-11; Ro. 8:29; 1 Jn. 3:1-2).

WHAT IS IN HEAVEN? (1) The glorious throne of God (Re. 4:2-5). (2) Jesus Christ at the right hand of God the Father (Ac. 7:56; Ep. 1:20). (3) Seven lamps of fire (Re. 4:5). (4) Innumerable angels (He. 12:22). (5) The blood of Christ (He. 12:24). (6) The church of the firstborn (He. 12:23). (7) The 24 Elders (Re. 4:4). (8) The four beasts (Re. 4:6-9). (9) Enduring substance (He. 10:34). (10) Mansions (Jn. 14:2). (11) Unspeakable words which earthlings have never heard (2 Co. 12:4). (12) The book of Life and the books of record (Re. 20:12). (13) Harps and vials of odors (Re. 5:8). (14) Glorious singing and worship (Re. 5:11-14; 19:6,7). (15) Ivory palaces (Ps. 45:8). (16) Lovely fragrances (Ps. 45:8). (17) Glorious clothing (Ps. 45:13-14; Da. 7:9; 10:5; Mt. 17:2; Re. 15:6). (18) The oil of gladness because of righteousness (Ps. 45:7). (19) The golden altar of incense (Re. 8:3). (20) Glorious instrumental music (Re. 14:2; 15:2). (21) Angels flying (Re. 14:6). (22) Rest from earthly labors (Re. 14:13). (23) Glorious foundations and pavements (Re. 4:6; 15:2). (24) Great voices (Re. 16:1). (25) White horses (Re. 19:11,14).

WHAT IS GOING ON IN HEAVEN NOW? (1) WHAT JESUS IS DOING: Enjoying the Father (Pr. 8:30; Jn. 1:1); interceding for believers (Ro. 8:34; He. 7:25; 1 Jn. 2:1-2); overseeing the work of world evangelism (Mk. 16:19-20); overseeing the churches (Re. 1; Ep. 1:22-23); preparing a place for believers (Jn. 14:1-3); waiting for His second coming (He. 10:12-13). (2) WHAT CHRISTIANS ARE DOING: resting from their earthly labors (Re. 14:13); praising God (Re. 4:10-11); being comforted (Lk. 16:25); enjoying paradise (Lk. 23:43; 2 Co. 12:3-4); serving the Lord (Re. 7:15); waiting for the completion of God’s plans (Re. 6:9-11); waiting for their resurrection bodies (1 Th. 4:14-16); observing Jesus’ eternal glory (Jn. 17:24); learning and discussing mysteries (2 Co. 12:4); praising and talking about the Lord (Ps. 145:1-11); rejoicing over people being saved on earth (Lk. 15:7,10).

BOOKS IN HEAVEN. (1) The book of life (Re. 20:12; Lk. 10:20). (2) The book of tears (Ps. 56:8). (3) The book of remembrance (Mal. 3:16). (4) The book of births (Ps. 139:16).

DO PEOPLE RECOGNIZE ONE ANOTHER IN HEAVEN? (1) Our names are recorded in Heaven, and we will be known by our names (Lk. 10:20). (2) Moses and Elijah were known by Peter even though he had never seen them before (Mt. 17:3-4). (3) The rich man recognized Lazarus and Abraham (Lk. 16:23). (4) The disciples recognized Jesus after His resurrection, except when their eyes were kept from recognizing Him (Jn. 21; Lk. 24:16). (5) Our recognition will be perfect in Heaven; it is not reasonable to think that we know less there than on earth.

WHAT SHOULD BE THE CHRISTIAN’S ATTITUDE TOWARD HEAVEN? (1) We should set our minds on Heaven (Col. 3:1-3). (2) We should live holy lives fit for Heaven (Col. 3:5; Ep. 5:8; 1 Pe. 2:11). (3) We should lay up treasures in Heaven (Mt. 6:20; 1 Ti. 6:19). (4) We should act like citizens of Heaven and pilgrims on earth (He. 11:13-16; Ph. 3:20). (5) We should be certain of Heaven (1 Jn. 5:11-13). (6) We should be aware of Heaven in our daily lives (He. 12:1-2).