Sunday, July 15, 2007

Afraid of Heaven?


I've heard that some folks actually don't look forward to heaven. Reasons? They tend to think that an eternity of doing anything would get old rather quickly. Kind of like overdosing on apple pie here on this side of eternity.

I think we need to give God some credit here. (Funny statement, eh?) I prefer to believe that God has got that boredom problem solved. Sometimes we need reminding that nothing is too hard for God. He has fashioned an existence that will be eternal bliss. That's it. Case closed.

I enjoy reading about near-death experiences. Of course, many doubt their validity...and whether they indeed give us a glimpse of heaven remains to be seen. But I do find it fascinating that many "return" to this life after having experienced, albeit for just a moment, a profound peace, a joy beyond measure. If these NDE's do pull back heaven's curtain a bit, then it seems that God really has covered this base.

So much of our journey is yet to be lived. I don't know much about heaven, such as what "state" we'll be in or how we'll relate to our current spouse given that there will be no marriage there. But I'm exceedingly anxious to be there and to see what He has in store for me. Even if it takes forever.

5 comments:

Lynn Leaming said...

I remember after my accident having such mixed feelings because while it was good to be alive, I knew that heaven would have been so much better. I can't wait to get there! Don Piper's book "90 Minutes In Heaven" has a great description of His experience after being proclaimed dead. So I continue to say "Lord come quickly"

Blake Perkins said...

All I know is I can't wait to get there....Lord willing

Brooke said...

It is interesting to hear about NDEs. To think about the love you feel from your family and/or spouse and your most joyous time AND that these things will pale in comparison to God and heaven is such a glorious thought! I just wish I knew for certain if rapture will occur.

Tim Perkins said...

Lynn, my curiousity is piqued so I've just now ordered Don Piper's book.

A lot of scientist dismiss NDE's, but then they cannot explain how many of these people are able to describe the clothing of relatives in the hospital waiting room...something they wouldn't have known if they hadn't hovered above the waiting room on their way to the tunnel.

I don't want an NDE, but I don't fear the DE!

Anonymous said...

Tim! Great stuff, man! I'll never forget the thought that we have eons and eons to know the exceeding riches of His grace and kindness toward us (Ephesians 2:7). We haven't a clue what lies over there.

I do remember quite clearly, though, when the main thing about Heaven caused me to repent of my unbelief and put my faith in Christ to be saved forever-that main thing was "Heaven is not Hell".

Bless you, my dear Tim!