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Is Heaven Real?
The idea that "souls" go to heaven at death long predates Christianity. A brief
look at ancient history reveals that the people of Babylon and Egypt, as well as subjects of other ancient kingdoms, held
similar beliefs. According to This Believing World, by Lewis Brown, the Egyptian god Osiris was killed and reputed
to be taken to heaven: "Osiris came to life again. He was miraculously resurrected from death and taken up to heaven; and
there in heaven, he lived on eternally"
Traditional Doctrine
Is Heaven Real? Yes, Once when asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would
come, Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here
it is,’ or There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you” “Do not store up for yourselves
treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures
in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also”
Is Heaven Real? Has Anyone Seen It?
Yes, John, a disciple of Christ, wrote what
he has seen: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and
there was no longer any sea. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like
a jasper, clear as a crystal. It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. The
wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass
Heaven And Angels
The early Christians and Jews believed that man was not pure enough to enter the Kingdom of
Heaven as flesh and blood. They believed all people were transformed into spiritual beings, filling Heaven with angels.
That belief has changed over the centuries, but angels still have an important connection with
heaven. In cities all over the world, angels can be seen in watchful poses. We believe that they are the ones who take care
of us.
They are the messengers of God.God sometimes uses them
to communicate His messages to us. Often, angels will appear as humans and at other times take on a celestial appearance.
They are sent to announce, to guard and instruct, to warn, to minister and to carry out God's judgment
The Promise of an Afterlife
Heaven will not need the sun or moon to shine on it, for God’s glory will give
a brilliant light. There will be no tears or pain in heaven. Our bodies will be transformed, no longer suffering but moving
mightily as God directs. For in heaven we will be singing praises to God. The angels will be rejoicing as the saints
gather together bowing before God. Any crowns or gifts we receive, we will lay at the foot of Jesus. For Christ is worthy
to receive honor and glory forever
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