I must confess I do not appreciate what is called heavenly tourism, I am talking about those who say they have been to heaven and back, and of course they will have books published, recounting their experience. It was the apostle Paul who tells us how he was caught up into the third heaven were he heard inexpressible things,things that no one is permitted to tell ( 2 Corinthians 12 v 2 - 4) . his experience was real,it was not false..Now of course heaven is real.Heaven and is were God dwells and rules from,the Lord's prayer starts,'Our Father in heaven',( Matthew 6 v 9 ). The OT saints looked forward to heaven,CP ,Hebrews 11 v 13 - 16 , N T saints also look forward to going to heaven, and were encouraged to set their minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth ( Colossians 3 v 2 ).Is this escapism? ,no, its not,life on planet earth is something to be treasured, were we can serve our God and king,but for all of us life comes to an end, death is not a very nice thing,but it is a reality.For many in this world ,life is a struggle,so many people face injustice, persecution,the treasures on earth are temporary,but for all who trust in Jesus the glories of heaven awaits .We are told that Christ is bringing many sons and daughters to glory,( Hebrews 2 v 10),one of the last things He said to His disciples before he went back to heaven was '',I go to prepare a place for you'',(John 14 v 3 ),and in his prayer in John 17 v 24 ,He prays,'Father ,I want those you have given me to be with me, where I am'. We will continue to look at this next time.
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