death
What Is The New Earth?
What is the New Earth?
A Vision of Hope and Renewal
The concept of the “New Earth” in the Bible is a powerful vision of the ultimate future that God promises to His people. This idea is filled with hope, renewal, and the fulfillment of God’s plan for creation. Let’s explore the biblical foundation, theological significance, and personal reflections on the New Earth, as described in the King James Version (KJV) Bible.
Biblical Foundation
The New Earth is prominently mentioned in the book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 21. **Revelation 21:1** states:
**”And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”**
This verse signifies the end of the current world and the beginning of a new, perfect creation. The New Earth is described as a place where God will dwell with His people, free from pain, suffering, and death. The imagery used in Revelation paints a picture of a transformed world, where the former troubles and sorrows have been completely eradicated. This vision offers a glimpse of the profound changes that will occur, emphasizing the newness and perfection of the future creation.
The Bible often uses the term “new” to denote a fresh start or a restored state. In the context of the New Earth, it signifies a complete overhaul of the current order of things. This is not just a superficial change but a profound transformation where everything is renewed and restored to its original, intended glory.
Theological Significance
The concept of the New Earth is deeply rooted in Christian eschatology, representing the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. It highlights the ultimate victory over sin and death and the restoration of creation to its original perfection. **Revelation 21:4** emphasizes this renewal:
**”And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”**
This promise of a new, eternal dwelling place underscores the hope and assurance that believers have in God’s faithfulness. It also reflects the idea that God’s plan involves not just the redemption of individuals, but the renewal of the entire creation. The New Earth symbolizes a world where righteousness dwells, and everything is restored to its intended state. This theological perspective encourages believers to look forward to a future where God’s justice, peace, and love will reign supreme.
The New Earth is not just about physical renewal; it also has profound spiritual implications. It represents the ultimate reconciliation between God and His creation. The Bible speaks of a time when God will make all things new, as seen in **Revelation 21:5**:
**”And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”**
This verse emphasizes the reliability and faithfulness of God’s promises. The assurance that God Himself is orchestrating this renewal brings comfort and hope to believers. It reminds us that despite the current state of the world, a glorious future awaits where God’s will is perfectly manifested.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on the New Earth can be deeply inspiring and comforting. It reminds us that despite the challenges and sufferings of this world, there is a glorious future awaiting us. The vision of the New Earth encourages believers to live with hope and perseverance, knowing that God’s promises are true and will be fulfilled. **Revelation 21:3** beautifully captures this assurance:
**”And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”**
This promise of God’s presence with His people is a source of immense comfort and strength. It reminds us that we are not alone in our journey and that God’s ultimate plan is one of intimate fellowship and eternal joy. As we navigate the difficulties of life, the vision of the New Earth serves as a beacon of hope, assuring us that a better, perfect world is on the horizon.
As beautiful as this earth is right now, with all its natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Northern Lights, it will not be as majestic as the New Earth will be. This thought is truly amazing to me. How does the promise of the New Earth shape your understanding of God’s character and His plan for humanity?
Personal reflections on the New Earth can also inspire us to live in a way that aligns with God’s will. Knowing that a perfect, renewed creation awaits can motivate believers to pursue righteousness, justice, and love in their daily lives. It can also encourage a deeper sense of stewardship for the current creation, as we anticipate the restoration of all things.
The concept of the New Earth provides a powerful counter-narrative to the often negative and despairing messages we encounter in the world today. It offers a vision of hope and renewal that transcends the temporary trials and tribulations of this life. By focusing on this promise, believers can find strength and encouragement to persevere and live faithfully.
Consider This
The New Earth in the Bible is a profound and inspiring concept that offers hope and assurance to believers. It represents the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the restoration of creation to its intended glory. As we reflect on this vision, let us find comfort and encouragement in the knowledge that God’s plan for us is one of eternal peace and joy.
**Challenge**: I encourage you to explore more about the New Earth and related themes in the Bible. Consider these additional verses for further study:
– **Isaiah 65:17**: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”
– **2 Peter 3:13**: “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
– **Revelation 21:5**: “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”
By diving deeper into these scriptures, you can gain a richer understanding of the hope and renewal that God promises through the vision of the New Earth. Let this exploration deepen your faith and enrich your understanding of God’s incredible plan for the future.
What Age Will I be In Heaven?
What Age Will I Be In Heaven?
The question of age in Heaven has perplexed theologians and philosophers for centuries. While the Bible doesn’t provide a definitive answer, it does offer clues that can spark our imagination and contemplation.
The Biblical Perspective
Some Christians believe that we will be resurrected in our prime, perhaps around the age of 33, mirroring Jesus’ age at His crucifixion. However, this interpretation is a metaphorical understanding rather than a literal one.
A Closer Look At JESUS’ Resurrection
When Jesus resurrected, He appeared to His disciples with the same physical body He had before His crucifixion. “And when He had so said, He showed them His hands and His feet.” (Luke 24:40) His scars were evident, a testament to His suffering and resurrection. This suggests that our resurrected bodies, while perfect and immortal, will retain the physical characteristics we had at the time of our death.
The Role Of The Soul
Our souls, which are eternal, may not be subject to the limitations of age. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)1 In Heaven, our souls will be united with our resurrected bodies, creating a perfect and immortal being.
The Concept of Eternity
In Heaven, we will exist in a state of eternal life, free from the constraints of time and space. The concept of age, as we understand it on Earth, may not apply in a realm where time is irrelevant. “But as it is written, ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those2 who love Him.’” (1 Corinthians3 2:9)
A New Body, A Perfect You!
The Bible speaks of receiving a new, glorified body in Heaven. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed4 to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”5 (Philippians 3:20-21) This transformation suggests that our physical appearance may change, but it will be a perfect version of our current form.
Consider This:
As we ponder the mystery of age in Heaven, it’s important to remember that our understanding is limited. What does age truly mean in a realm beyond time and space? Will we retain our earthly identities, or will we be transformed into something entirely new? What will our relationships be like in a world where physical limitations no longer exist?
These questions invite us to explore the depths of our faith and to trust in God’s divine plan. As we seek answers, let us approach the topic with humility and open minds, recognizing that the ultimate truth may surpass our human comprehension. We have another post on the subject of aging in Heaven, please explore the post here, Will we age in Heaven?
What is the New Heaven?
What is the New Heaven?
The New Heaven is a future state of creation, a celestial realm that will replace the current heavens. It’s a concept primarily explored in the biblical book of Revelation. This new heaven is not merely a renovated version of the current one but a radical transformation, a divine upgrade.
Where is the New Heaven?
The precise location of the New Heaven is not explicitly defined in the Bible. However, it’s often associated with the New Earth, a renewed planet Earth. This suggests that the New Heaven will be closely connected to the renewed Earth, possibly encompassing it or existing in a higher dimension.
Isn’t the Current Heaven Good Enough?
While the current heaven is a glorious place where God dwells, it’s not the ultimate destination for humanity. The Bible indicates that the current heavens will eventually pass away.
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise,1 and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be2 burned up.
The New Heaven, as a spiritual and physical reality, signifies the culmination of God’s plan for humanity and the universe. It’s a place of eternal perfection, free from sin, suffering, and death.
Is the New Heaven Being Prepared?
The Bible doesn’t explicitly state that the New Heaven is currently being prepared. However, the ongoing work of God in the universe, including the redemption of humanity, can be seen as a part of the divine process leading to the New Heaven.
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
The3 New Heaven is a symbol of God’s ultimate plan for creation, a promise of eternal life and perfect joy. As we anticipate this future reality, we can find hope and comfort in the knowledge that God is working to bring about a new and glorious age.
A Place Prepared
While the New Heaven is a future reality, Jesus promises to prepare a place for believers in His Father’s house:
John 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”4
This place may be a spiritual dimension or a place within God’s presence, and it is often associated with the New Heaven and New Earth. Regardless of its specific nature, it represents a place of eternal life and joy, prepared by Christ for His followers.
Consider This
As we contemplate the New Heaven, let’s allow our imaginations to be captivated by its promises. Picture a world free from pain, sorrow, and death, a world where righteousness and justice prevail. Reflect on how the hope of the New Heaven can shape your life today, motivating you to live in a way that is pleasing to God and that anticipates the future.
What Do You Think?
Take some time to meditate on the biblical passages about the New Heaven. Consider what this future reality means for your own life and faith. Share your thoughts and insights with others, and encourage them to join you in looking forward to the hope of the New Heaven.
By exploring the various facets of the New Heaven, we can deepen our understanding of God’s plan for humanity and the universe. Let us embrace the hope and promise of this future reality, and live our lives in anticipation of the day when we will experience the fullness of God’s glory.
Is It Okay To Be Cremated?
Is It Okay To Be Cremated?
Inquiries into the permissibility of cremation among Christians have surged in recent times, highlighting a significant shift in funeral traditions. With 64% of Christians polled expressing curiosity about the acceptability of cremation, it is evident that this trend is not isolated. Reports from NBC reveal that cremation has become “the hottest trend in the funeral business”, with an incredible 42% of Americans opting for cremation, doubling the rate observed just years ago. Notably, in certain regions, such as some states the cremation rate surpasses 70%.
This choice has become increasingly more and more frequent.
The notion of cremation, once deemed unconventional within Christian circles, now stirs debates among believers. Traditionally frowned upon by both the Christian Church and its Judeo forerunners, cremation has faced historical opposition. The absence of a formal crematorium in Israel until 2004 underscores this sentiment, with reports alleging its destruction in 2007 as an act of defiance by an orthodox Jewish group. The memory of the Holocaust, where millions were not given a proper burial, including through cremation, lingers prominently, particularly among orthodox Jews, who find the deliberate choice of cremation troubling.
Echoing the stance of their Jewish predecessors, early Christians also held reservations towards cremation. Evidence from the Roman Catholic Church’s ancient catacombs and the reverence shown towards saints suggests that cremation was not a prevalent choice among early adherents, a sentiment further reinforced by historical practices such as the burning of heretics at the stake. For these believers, cremation symbolized a departure towards Hell rather than an ascent to Heaven.
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However, attitudes towards cremation within Christian circles have begun to change over time. scholarly observations note a relaxation of prohibitions against cremation in recent years, with NT Wright highlighting its growing preference among Western Christians. Despite opposition from Eastern Orthodox, Orthodox Jews, and Muslims, cremation has gained popularity, often associated with Hindu or Buddhist theological beliefs.
Central to Hindu and Buddhist beliefs is the concept of reincarnation, wherein cremation serves as a means to return the deceased to the earth, facilitating their transition into a new earthly existence. While factors such as hygiene, overcrowding, cost, and convenience contribute to the increasing popularity of cremation, its acceptance within the Church also reflects a shifting focus away from the physical resurrection—an integral aspect of Christian hope.
The biblical narrative underscores the significance of the physical resurrection, epitomized by Jesus’ resurrection, which holds paramount importance in Christian theology. Scriptures affirm the hope of believers in a bodily resurrection, a belief shared even by Old Testament figures like Job and Daniel. This hope, grounded in the promise of a perfected, glorified state, underscores the value ascribed to the human body, purchased at the cost of Jesus’ life.
While cremation itself does not preclude the possibility of resurrection, it symbolically downplays the significance of bodily resurrection—a cornerstone of the Christian faith. The choice between a burial and cremation extends beyond mere practical considerations to encompass theological implications, serving as a testimony to one’s belief in the hope of resurrection.
While the Bible does not explicitly prohibit cremation, its narrative emphasizes the significance of burial practices in reflecting Christian hope. While cremation may not be inherently sinful, its adoption within Christian communities should prompt reflection on the theological implications and the testimony it conveys regarding the hope of resurrection.
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Consider This:
Consider this: I fully believe, it doesn’t matter where the body ends up or how it ended. What about those who died in a plane crash? What about those that were lost on the Titanic? They were not buried in a casket, nor buried at the cemetery, they would likely fall into a category similar to those that are cremated. I also believe cremation doesn’t matter because both of my parents were cremated. It had no bearing on their destination. Our destination is determined only by our acceptance or rejection of JESUS CHRIST while on this earth. The process of Cremation does not alter our destination, and one day that decayed body will reunite with its spirit and forever be immortal and eternal.
**Supporting KJV Bible Verses:**
– **Job 19:26**: “And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.”
– **Daniel 12:2**: “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
Where Did Old Testament Believers Go When They Died?
Where Did Old Testament Believers Go When They Died?
In the hallowed halls of biblical history, the lives of Old Testament believers unfold like ancient scrolls, revealing faith, endurance, and hope. Their footsteps echo across millennia, and their questions resonate through the ages. Among these queries, one stands out: Where did Old Testament believers go when they died? Let us delve into the sacred texts of the King James Version (KJV) to uncover glimpses of their eternal destiny.
1. **Psalm 16:11 – The Path of Joy**
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
The psalmist, with poetic anticipation, yearns for a departure from this earthly realm. His compass points toward God’s presence—a path of life where joy overflows and eternal pleasures await. Old Testament believers glimpsed this celestial journey, their hearts aflame with hope.
2. **Psalm 23:6 – Dwelling in the Lord’s House**
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
David, the shepherd-poet, paints a portrait of unwavering trust. Amid green pastures and still waters, he envisions a lifelong pursuit of goodness and mercy. But beyond life’s horizon lies a grander dwelling—a celestial abode where the Lord Himself hosts His faithful. The house of the Lord becomes their eternal home, where shadows yield to everlasting light.
3. **Job 19:25-27 – The Redeemer’s Promise**
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.”
Job’s lament transforms into triumphant proclamation. Amid suffering and decay, he clings to the living Redeemer. His faith pierces mortality’s veil. Even as worms consume his earthly frame, Job declares a profound truth: In resurrected flesh, he will behold God. The Redeemer’s arrival heralds fulfillment.
4. **Matthew 22:31-32 – The God of the Living**
“But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read what was spoken unto you by God, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
Jesus, the Master Teacher, confronts the skeptics. Quoting Exodus 3:6, He unveils a profound reality. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—patriarchs of old—are not mere historical figures. They live! God’s covenant transcends death. The God of the living claims them as His own. Their spirits, vibrant and conscious, reside in His presence.
5. **Ezekiel 37:12-14 – Resurrection and Restoration**
“Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.”
Ezekiel’s vision pierces the valley of dry bones. God breathes life into the lifeless. The resurrection echoes across generations. Old Testament saints, once entombed, rise to new life. Their glorified bodies await the final act—their return to the land of promise. Restoration unfolds, and the Lord’s faithfulness stands resolute.
The Old Testament believers, though separated by epochs, share a common destiny. Their spirits, liberated from earthly confines, dwell in the presence of the Almighty. Their hope rests in the Redeemer—the One who conquered death. As we ponder their legacy, let us embrace the same hope: that beyond the veil, joy awaits, and eternity beckons.
Note: This reflection draws from biblical passages and does not constitute theological dogma. Interpretations may vary, but the essence of hope remains.
In weaving this tapestry of faith, I honor the ancient voices and the eternal truths they echo. Let us journey onward, for the path of joy awaits.
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**Unveiling Sheol**
In the hallowed halls of biblical history, the lives of Old Testament believers unfold like ancient scrolls, revealing faith, endurance, and hope. Their footsteps echo across millennia, and their questions resonate through the ages. Among these queries, one stands out: Where did Old Testament believers go when they died? Let us delve into the sacred texts of the King James Version (KJV) to uncover glimpses of their eternal destiny.
1. **The Meaning of Sheol**
In the Hebrew Bible, Sheol emerges as the abode of the dead—a place where both righteous and unrighteous souls await the Day of Judgment. Its essence defies easy definition, existing at the crossroads of the literal and the metaphysical. Let us explore its facets:
– **The Grave and Beyond:** Sheol encompasses more than mere physical burial. It extends beyond the grave, transcending earthly confines. Whether human or animal, all creatures find their way to this shadowed domain.
– **Inescapable Fate:** Sheol brooks no exceptions. Neither virtue nor wickedness can evade its grasp. The righteous and the unrighteous alike journey toward its depths. It lies hidden in the lowest recesses of the earth.
– **Desolate Existence:** Descriptions of Sheol paint a bleak canvas. Within its confines, love, hate, envy, work, thought, knowledge, and wisdom cease to exist. It is a void devoid of light, remembrance, and praise.
– **Silent Shades:** Its inhabitants—like trembling shades—lack hope of escape. They dwell in perpetual weakness, cut off from the vibrancy of life. No sound pierces the silence; no praise of God resounds.
– **Ravenous Beast:** Sheol devours relentlessly, swallowing the living without satiation. Its gates remain impervious, sealing the fate of those who enter.
2. **Theological Development**
As the Old Testament unfolds, glimpses of hope pierce the Sheol narrative:
– **Resurrection Revelation:** Toward the end of the Old Testament, God unveils a promise—the resurrection of the dead. Isaiah prophesies: “Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise” (Isaiah 26:19). Sheol’s grip will loosen; God will swallow up Death.
– **Intertestamental Shift:** In the intertestamental period, Jewish thought evolves. The righteous dead find comfort, while the wicked face torment. Hades (often translating as Sheol) becomes a place of reckoning.
3. **New Testament Perspectives**
With the advent of Jesus, fresh insights emerge:
– **Comfort and Torment:**
Jesus speaks of a great chasm between the righteous and the wicked. Lazarus rests in comfort, while the rich man endures torment (Luke 16:22-23).
Luke Chapter 16
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
– **Keys of Death and Hades:** Jesus wields authority over Sheol. He holds the keys, unlocking its gates (Revelation 1:18).
Revelation 1:18
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
– **Final Triumph:** Death and Hades relinquish their captives. They yield to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:13-14).
Revelation Chapter 20
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
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Conclusion:
4. **Progressive Revelation**
Theological shifts—from Sheol’s shadowy depths to the clarity of heaven and hell—reveal God’s unfolding plan. The Bible’s coherence lies not in contradiction but in progressive revelation. As time unfolds, God reveals more of Himself, guiding humanity toward eternal truths.
Note: Sheol’s mystery persists, bridging ancient texts and modern understanding. Interpretations may vary, but hope remains.
In weaving this tapestry of faith, I honor the ancient voices and the eternal truths they echo. Let us journey onward, for the path of joy awaits. Beyond Sheol’s veil, hope unfurls like dawn’s first light.
Consider This:
Sheol had multiple compartments, I think 5 or more. Please consider more closely the parables of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
In Luke 16:22-23 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, Jesus tells a parable about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus:
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
This parable illustrates contrasts in life and the afterlife. The beggar, Lazarus, who lived a life of poverty and suffering, dies and is carried by angels to a place of comfort known as “Abraham’s bosom,” a Jewish metaphor for paradise or a place of blessedness. On the other hand, the rich man, who lived a life of luxury and indulgence, dies and finds himself in hell, experiencing torment. From hell, the rich man sees Abraham and Lazarus in a place of comfort, symbolizing his separation from God’s blessings due to his earthly choices and lack of compassion for others.
Lazarus went to Paradise. The Rich Man went to Hell. There is a great fix (gap) between, so neither could go to the other side. One in torment, the Rich Man, and one in complete comfort, Lazarus. Paradise is where the Old Testament Saints went at Death, until JESUS was crucified. The Old Testament Saints were still under the law, the sacrifices made unto GOD was considered justified by GOD. But those sacrifices were temporarily accepted until the ultimate sacrifice was made, by JESUS CHRIST on the cross. And now the sin debt had been paid in full and the spirits of the Saints go directly to Heaven.
This passage emphasizes themes of justice, compassion, and the consequences of one’s actions in life, highlighting the importance of living a life aligned with God’s values.
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