Heaven, the All-Purpose Topic

by M. Fountaine
http://directors.tfionline.com/post/heaven-all-purpose-topic/
“Isn’t it amazing how technology has changed our lives for the better in so many ways? We can circle the globe in no time, or virtually visit our friends or loved ones in an instant no matter where they are. People’s lives are being saved in ways that just a few years ago would have been impossible, and almost every day, people like you are finding new and innovative ways to accomplish more.

“Wouldn’t it be tremendous if you could continue to discover new things without end? I think heaven is going to be filled with technology that is amazing, powerful, and beyond what we can even dream of now. Imagine what being able to harness the power of the universe for the good of all could do! Think of all the wonderful potential you would have to develop whatever you can imagine with the technology of heaven at your disposal."

When hearing me say this, the young couple sharing a row of seats with me in the dimly lit airplane cabin looked at me a little surprised and impressed, as if to say, “Heaven andtechnology? That’s the kind of religion I can relate to!”

During our flight, we had struck up a conversation which had come around to the topic of faith and how many people feel that things like science and technology run contrary to faith.

This couple’s sincere questions along these lines provided an opportunity for me to share the preceding comments. They were both computer programmers, and the concept of technology in heaven seemed to excite them. They seemed to be quite analytical, but they were also hungry for something on a spiritual level. The concept of heaven being a place where they could explore the mysteries of technology and computers to their hearts’ delight held a definite appeal.

I’ve found heaven to be a hot topic that nearly always stirs people’s interest. It doesn’t matter whether people are happy or sad, rich or poor, educated or not, heaven is a fascinating subject for almost anyone. Even if a person doesn’t believe in heaven, just hearing of the fantastic descriptions and the incredible happenings there is usually enough to keep them interested and engaged for some time.

I believe that heaven will be an extension and enhancement of everything that is good in our lives and will compensate for every lack and wrong and pain we have faced. Hearing about heaven can bring comfort for those who are at the end of their rope, at the bottom of their game, those who have no hope for a better future in this life. When someone is feeling down and out, a reminder that there’s so much more than this moment, something infinitely better than what they are facing right now, can make a big difference. It can be the ray of hope they need. It can be a sign or a reminder that God loves them, and an appealing “bait” that may lead them to salvation.

No matter what someone struggles with in this life—poverty, hardships, tragic loss, heartbreaks, unfulfilled potential or dreams, unrealized satisfaction or fulfillment—heaven is a place where everything will be made right.

Understanding a little of God’s nature from the Bible and reading what He says about the place He’s prepared for us helps us to know that there will be some special and far-out, amazing things in the next life. He is a loving Father and desires to give His children everything good. He loves to fulfill our desires when they will be good for us and glorify Him.

Those who have had near-death experiences have often expressed the same point that our founder David described in a number of visions he had—that heaven will be much like how it is here, only better. I believe that it will have all the wonderful things we appreciate and love here on earth, and none of the things that are hurtful, painful, or damaging.

Some of the wonders and characteristics of heaven that have been described by those who have experienced glimpses into it through near-death experiences vary from person to person, as if their experiences have been custom-designed to make them a perfect match to what brings each one the greatest joy. Some variations are smaller details and others are more significant, but all are fantastic and important to the one experiencing them. Many instances of such experiences can be found in the book Proof of Heaven by Dr. Eben Alexander.

Here are some thoughts and reflections on how I imagine heaven will be. The Bible says, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which Godhathprepared for them that love him.”[1] Our human understanding and imagination fall very short when it comes to picturing the wonders of heaven. The following points give an idea of the great variety there could be in heaven, all within the commonality that our lives there will be permeated with fulfillment, purpose, love, and unimaginable joy.

There will be incredible inventions still to be realized.

Others will fully understand you and not let you down.

You’ll be able to communicate with and befriend animals that were the wildest beasts on earth.

You’ll be able to connect with your ancestors and know all about them.

You’ll be able to walk through history seeing the full reality of those who went before you.

There won’t be any boredom. God promises new adventures unfolding for all eternity.

There won’t be any more loneliness. Love is a vibrancy of the heavenly atmosphere and love brings union with others.

You’re guaranteed exciting and fulfilling relationships with those of common interests and those of interests that are new and unique to you, broadening your horizons.

Life in heaven will be full of building loving relationships with others as much or as little as you desire.

Your uniqueness will always be yours, but your ability to connect with others will be enhanced by God’s Spirit of love.

You’ll see how important you are to God’s overall plan and how you’re not just a small insignificant person, but one of great value throughout all eternity.

There are going to be new challenges to meet and new ways to be a blessing in the lives of others. There will be no limit to the joy of doing things for others.

Heaven is not the final destination, but a launching pad to greater usefulness, new horizons, new loving experiences and dreams to reach for that you haven’t yet envisioned. Heaven isn’t the end; it’s only the beginning.

If you want an engaging subject for conversation; if you want to give comfort to those who are at the end of their rope without any hope, or impoverished, or victimized, or fed up with their lives; if you want to offer them a fresh vision of what can be theirs through a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus, what better way to do it than through speaking about heaven?

I think that in the depths of their hearts most people desire the assurance that there is something good beyond this world.[2] The Bible says that God has placed eternity in our hearts, and it is a common yearning of the human heart for a better world to come. (See Ecclesiastes 3:11.)

Heaven is the full reality of the life that God has prepared for humankind. It’s real and vibrant and full of everything good. It is above and beyond a person’s dreams for the future, and yet it fulfills every yearning a person might have. Joy, fulfillment, and an abundant life is what Jesus offers. “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”[3]

This life on earth has many sorrows. Jesus knows them intimately. He lived through what we face. He knows firsthand what people everywhere experience. The life beyond this one will be so full, so overflowing with joy and purpose that there won’t be room to dwell on the sorrow of the past. The negative, the suffering, the loss and pain and sorrow will be left behind.

I have found that the topic of heaven can bring life, hope, peace and comfort to others who are struggling to find their way through their life journey, without knowing the final destination.

If your understanding of heaven has become like a treasure that you have buried somewhere for safekeeping, maybe you’ll want to get it out, dust it off, and proclaim its beauty and value to others. It’s there for you to use to help others and to meet the burning need in people’s hearts to find hope and comfort and truth that will carry them through to the next life.


[1] 1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV.


[2] “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19 KJV).


[3] John 10:10 KJV.