ENDTIMES PROPHECY SERIES END TIMES CHART Ten pretty

END-TIMES PROPHECY SERIES

END TIMES CHART

Ten pretty interesting questions about heaven

1. Is there an overarching verse in Scripture about what we know for sure about heaven? �Yes! It is I Corinthians 2: 9. Paul summarizes several OT passage to make a point about salvation. Though its direct meaning is in the context of salvation, the verse’s application is striking in regards to heaven. �The principle is that the eyes, ears, and minds of those who love God have purposely been kept in the dark regarding the future magnificent plan that God has in store for those who love Him. �Why not tell it all? Because in this life trust in God trumps knowledge of His plan.

2. Is there gender in heaven? � Marriage is an earthly relationship, not a heavenly one. Matthew 22: 23 -30 � Angels do not have gender � Even though God is described as masculine in the Bible, this may be because masculinity is the authoritative gender and God speaks authoritatively throughout the Bible. � Marriage is designed to bring together the masculine and the famine to contribute what the other lacks. Does it follow then that since marriage will be no longer, that masculinity and femininity are to be combined in a new nature?

3. How will our new bodies in heaven differ from our earthly ones? �I Corinthians 15: 42 -44 �Jesus’ resurrection body is a prototype of ours, he could: v Walk through walls – John 20: 19, 26 v Eat if so desired – Luke 24: 42 -43, John 21: 15 v It was physical in nature and could be touched – Luke 24: 39 �We will have bodies that can survive the recreation of the heavens and the earth – Revelation 21: 1

Breakdown of I Corinthians 15: 42 -44 In the next life we will be given glorious resurrection bodies with the following attributes: 1. Imperishable – Never again prone to decay 2. Glorious – The quality of our new bodies will make Mr. and Miss. Universe pale in comparison 3. Power – Nothing weaker than a corpse 4. Spiritual – No wrestling with our fleshly desires

4. What about clarity? Will everything finally make sense? �Yes! In the great love chapter of the Bible, we are given a simple but profound verse on the subject of clarity. It is I Corinthians 13: 12. �In this world there is only partial knowledge, confusion, tension, and frustration because we don’t have the whole picture. In heaven answers will be given and it will then all make sense. �As clear as God knows us now, we will have in likeness full knowledge. I believe this knowledge applies to ourselves, others, and all things.

5. What are other names for heaven in the Bible? �Better country – Hebrews 11: 16 �Kingdom – Ephesians 5: 5 �City (New Jerusalem) – Revelation 21, Hebrews 13: 14 �Paradise – Luke 23: 43, Revelation 2: 7 �House – John 14: 1 -2 �Abraham’s bosom – Luke 16: 22

6. What will we do in heaven? �Worship – Revelation 4: 11, 5: 11 -14, 19 �Enjoy music – Revelation 15: 3 -4 �Reign and govern – I Corinthians 6: 3, II Timothy 2: 12, Revelation 5: 10, 22: 5 �Serve God – Revelation 7: 15, 22: 3 �Experience joy and pleasures – Psalm 16: 11, Luke 15: 7 �Rest – Hebrews 4

7. Is there anything especially interesting about the way heaven is described? Well yes, heaven is described mostly in the terms of things that are absent: 1. Hunger 7: 16 2. Thirst 7: 16 3. Sun beating down 7: 16 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Any Other Heat 7: 16 Tears 21: 4 Death 7: 16, 21: 4 Mourning 21: 4 Crying 21: 4 Pain 21: 4 Sin 21: 27

8. How is total satisfaction in heaven portrayed in the Bible? In the dry and arid environment of the Bible lands, the insatiable desire for water becomes the backdrop of heavens satisfaction. When one who is dying of thirst is given water in this life, they become the picture of eternal satisfaction that only God’s heaven can provide. �“From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water” – John 7: 38 �Springs of the water of life – Revelation 7: 17 �God gives the water of life without cost – Revelation 21: 6, 22: 17

9. Does the Bible speak of the esthetic nature and qualities of heaven? Yes! The Scriptures take painstaking effort to describe to heavens future citizens how beautiful a place heaven is. It is described with the following qualities: 1. God’s glory – Revelation 21: 23 2. Transparent gold – Revelation 21: 18 3. Beautiful jewels – Revelation 21: 19 -21 4. Paradise means walled garden or park – Revelation 2: 7 5. The perfection of beauty – Psalm 50: 2

10. If one could summarize the overriding greatness of heaven, what would it be? The greatest part of heaven is not about a “where” it is about a “Who. ” It is intimacy with our God. Nothing is greater, more satisfying, more perfect, more anything than loving, connecting, knowing, and being with God. The intimacy that the three members of the Godhead has shared for eternity will be shared with us and among us in heaven. Some passages that describe this: v Eternal life is knowing God intimately – John 17: 3 v The intimacy of sonship – Revelation 21: 7 v As the perfect parent is so intricately involved in the knowledge and well being of the child, so is God for us – Psalm 139

Some final closing remarks from the book of Revelation 22: 6 -21 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. At both the beginning of Revelation (1: 3) and at the end (22: 7) a special blessing is given if its words are heeded. God oftentimes does not offer full disclosure, here He does, He wants the truth of Revelation spread. 10 Both God and the bride gives an open invitation to all to spend eternity in heaven. 17 There is a severe warning about tampering with or adding or lessening the meaning of Revelation. 18 -19 The final closing words of the Bible is a blessing of grace on us believers. I love and I need it. 21