Chapter 6 - Why Heaven Matters Today"Bring a glimpse of that future world into the present, and do it in such a way that people see Jesus and turn to Him. Show them the promise of what's coming. They're desperate for a peek. So paint in the name of Jesus and show them God's beauty. Write music in the name of Jesus and show them God's creativity. I want to know what it's going to be like to sing before the throne of the King of Kings--maybe you can give us a glimpse. Are you a landscaper? Cultivate the earth in the name of Jesus and show them the wonder of God's creation. Worship now in all that you do, just as you will worship then. Give the world a glimpse of glory. Let them see heaven now so they'll turn to Christ and experience heaven then." (
Life After Death p. 95)
1 Corinthians 15:581. According to
Romans 8:21, we as believers are in some ways a symbol, a picture of the redemption coming to all creation. In other words, in the believer the future has come to the present in a symbolic way. Paul says the same thing when he refers to believers as "citizens of heaven" awaiting the return of Christ (
Philippians 3:20). If this is true, then our "work of the Lord" (
1 Corinthians 15:58) is bringing a heavenly value system to our world today as a glimpse of what's to come. What might this mean for you at work? What professions might continue in the new earth? What might this mean for social concerns? The environment? In the fine arts?
2. What is your single most profound change in your thinking about heaven from this short study?
3. How does this change in your thinking affect how you live today?
4. What specific thing will you do differently now as a result of a biblical view of life after death?
We look forward to your comments and questions below!If you want to share this Bible reading plan with friends and family, here is the link:
https://bttb.org/life-after-death