Where do you believe is your inheritance in Christ?

[Via dolarossa]

I like that we have no bodies, I want to be a AI supercomputer. I would have no fears and no

Will there be like a stairway to heaven or a ladder?
So we can go up? hmm
Or maybe chariots will escort us.

Revelations says John got 'carried away in spirit to a great and high mountain' by the angels.

I don't know....if you are picturing the same thing..but what does a city descending out of heaven look like? When I think of a city (cos I live in one) I think of lots of tall buildings, or maybe a town hall, a square, civic buildings. cathedral/church, library, shops, offices surrounding it then dwelling places and as you go further out suburbs..

Obviously there probably won't be retail shops in heaven as everything is free.

However this holy city described in Revelation doesn't have any of these things. It has a tree, and a fountain from which a river flows. It has walls and gates. (Auckland doesn't have walls and gates...it has dormant volcanoes and a two harbours...and a sprawling motorway! Also the tallest thing you can see is the Sky Tower which is near the casino..and there are wharves and an airport, but alas, no walls and gates)

AI could do that.

I like the idea that, like the matrix, we all can just do some crazy ninja looking moves , but minus the war, ignorance, fears, greed, and more connected in love

 

[Marilyn C]

Hebrews 9:15 ..........
" Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.'

Our inheritance is, in a word, is heaven. It is the sum total of all God has promised us in salvation.

Specifically.....
Revelation 21:27
"But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life."

Revelation 21:1-3..........
"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.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
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."

When we understand and value the glory that awaits us, we are better able to endure whatever comes our way in this life. We can give God praise even during trials because we have His guarantee that we will receive all He has promised: in 2 Corth. 4:17........
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all".

Hi Major,

I so agree that our inheritance is heaven.

Then I notice that you go on to mention the city, the New Jerusalem which COMES DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN...

 

[Marilyn C]

Will there be like a stairway to heaven or a ladder?
So we can go up? hmm
Or maybe chariots will escort us.

Revelations says John got 'carried away in spirit to a great and high mountain' by the angels.

I don't know....if you are picturing the same thing..but what does a city descending out of heaven look like? When I think of a city (cos I live in one) I think of lots of tall buildings, or maybe a town hall, a square, civic buildings. cathedral/church, library, shops, offices surrounding it then dwelling places and as you go further out suburbs..

Obviously there probably won't be retail shops in heaven as everything is free.

However this holy city described in Revelation doesn't have any of these things. It has a tree, and a fountain from which a river flows. It has walls and gates. (Auckland doesn't have walls and gates...it has dormant volcanoes and a two harbours...and a sprawling motorway! Also the tallest thing you can see is the Sky Tower which is near the casino..and there are wharves and an airport, but alas, no walls and gates)

Hi Lanolin,

We will have bodies like the Lord. remember He went through walls and also just ascended into heaven. This new body we will have can do all these things. We will have a mind that has a greater capacity than now and we will be obedient to the Lord.

Now the city, the New Jerusalem is not for us as it COMES DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN. That is for the Old Testament saints. And the description of the city is symbolic. In my notes on revelation (in the Bible Study area) I will get to writing about that. Hope you can comment.

Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

The best way I can think of it is like a castle with walls around it as that what scripture seems closest to describing. A square shaped castle.

But sparkly, kind of like a Walt Disney 'magic kingdom' Cinderella castle. Not that I have ever been to Disneyland.
One you can see through, because its 'like unto clear glass'

I do love your picture Lanolin, - a sparkly castle!!!!

Anyway we are not in this castle for what `walls` can keep out evil, only the blood of Jesus. The `city` is a picture of the rulership of Christ in that realm. We are in a higher realm, the highest heaven with the Lord.

 

[Bob Carabbio]

Where do you believe is your inheritance in Christ?

1. On the New Earth?

2. In the New Jerusalem?

3. In the Angelic Realm?

4. Other?

Please give scriptures for your belief.
And I hope this is a profitable discussion together.

Marilyn.

Since I know absolutely NOTHING about the afterlife, and GOD tells me that I can't even IMAGINE what's contained therein - I don't think about it at all. That would be useless.

 

[Marilyn C]

Since I know absolutely NOTHING about the afterlife, and GOD tells me that I can't even IMAGINE what's contained therein - I don't think about it at all. That would be useless.

The Lord, the Head of His Body has told us where we will go. It is -

Our inheritance, our hope, our place, our citizenship, all of which are IN HEAVEN.

`...to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.` (1 Peter 1: 4 )

` ...because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of truth..`(Col. 1: 5)

` ...and raised us up together and made to sit in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.`(Eph. 2: 6)

` For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly await for the saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.` (Phil. 3: 20)

 

[Major]

Hi Major,

I so agree that our inheritance is heaven.

Then I notice that you go on to mention the city, the New Jerusalem which COMES DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN...

Revelation 21:2, “
I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Revelation 21:9-10, “the bride, the wife of the Lamb….the holy city, Jerusalem.”

Thank you sister.

Yes mamm. The New Jerusalem is the home of the Church, the Bride of Christ. The city and the inhabitants will be so intertwined that they can not be distinguished. IMHO the Scripture declares that New Jerusalem is not a physical city as much as it is a corporate living person!

New Jerusalem as a bride shows it is a corporate person as the consummation of the church as the Body of Christ, the one new man, and the wife (all three of which are presented in Ephesians).

Ephesians 5:25-27 announces that
(1) “Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” through His death to redeem her,
(2) He is now sanctifying her to match the purity of New Jerusalem, “cleansing her by the washing of the water in the word,” and
(3) at His second coming He will “present the church to Himself glorious, not having spot or wrinkle or any such things, but that she would be holy and without blemish.”

 

[Major]

Since I know absolutely NOTHING about the afterlife, and GOD tells me that I can't even IMAGINE what's contained therein - I don't think about it at all. That would be useless.

Do you not ever dream about what is coming my friend?

You mean that you have never sat and contemplated about tomorrow???

 

[Major]

Will there be like a stairway to heaven or a ladder?
So we can go up? hmm
Or maybe chariots will escort us.

Revelations says John got 'carried away in spirit to a great and high mountain' by the angels.

I don't know....if you are picturing the same thing..but what does a city descending out of heaven look like? When I think of a city (cos I live in one) I think of lots of tall buildings, or maybe a town hall, a square, civic buildings. cathedral/church, library, shops, offices surrounding it then dwelling places and as you go further out suburbs..

Obviously there probably won't be retail shops in heaven as everything is free.

However this holy city described in Revelation doesn't have any of these things. It has a tree, and a fountain from which a river flows. It has walls and gates. (Auckland doesn't have walls and gates...it has dormant volcanoes and a two harbours...and a sprawling motorway! Also the tallest thing you can see is the Sky Tower which is near the casino..and there are wharves and an airport, but alas, no walls and gates)

No ladders!
No Charoits!

1 Thess. 4:15-17........
"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

We will be caught up the very same way that Jesus was ascended to heaven.

 

[Marilyn C]

Revelation 21:2, “
I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Revelation 21:9-10, “the bride, the wife of the Lamb….the holy city, Jerusalem.”

Thank you sister.

Yes mamm. The New Jerusalem is the home of the Church, the Bride of Christ. The city and the inhabitants will be so intertwined that they can not be distinguished. IMHO the Scripture declares that New Jerusalem is not a physical city as much as it is a corporate living person!

New Jerusalem as a bride shows it is a corporate person as the consummation of the church as the Body of Christ, the one new man, and the wife (all three of which are presented in Ephesians).

Ephesians 5:25-27 announces that
(1) “Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” through His death to redeem her,
(2) He is now sanctifying her to match the purity of New Jerusalem, “cleansing her by the washing of the water in the word,” and
(3) at His second coming He will “present the church to Himself glorious, not having spot or wrinkle or any such things, but that she would be holy and without blemish.”

Hi Major,

The `bride` purpose was known in the OT as it referred to Israel.

`For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name.....` (Isa. 54: 5)
`I will betroth you to me for ever: Yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness and justice. In loving-kindness and mercy; I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.` (Hosea 2: 19 & 20)

The Lord came to confirm the promises made to the Fathers, (Rom. 15: 8) and thus Jesus talked about the wedding feast. This referred to the nation of Israel who have been divorced by God, (Jer. 3: 8) for their rebelliousness, however God will again `marry,` connect with them. The `bride` and `wedding` are all symbols of God restoring Israel.

In Eph. 5 we see that Paul is exhorting the husbands to love their wives. It is an exhortation passage, NOT a doctrine. Paul had just spent 4 chapters in Ephesians laying out the doctrine of the `New Man.`

And note, we, the Body of Christ DO NOT come down out of heaven from God, but are with the Lord on His own throne in the highest heaven.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne...` (Rev. 3: 21)

 

[Bob Carabbio]

Do you not ever dream about what is coming my friend?

Nope. I know NOTHING about what's coming - EXCEPT - that it'll better that this.

You mean that you have never sat and contemplated about tomorrow???

I've got enough issues getting through today, and today, and today, and today - etc. Tomorrow can take care of itself. Everything after the disappointment of waking up every morning is anti-climactic.

 

[Lanolin]

what.
I like waking up.
I know it's kinda disappointing not to wake up in Heaven, but earth still has some things going for it.

 

[Major]

Nope. I know NOTHING about what's coming - EXCEPT - that it'll better that this.

I've got enough issues getting through today, and today, and today, and today - etc. Tomorrow can take care of itself. Everything after the disappointment of waking up every morning is anti-climactic.

I actually agree with you. To worry about tomarrow is a waste of time that we could use to pray to God.

However......fully, 25% of the Bible is given to prophecy about what is coming for us tomarrow. That being the case, would you not agree that we might want to know and be aware of it?

 

[Major]

Hi Major,

The `bride` purpose was known in the OT as it referred to Israel.

`For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name.....` (Isa. 54: 5)
`I will betroth you to me for ever: Yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness and justice. In loving-kindness and mercy; I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.` (Hosea 2: 19 & 20)

The Lord came to confirm the promises made to the Fathers, (Rom. 15: 8) and thus Jesus talked about the wedding feast. This referred to the nation of Israel who have been divorced by God, (Jer. 3: 8) for their rebelliousness, however God will again `marry,` connect with them. The `bride` and `wedding` are all symbols of God restoring Israel.

In Eph. 5 we see that Paul is exhorting the husbands to love their wives. It is an exhortation passage, NOT a doctrine. Paul had just spent 4 chapters in Ephesians laying out the doctrine of the `New Man.`

And note, we, the Body of Christ DO NOT come down out of heaven from God, but are with the Lord on His own throne in the highest heaven.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne...` (Rev. 3: 21)

Of course the "Bride" purpose was know in the O.T as it was applied to the nation of Israel. However, that was not to be confused with the CHURCH of born again believers.

The nation of Israel is the nation of Israel and the promises God made to them were for them. The church has not inherited the promises God made to Israel.

While God’s covenant relationship with the Israelites remained, through His son, He formed a new covenant with all who believed in Jesus Christ and surrendered to His lordship. Those who believe in Jesus Christ are called the church and that is the Bride of Christ.

Christ, who is the Bridegroom, has sacrificially and lovingly chosen the church to be His bride (Ephesians 5:25–27). Just as there was a betrothal period in biblical times during which the bride and groom were separated until the wedding, so is the bride of Christ separate from her Bridegroom during the church age. Her responsibility during the betrothal period is to be faithful to Him (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24). At the rapture, the church will be united with the Bridegroom and the official “wedding ceremony” will take place and, with it, the eternal union of Christ and His bride will be actualized (Revelation 19:7–9; 21:1-2).

And as Christ promised to be faithful to the church, He described His expectations for the church’s relationship as His bride.

Now as for the body of Christ coming down ........the Bride which is the church, I think that when we read the Scriptures we see that In Rev. 21"1 God does a complete make-over of heaven and earth (Isiah 65:17/ 2 Peter 3:12-13)

The new heaven and new earth are what some call the "eternal state" and will be “where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).
After the re-creation, God reveals the New Jerusalem. John sees a glimpse of it in his vision: Rev. 21:2.....
“The Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband”.

This is the city that Abraham looked for in faith in Hebrews 11:10. It is the place where God will dwell with His people forever (Rev. 21:3.

 

[Bob Carabbio]

I actually agree with you. To worry about tomarrow is a waste of time that we could use to pray to God.

However......fully, 25% of the Bible is given to prophecy about what is coming for us tomarrow.

Which nobody really understands, and there's no agreement about - just "paradignmatic theology". SO pretty worthless in terms of actual planning. Just ask the folks that bought into Harold Camping, or Edgar Whisenant, and paid for their presumptions. Biblilcally, the ONLY prophesy that actually was understood BEFORE it's provision was the return of Israel to their homeland under Ezra and Nehemiah. Messiah was prophesied, but by the time the theologians got done, Jesus had come, didn't match their "theology" so they murdered him for blasphemy.

That being the case, would you not agree that we might want to know and be aware of it?

What I'm aware of is that BAD times are coming (I expect to be dead before that really gets rolling), the REAL Church will become unified mature and powerful at the end of the age (Eph 4). There'll be a falling away of the "Tares", and then the end of the age. MAYBE the Church will be "raptured" before the end of the age, but regardless, HE SAID that He'd come back for us, and so He will - human "theology" not withstanding.

 

[Major]

Which nobody really understands, and there's no agreement about - just "paradignmatic theology". SO pretty worthless in terms of actual planning. Just ask the folks that bought into Harold Camping, or Edgar Whisenant, and paid for their presumptions. Biblilcally, the ONLY prophesy that actually was understood BEFORE it's provision was the return of Israel to their homeland under Ezra and Nehemiah. Messiah was prophesied, but by the time the theologians got done, Jesus had come, didn't match their "theology" so they murdered him for blasphemy.

What I'm aware of is that BAD times are coming (I expect to be dead before that really gets rolling), the REAL Church will become unified mature and powerful at the end of the age (Eph 4). There'll be a falling away of the "Tares", and then the end of the age. MAYBE the Church will be "raptured" before the end of the age, but regardless, HE SAID that He'd come back for us, and so He will - human "theology" not withstanding.

Bob, I would say that throughout the Old Testament, God prepared His chosen people to wait and watch for their coming Messiah. He raised up leaders who directed them and raised up prophets who received His words and spoke directly to them. Additionally, He gave them a sacrificial system that atoned for sin, allowed them to come into His presence, and, in pattern and typology, pointed to the One who would make the final atonement for their sins.

Jesus came as a baby in a manger and lived a humble life. The Jews were looking for a man, a Messiah, an anointed one who would lead and liberate them.

When Jesus began to preach, His message was one of love for all and humble service. They were still looking for one who would conquer, not for a Suffering Servant who would die. The Jews were looking for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who would reign as King, and liberate them frpm Roman rule, not the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.

I understand what you are saying about the church but it does not match Bible prophecy. Yes, times will get worse and worse but there is no Scripture that I am aware of that the church grows powerful. In fact the Scriptures say that the there will be an apostacy from the the Word of God and the church and then Church will be removed.

Then there will be 7 years of GREAT Tribulation then He wilo come back to put an end to sin and set up His Kingdom.

 

[Major]

Nope. I know NOTHING about what's coming - EXCEPT - that it'll better that this.

I've got enough issues getting through today, and today, and today, and today - etc. Tomorrow can take care of itself. Everything after the disappointment of waking up every morning is anti-climactic.

John 14:29
I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.


Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ

 

[Lanolin]

Well I know in heaven there's going to be rainbows everyday...as is described around the throne, which seems like it has permanent rainbows around God's glory.

 

[Major]

what.
I like waking up.
I know it's kinda disappointing not to wake up in Heaven, but earth still has some things going for it.

Covid 19, Cancer, kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, aneurism, etc. Like that???

 

[Marilyn C]

Of course the "Bride" purpose was know in the O.T as it was applied to the nation of Israel. However, that was not to be confused with the CHURCH of born again believers.

The nation of Israel is the nation of Israel and the promises God made to them were for them. The church has not inherited the promises God made to Israel.

While God’s covenant relationship with the Israelites remained, through His son, He formed a new covenant with all who believed in Jesus Christ and surrendered to His lordship. Those who believe in Jesus Christ are called the church and that is the Bride of Christ.

Christ, who is the Bridegroom, has sacrificially and lovingly chosen the church to be His bride (Ephesians 5:25–27). Just as there was a betrothal period in biblical times during which the bride and groom were separated until the wedding, so is the bride of Christ separate from her Bridegroom during the church age. Her responsibility during the betrothal period is to be faithful to Him (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24). At the rapture, the church will be united with the Bridegroom and the official “wedding ceremony” will take place and, with it, the eternal union of Christ and His bride will be actualized (Revelation 19:7–9; 21:1-2).

And as Christ promised to be faithful to the church, He described His expectations for the church’s relationship as His bride.

Now as for the body of Christ coming down ........the Bride which is the church, I think that when we read the Scriptures we see that In Rev. 21"1 God does a complete make-over of heaven and earth (Isiah 65:17/ 2 Peter 3:12-13)

The new heaven and new earth are what some call the "eternal state" and will be “where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).
After the re-creation, God reveals the New Jerusalem. John sees a glimpse of it in his vision: Rev. 21:2.....
“The Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband”.

This is the city that Abraham looked for in faith in Hebrews 11:10. It is the place where God will dwell with His people forever (Rev. 21:3.

Hi Major,

Actually God`s word says - " And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be Head over all things to the CHURCH - WHICH IS HIS BODY, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.` (Eph. 1: 22 & 23)

There is NO word `bride` there.

As to Eph. 5: 22 - 33 that is AN EXHORTATION for husbands to love their wives. The CHURCH, THE NEW MAN has not then changed sexes and become a woman!!!!!

The bride purpose refers to Israel. The wedding feast is on the earth and that is when Israel rejoices at connecting again with God through Christ.

Paul NEVER said the Church is the Bride. It is not in his writings.

The Holy city has been promised to the Old Testament Saints.

`But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.` (Heb. 11: 16)

This city comes DOWN OUT of the highest heaven where God is. That is the place where the Body of Christ has been promised.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on My throne...` (Rev. 3: 21)