What do you think was God`s Purpose in making - the Nations, Israel and the Body of Christ?

[BibleLover]

I agree that only because of Jesus can we ever be near God`s holy presence. However, I don`t believe we will `see` God the Father as He is Spirit.

Now, would you agree that the New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven FROM God, so therefore God the Father will still be in the highest heaven?

And the throne that is in the New Jerusalem will be His power and authority, and His dwelling with men will be by His Holy Spirit?

Just a small point, not to be pedantic but tranferring the five human senses into eternity doesn’t make sense because of the limitations imposed upon those senses by the forces of creation. Spiritual perceptions in eternity cannot be understood by us until we die. I can't even speculate about the nature of spiritual perceptions, but they will be far beyond anything our words can express. One thing is certain: we will EXPERIENCE God in a manner we could never dream of now.

 

[Major]

I agree that only because of Jesus can we ever be near God`s holy presence. However, I don`t believe we will `see` God the Father as He is Spirit.

Now, would you agree that the New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven FROM God, so therefore God the Father will still be in the highest heaven?

And the throne that is in the New Jerusalem will be His power and authority, and His dwelling with men will be by His Holy Spirit?

All of those are good questions. I think that by now you know that I am a Bible person and teach it in a literal fashion.

So, will wee see God face to face in heaven is what you are asking.
IMHO and in MY understanding of the Scriptures I say YES.
In Matthew 5:8 God said.......
“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.”

The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corth. 13:12..........
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face”.

From those Scriptures I am convinced that In heaven, we’ll be in the presence of the Lord, and we’ll see him face to face.

My favorite verse about seeing God is 1 John 3:2.........
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”
Honestly, I do not know how that can be debated.

Then you asked if God the Father would be in New Jerusalem or stay in heaven's highest place?

Again, relying only on the Scriptures in Revelation 21:2 and also vs. 10 I see that New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven from God.
Then in 2 21:3 God tells us that after it descends from heaven “the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”

We also understand that there was also no temple in the New Jerusalem city because God and the lamb (Christ) are its temple (21:22).

God’s throne is in the city and his people will see his face in 22:3-4.
The Greek word for “people” is plural “Peoples.” God’s people in the New Jerusalem are multi-ethnic.

 

[Marilyn C]

All of those are good questions. I think that by now you know that I am a Bible person and teach it in a literal fashion.

So, will wee see God face to face in heaven is what you are asking.
IMHO and in MY understanding of the Scriptures I say YES.
In Matthew 5:8 God said.......
“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.”

The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corth. 13:12..........
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face”.

From those Scriptures I am convinced that In heaven, we’ll be in the presence of the Lord, and we’ll see him face to face.

My favorite verse about seeing God is 1 John 3:2.........
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”
Honestly, I do not know how that can be debated.

Then you asked if God the Father would be in New Jerusalem or stay in heaven's highest place?

Again, relying only on the Scriptures in Revelation 21:2 and also vs. 10 I see that New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven from God.
Then in 2 21:3 God tells us that after it descends from heaven “the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”

We also understand that there was also no temple in the New Jerusalem city because God and the lamb (Christ) are its temple (21:22).

God’s throne is in the city and his people will see his face in 22:3-4.
The Greek word for “people” is plural “Peoples.” God’s people in the New Jerusalem are multi-ethnic.

Thank you agaian for explaining your view. Now I have more questions but because we are packing and then travelling, I will have to leave those for another day.

God bless, Marilyn.

 

[Marilyn C]

All of those are good questions. I think that by now you know that I am a Bible person and teach it in a literal fashion.

So, will wee see God face to face in heaven is what you are asking.
IMHO and in MY understanding of the Scriptures I say YES.
In Matthew 5:8 God said.......
“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.”

The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corth. 13:12..........
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face”.

From those Scriptures I am convinced that In heaven, we’ll be in the presence of the Lord, and we’ll see him face to face.

My favorite verse about seeing God is 1 John 3:2.........
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”
Honestly, I do not know how that can be debated.

Then you asked if God the Father would be in New Jerusalem or stay in heaven's highest place?

Again, relying only on the Scriptures in Revelation 21:2 and also vs. 10 I see that New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven from God.
Then in 2 21:3 God tells us that after it descends from heaven “the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”

We also understand that there was also no temple in the New Jerusalem city because God and the lamb (Christ) are its temple (21:22).

God’s throne is in the city and his people will see his face in 22:3-4.
The Greek word for “people” is plural “Peoples.” God’s people in the New Jerusalem are multi-ethnic.

I will ask this though. Yes, literal but in line with all of God`s word.

All the `face to face, and see,` are in reference to the visible glorified Son of God, and NOT the Father for God`s word says -

...who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power.` (1 Tim. 6: 16)

 

[Marilyn C]

Please don't laugh at me.... I don't know why I think as I do with regards to the THRONE ROOM. Perhaps it has been because of WORSHIPPING in the past.

This is how I see the THRONE ROOM.... Because of JESUS... Christians are able to approach His FATHER
WE enter the Throne Room by our prayers and petitions... .and then by our WORSHIP to GOD.
While on earth.... we cannot see the physical THRONE ROOM of heaven.... but I for one have FELT the PRESENCE of GOD in my WORSHIP.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once we are dead... and in spirit form.... I believe we will be able to enter the REAL THRONE ROOM .... however... there will be NO MORE prayer or petition...... only WORSHIP and ADORATION.

Again... I do not know WHY I believe this... and I do stand to be corrected if I'm totally off the moon on this.

The THRONE ROOM is something that I have been so deeply connected to ( even if in my imagination )... I think of WORSHIP a lot... and the THRONE ROOM is where I enter to give PRAISE...THANKSGIVING and ADORATION. It's ALL I have to offer.

That is so well written sister. I also think I will just gaze upon the Lord and worship Him for eternity.

 

[Major]

I will ask this though. Yes, literal but in line with all of God`s word.

All the `face to face, and see,` are in reference to the visible glorified Son of God, and NOT the Father for God`s word says -

...who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power.` (1 Tim. 6: 16)

I disagree.

So you are rejecting Matthew 5:8 but believing that 1 Tim. 6:16 somehow invalidates what God literally said. Think about what you are saying.

I take Matthew 5:8 where God said.....“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God"----as God saying exactly what He wanted to say.
Now I agree completly that No One has "seen" God. However, seen and will see are two different things. As I gave to you, all believers will have glorified bodies just like Jesus has now.

1 Corth. 15:52-53.......
"in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

1 Corth. 15:42-44.........
"So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body".

1 John 3:2...............
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
As I said, I do not agree with your opinion, however, if you are correct......isn't The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit all one?

John 14:9 comfirms this........
“even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father” ?

 

[Major]

Thank you agaian for explaining your view. Now I have more questions but because we are packing and then travelling, I will have to leave those for another day.

God bless, Marilyn.

Be safe and try to fo through the "Holy Lands".............Alabama!

 

[Major]

Just a small point, not to be pedantic but tranferring the five human senses into eternity doesn’t make sense because of the limitations imposed upon those senses by the forces of creation. Spiritual perceptions in eternity cannot be understood by us until we die. I can't even speculate about the nature of spiritual perceptions, but they will be far beyond anything our words can express. One thing is certain: we will EXPERIENCE God in a manner we could never dream of now.

Amen!

 

[Marilyn C]

I disagree.

So you are rejecting Matthew 5:8 but believing that 1 Tim. 6:16 somehow invalidates what God literally said. Think about what you are saying.

I take Matthew 5:8 where God said.....“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God"----as God saying exactly what He wanted to say.
Now I agree completly that No One has "seen" God. However, seen and will see are two different things. As I gave to you, all believers will have glorified bodies just like Jesus has now.

1 Corth. 15:52-53.......
"in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

1 Corth. 15:42-44.........
"So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body".

1 John 3:2...............
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
As I said, I do not agree with your opinion, however, if you are correct......isn't The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit all one?

John 14:9 comfirms this........
“even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father” ?

Let me put it succinctly.

God is Spirit. (John 4: 24) `...whom no man has seen or can see,...` (1 Tim. 6: 16)

Jesus has a visible glorified body. `Behold my hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.` (Luke 24: 39)

Seeing Jesus, the image of the Father, we have then `seen` the Father. Meaning the character of Christ is the character of the Father.

 

[Major]

Let me put it succinctly.

God is Spirit. (John 4: 24) `...whom no man has seen or can see,...` (1 Tim. 6: 16)

Jesus has a visible glorified body. `Behold my hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.` (Luke 24: 39)

Seeing Jesus, the image of the Father, we have then `seen` the Father. Meaning the character of Christ is the character of the Father.

"Succinctly" or Clearly is the only way I know how to speak. Better yet, what I speak is called APCBL.
(Alabama Plain Country Boy Language).

When we get to heaven we will have the same kind of body and mind of the Lord Jesus Christ. We will have a body in heaven, and it will be the same body we have now. God redeems the whole person, body, soul, and spirit. But our resurrected body will be “heavenly”
as seen in 1 Corth, 15:40 and “imperishable” in verse 42, "glorified" in verse 43, “spiritual" in verse 44, immortal in verse 53, and bearing Christ’s image in verse 49. So, clearly, and succinctly, a lot will change, but we will not lose our identity. You will still be you.

Now, What age we will appear to be?
Will the texture of our hair stay the same?
Will we have the same eye color?
The same fingerprints?
NO ONE knows because the Bible does not tell us.

I understand that you are promoting the idea that because God the Father is a spirit, we will not "see" him as we will see Jesus Christ.

Marilyn, As a Trinitarian, I accept and believe that the three Persons of the Trinity are coeternal, coequal, and co-powerful and together make up the God - Head. If any one of the three were removed, there would be no God.

So then, in heaven, there are three Persons of the Godhead. But will we be able to see all three Persons?
Now I do not know anyone who can answer that dogmatically and definitely.

What I will do is give my personal opinion backed by the Scripture that causes me to believe what I believe.

Revelation 4:3, & 6 gives us a description of heaven and the throne that is occupied by God and by the Lamb: .........
“The ONE who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. . . . Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.”

Since God dwells in “unapproachable light” and is one “whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16), God is described in terms of the reflected brilliance of precious stones. First Corinthians 2:9 says,........
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him”.

That seems to indicate that Because of God’s holiness, it may be assumed that we will never be able to look upon His face, but this is speculation.(IMHO).

Revelation 5:6 ........
"And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth."

Seven (7) in Bible stands of "Completeness/omniscience".
Horns represent "Power.
This Scripture takes us into the Throne room of the Trinity....." And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne".

This tells us that, in heaven, the Lamb stands in the center of the throne, and there are descriptions of Him clothed in brilliant white. Since the Lamb represents Christ Jesus, and we know that human eyes have beheld Him after His resurrection, it seems reasonable to conclude that, in heaven, we will be able to look upon Him.

However, it is clear to me that John is allowed to see God on His throne, with Jesus on His right hand surrounded by the Hoy Spirit.

I will at the time of my glorification when I see what John saw, admitt that I was wrong. Mere mortals do not have the ability to grasp the wonders of heaven—it is entirely beyond our comprehension. Whatever heaven is like, it will far exceed our wildest imaginings!
What we know is that we will be worshiping our great God as our hearts are filled with wonder that He died to save sinners.

 

[Marilyn C]

"Succinctly" or Clearly is the only way I know how to speak. Better yet, what I speak is called APCBL.
(Alabama Plain Country Boy Language).

When we get to heaven we will have the same kind of body and mind of the Lord Jesus Christ. We will have a body in heaven, and it will be the same body we have now. God redeems the whole person, body, soul, and spirit. But our resurrected body will be “heavenly”
as seen in 1 Corth, 15:40 and “imperishable” in verse 42, "glorified" in verse 43, “spiritual" in verse 44, immortal in verse 53, and bearing Christ’s image in verse 49. So, clearly, and succinctly, a lot will change, but we will not lose our identity. You will still be you.

Now, What age we will appear to be?
Will the texture of our hair stay the same?
Will we have the same eye color?
The same fingerprints?
NO ONE knows because the Bible does not tell us.

I understand that you are promoting the idea that because God the Father is a spirit, we will not "see" him as we will see Jesus Christ.

Marilyn, As a Trinitarian, I accept and believe that the three Persons of the Trinity are coeternal, coequal, and co-powerful and together make up the God - Head. If any one of the three were removed, there would be no God.

So then, in heaven, there are three Persons of the Godhead. But will we be able to see all three Persons?
Now I do not know anyone who can answer that dogmatically and definitely.

What I will do is give my personal opinion backed by the Scripture that causes me to believe what I believe.

Revelation 4:3, & 6 gives us a description of heaven and the throne that is occupied by God and by the Lamb: .........
“The ONE who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. . . . Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.”

Since God dwells in “unapproachable light” and is one “whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16), God is described in terms of the reflected brilliance of precious stones. First Corinthians 2:9 says,........
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him”.

That seems to indicate that Because of God’s holiness, it may be assumed that we will never be able to look upon His face, but this is speculation.(IMHO).

Revelation 5:6 ........
"And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth."

Seven (7) in Bible stands of "Completeness/omniscience".
Horns represent "Power.
This Scripture takes us into the Throne room of the Trinity....." And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne".

This tells us that, in heaven, the Lamb stands in the center of the throne, and there are descriptions of Him clothed in brilliant white. Since the Lamb represents Christ Jesus, and we know that human eyes have beheld Him after His resurrection, it seems reasonable to conclude that, in heaven, we will be able to look upon Him.

However, it is clear to me that John is allowed to see God on His throne, with Jesus on His right hand surrounded by the Hoy Spirit.

I will at the time of my glorification when I see what John saw, admitt that I was wrong. Mere mortals do not have the ability to grasp the wonders of heaven—it is entirely beyond our comprehension. Whatever heaven is like, it will far exceed our wildest imaginings!
What we know is that we will be worshiping our great God as our hearts are filled with wonder that He died to save sinners.

Hi Major,

Yes I can hear that Southern drawl coming over loud and clear. (ha, ha)

Now you are saying `we will have the same body as we have now.` However, I believe God`s word gives us a bit more detail.

`It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body....As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are heavenly.` (1 Cor. 15: 44 & 48)

So we read that our new bodies are ` heavenly spiritual bodies.` As you said - immortal and uncorruptible. Also, we will NOT have blood, where the natural life is, but we will have the Holy Spirit energizing us in a greater way than now.

We will not have male or female physical differences but be the New Man which I believe is of both characteristics.

`For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face (with Jesus and each other). Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.`(1 Cor. 13: 12)

I understand that to mean that what we see with our spiritual eyes of the Lord in each other will remain while all earthly physical element will be gone.

What do you think, Major, (& others).

 

[Major]

Hi Major,

Yes I can hear that Southern drawl coming over loud and clear. (ha, ha)

Now you are saying `we will have the same body as we have now.` However, I believe God`s word gives us a bit more detail.

`It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body....As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are heavenly.` (1 Cor. 15: 44 & 48)

So we read that our new bodies are ` heavenly spiritual bodies.` As you said - immortal and uncorruptible. Also, we will NOT have blood, where the natural life is, but we will have the Holy Spirit energizing us in a greater way than now.

We will not have male or female physical differences but be the New Man which I believe is of both characteristics.

`For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face (with Jesus and each other). Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.`(1 Cor. 13: 12)

I understand that to mean that what we see with our spiritual eyes of the Lord in each other will remain while all earthly physical element will be gone.

What do you think, Major, (& others).

I think that you are well educated in the Word of God. On top of that I for one appreciate the way you speak with respect to old men!

If I am allowed to add to your position, I would say that in 1 Corth. 15:35-54 Paul tells us that "our resurrected bodies are spiritual, imperishable, and raised in glory and power." Wont that be a welcome change?????

Then in 1 Corth. 15:50 we see that the resurrected body will be a spiritual one so I have no argument with that.
Our natural bodies are suited for living in this world, but this is the only realm in which we can live.
“Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 15:50).

It seems that After the resurrection we will have a “spiritual body,” perfectly suited for living in heaven.

What ever that means, it seems to me that the Bible tells us that in 1 Corth 13:12 .......
"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

I have NO idea how God will work that out, however, I do not know how 100 tons of steel floats on the ocean either!

This of course this does not mean we have all the answers on this. I am not sure that it does not mean that we will be only spirits—spirits do not have bodies—but I think what we can know is that our resurrected bodies will not need physical sustenance or depend on natural means of supporting life and we will not be reproducing life functions.

As Allways, it is a blessing to speak with you on Biblical matters.

 

[Marilyn C]

Sure, be glad to do so. I am not sure I can do it in a short post though.

1. Nations;
Revelation 21:24 states that ........"the nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.”
That indicating that all nations will acknowledge God's glory and contribute to the New Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 47:12 tells us on the other, that the nations will be healed by the leaves of the tree of life, which grows along the river that flows from the throne of God.

So from the Scriptures we find a mention of “nations” and “kings.” These terms symbolize the entirety of humanity coming together under God’s sovereignty. The idea that nations will walk by God’s light suggests unity among all peoples, transcending borders and differences. Moreover, the mention of kings bringing their “splendor” highlights that even those in positions of power will acknowledge God’s authority and contribute to His kingdom. This offers a hopeful vision of global harmony and reverence for the Creator.

2. Israel:
If Isreal is not a part of the New Jerusalem, then are why the 12 Tribes of Israel are listed in Rev. 21:12............
"It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed".

That tells me that Redeemed Israel will have a place in the New Jerusalem just as seen in Rev. 21:12. Rev. 21:12 is also as misnomer as
of course, is meant as a highly symbolic gesture. In eternity, there won't be any wickedness or unrighteousness to be protected from. Nor will there be any evil, danger, or harm from which to be protected. The existence of these walls, and gates, serve as real-but-symbolic emblems proclaiming the safety and security of those living in New Jerusalem.

3 The Body of Christ:
The body of Christ is the church and all of the redeemed. All believers in Jesus who die before 2nd Coming will first be with Him in heaven, and later live with Him on the new earth, when heaven and earth will have become one.

New Jerusalem as John calls it, is “the Holy City . . . coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” in Rev. 21:2. It is the Bride of Christ in that the Church will reside there.

This glorious city, with its streets of gold and pearly gates, is situated on a new, glorious earth. The tree of life will be there and This city represents the final state of redeemed mankind, forever in fellowship with God:

Rev. 21:2 and 22:3-4.....
“God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. . . . His servants will serve him. They will see his face”.

According to the Scriptures, This event comes after the tribulation, after the Lord’s second coming, after the millennial kingdom, after the final rebellion, after the final judgment of Satan, and after the GWTJ.

After the Last Judgment, (The GWTJ) there will be a new heaven and a new earth where we will live with our new bodies.
We will be free from sin, pain, tears, and death. The heavenly Jerusalem will come down from heaven and be on earth. God the Father and God the Son will be there (see Revelation 21). Heaven and earth have become one. Heaven has come to earth. But because when we use the word ‘heaven’ normally we do not think about dirt, trees, and rivers, it is best to use the term ‘new earth’ for the place where we will spend eternity with God.

Hi Major,

Lots of good truth there that I agree with too. However, there are a couple of points I would like clarification if you would. First -

So, you said - ` All believers in Jesus who die before 2nd Coming will first be with Him in heaven, and later live with Him on the new earth, when heaven and earth will have become one. `

Can you please post the scriptures for that point, thank you?

 

[Major]

Hi Major,

Lots of good truth there that I agree with too. However, there are a couple of points I would like clarification if you would. First -

So, you said - ` All believers in Jesus who die before 2nd Coming will first be with Him in heaven, and later live with Him on the new earth, when heaven and earth will have become one. `

Can you please post the scriptures for that point, thank you?

I will do my best and thanks for asking. I do not know if my understanding will be yours but I will try. I can not do it in a short answer so bear with me.

When Jesus was dying on the cross, He told the criminal who believed in Him: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Paul expressed the same confidence that after death he would be with Christ in Philippians 1:23.........
“My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better”.

So, to me it is clear that we, if we believe, will be with Christ after we die.
That is heaven, where Jesus is as seen in Acts 3:21, where God is as seen in Matthew 23:9, and where the angels are as seen in Matt.22:30.

As we understand, the body we now have is just a ‘tent’ according to 2 Corinthians 5:1, and when we die we go home to be with God as told to us in 2 Corinthians 5:8.

Now, having established that those Bible facts, allow me to say that being a human is having a body. Also, we know that the body we now have is not that great because it has all kinds of limitations. It knows sickness, pain, deteriorates, and eventually dies.

But there will come a day when we will get a new, glorified body on the new earth. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul compares the body that we have now with a seed, and the new body that we will get in the resurrection with a plant. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 reads.............
“What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. Sown in dishonor; raised in glory. Sown in weakness; raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body”.

Also, we understand from the Bible that Yet being in heaven is just a half-way station.

The Bible tells us howour resurrection bodies will be. We can still eat as seen in Luke 24:43.
We will drink wine with Jesus as recorded in Matthew 26:29.
We will not be married nor engage in sexual relation as told to us in Matthew 22:30.
Some of the limitations of movement will disappear, as Jesus showed by appearing in a closed room in Luke 24:36 and by suddenly disappearing in Luke 24:31.

The resurrection of the dead is part of the Gospel message (e.g. Acts 4:2), not our going to heaven.

After the Last Judgment, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where we will live with our new bodies. The heavenly Jerusalem will come down from heaven and be on earth. God the Father and God the Son will be there when we read Revelation 21. Heaven and earth have become one. Heaven has come to earth. But because when we use the word ‘heaven’ normally we do not think about dirt, trees, and rivers, it is best to use the term ‘new earth’ for the place where we will spend eternity with God.

 

[YeshuaFan]

I will do my best and thanks for asking. I do not know if my understanding will be yours but I will try. I can not do it in a short answer so bear with me.

When Jesus was dying on the cross, He told the criminal who believed in Him: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Paul expressed the same confidence that after death he would be with Christ in Philippians 1:23.........
“My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better”.

So, to me it is clear that we, if we believe, will be with Christ after we die.
That is heaven, where Jesus is as seen in Acts 3:21, where God is as seen in Matthew 23:9, and where the angels are as seen in Matt.22:30.

As we understand, the body we now have is just a ‘tent’ according to 2 Corinthians 5:1, and when we die we go home to be with God as told to us in 2 Corinthians 5:8.

Now, having established that those Bible facts, allow me to say that being a human is having a body. Also, we know that the body we now have is not that great because it has all kinds of limitations. It knows sickness, pain, deteriorates, and eventually dies.

But there will come a day when we will get a new, glorified body on the new earth. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul compares the body that we have now with a seed, and the new body that we will get in the resurrection with a plant. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 reads.............
“What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. Sown in dishonor; raised in glory. Sown in weakness; raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body”.

Also, we understand from the Bible that Yet being in heaven is just a half-way station.

The Bible tells us howour resurrection bodies will be. We can still eat as seen in Luke 24:43.
We will drink wine with Jesus as recorded in Matthew 26:29.
We will not be married nor engage in sexual relation as told to us in Matthew 22:30.
Some of the limitations of movement will disappear, as Jesus showed by appearing in a closed room in Luke 24:36 and by suddenly disappearing in Luke 24:31.

The resurrection of the dead is part of the Gospel message (e.g. Acts 4:2), not our going to heaven.

After the Last Judgment, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where we will live with our new bodies. The heavenly Jerusalem will come down from heaven and be on earth. God the Father and God the Son will be there when we read Revelation 21. Heaven and earth have become one. Heaven has come to earth. But because when we use the word ‘heaven’ normally we do not think about dirt, trees, and rivers, it is best to use the term ‘new earth’ for the place where we will spend eternity with God.

Those who have died in Christ until the second coming will be souls/spirits, and then will be physically raised and reunited to have a physically glorified body as Lord Jesus now has

 

[Marilyn C]

I will do my best and thanks for asking. I do not know if my understanding will be yours but I will try. I can not do it in a short answer so bear with me.

When Jesus was dying on the cross, He told the criminal who believed in Him: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Paul expressed the same confidence that after death he would be with Christ in Philippians 1:23.........
“My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better”.

So, to me it is clear that we, if we believe, will be with Christ after we die.
That is heaven, where Jesus is as seen in Acts 3:21, where God is as seen in Matthew 23:9, and where the angels are as seen in Matt.22:30.

As we understand, the body we now have is just a ‘tent’ according to 2 Corinthians 5:1, and when we die we go home to be with God as told to us in 2 Corinthians 5:8.

Now, having established that those Bible facts, allow me to say that being a human is having a body. Also, we know that the body we now have is not that great because it has all kinds of limitations. It knows sickness, pain, deteriorates, and eventually dies.

But there will come a day when we will get a new, glorified body on the new earth. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul compares the body that we have now with a seed, and the new body that we will get in the resurrection with a plant. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 reads.............
“What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. Sown in dishonor; raised in glory. Sown in weakness; raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body”.

Also, we understand from the Bible that Yet being in heaven is just a half-way station.

The Bible tells us howour resurrection bodies will be. We can still eat as seen in Luke 24:43.
We will drink wine with Jesus as recorded in Matthew 26:29.
We will not be married nor engage in sexual relation as told to us in Matthew 22:30.
Some of the limitations of movement will disappear, as Jesus showed by appearing in a closed room in Luke 24:36 and by suddenly disappearing in Luke 24:31.

The resurrection of the dead is part of the Gospel message (e.g. Acts 4:2), not our going to heaven.

After the Last Judgment, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where we will live with our new bodies. The heavenly Jerusalem will come down from heaven and be on earth. God the Father and God the Son will be there when we read Revelation 21. Heaven and earth have become one. Heaven has come to earth. But because when we use the word ‘heaven’ normally we do not think about dirt, trees, and rivers, it is best to use the term ‘new earth’ for the place where we will spend eternity with God.

Hi Major,

Thank you for your detailed reply. Now I did notice that you had no scriptures to connect us to the New Jerusalem. That, to me seems an assumption. So, we really need to look at more of God`s word on this great topic.

Now we have been with one of my husband`s brothers at his place by the beach. Our two weeks are up as we planned and will be heading off back home tomorrow. We will take our time and visit people on the way. All that to say I won`t be able to discuss properly till we get home in early September. Then I would like to discuss more with you and others on the topic of -

Christ`s seat of power and authority given of the Father. We, His Body will be with Him, so where would that be?

I would like that on another thread as it is an off shoot of this current topic.

all the best, Marilyn.

 

[Major]

Hi Major,

Thank you for your detailed reply. Now I did notice that you had no scriptures to connect us to the New Jerusalem. That, to me seems an assumption. So, we really need to look at more of God`s word on this great topic.

Now we have been with one of my husband`s brothers at his place by the beach. Our two weeks are up as we planned and will be heading off back home tomorrow. We will take our time and visit people on the way. All that to say I won`t be able to discuss properly till we get home in early September. Then I would like to discuss more with you and others on the topic of -

Christ`s seat of power and authority given of the Father. We, His Body will be with Him, so where would that be?

I would like that on another thread as it is an off shoot of this current topic.

all the best, Marilyn.

Rev. 21:2...........
"And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

Is the Church the bride of Christ???? YES it is!

Ephesians 5:25-27...........
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."
Rev. 19:7-9........
"Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

Rev. 21:1-6..............
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

As for your question on Christs seat of power and authority, I would say with all confidence that In the eternal state, the Lord Jesus Christ will have a throne on the new earth and will reign from the new Jerusalem as that is what I understand from Rev. 21:1-3; 22:1-3.

Then, At the same time, Christ’s throne in heaven will remain forever because that is what we read in Rev. 4:1-11.

But Christ won’t physically sit on either of those thrones at all times. Christ’s thrones in both heaven and earth teach that He reigns over all things in the eternal state. The Body of Christ will reign in Christ from our eternal position in the heavenly places according to Eph. 2:6, while believing Israel will reign in Christ from their eternal position on the new earth in the new Jerusalem as recorded in Rev. 22:5.

 

[Marilyn C]

Rev. 21:2...........
"And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

Is the Church the bride of Christ???? YES it is!

Ephesians 5:25-27...........
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."
Rev. 19:7-9........
"Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

Rev. 21:1-6..............
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

As for your question on Christs seat of power and authority, I would say with all confidence that In the eternal state, the Lord Jesus Christ will have a throne on the new earth and will reign from the new Jerusalem as that is what I understand from Rev. 21:1-3; 22:1-3.

Then, At the same time, Christ’s throne in heaven will remain forever because that is what we read in Rev. 4:1-11.

But Christ won’t physically sit on either of those thrones at all times. Christ’s thrones in both heaven and earth teach that He reigns over all things in the eternal state. The Body of Christ will reign in Christ from our eternal position in the heavenly places according to Eph. 2:6, while believing Israel will reign in Christ from their eternal position on the new earth in the new Jerusalem as recorded in Rev. 22:5.

Hi Major,

We have a couple of days resting and with Wi-Fi I can reply now. I will comment on the first topic - the bride of Christ. Thank you for your scriptures that you see apply to this topic. However, I have some concerns about using Eph. 5: 25 - 27 as part of the doctrine of the bride of Christ.

1. The pronoun `her` in English refers back to a noun previously written. We do not see any scriptures in Eph. 1 - 4 that refer to the Body of Christ as a female. On the contrary we read of the Head of the Body, (male) writing through the Apostle Paul that His Body is the New Man, that He will bring to maturity of manhood in Himself, and that we are to put on the new man. (Eph. 2: 15 4: 13 4: 24)

Thus, Eph. 4: 25 - 27 cannot I believe, be used as part of the doctrine of the bride of Christ.

The pronoun is `it `referring to the body that `we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.`(Eph. 5: 30)

2. Also, a doctrine cannot be based upon a symbol or typology.

 

[Major]

Hi Major,

We have a couple of days resting and with Wi-Fi I can reply now. I will comment on the first topic - the bride of Christ. Thank you for your scriptures that you see apply to this topic. However, I have some concerns about using Eph. 5: 25 - 27 as part of the doctrine of the bride of Christ.

1. The pronoun `her` in English refers back to a noun previously written. We do not see any scriptures in Eph. 1 - 4 that refer to the Body of Christ as a female. On the contrary we read of the Head of the Body, (male) writing through the Apostle Paul that His Body is the New Man, that He will bring to maturity of manhood in Himself, and that we are to put on the new man. (Eph. 2: 15 4: 13 4: 24)

Thus, Eph. 4: 25 - 27 cannot I believe, be used as part of the doctrine of the bride of Christ.

The pronoun is `it `referring to the body that `we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.`(Eph. 5: 30)

2. Also, a doctrine cannot be based upon a symbol or typology.

I understand your concern. However, for ME it is enough to make ME understand. When I take all the Scriptures on this topic, I am totally statisfied that the Church is the Bride of Christ.

To that I add.........
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” – Revelation 19:7.

1 Corth. 11:2.....
"For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ."

Isaiah 62:5​

“As a young man marries a young woman, so will your builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.”​

​

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.” – Matthew 25:1​

“For many are invited, but few are chosen.” – Matthew 22:14
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” – Revelation 21:2
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23

​

 

[forgiven61]

write their sermon for them

i have yet to write a sermon.. i preach what is given to me