Help with Heaven.

[Dai3234]

Hello, I am finding it difficult to think of "the things above" in heaven, rather than earthly annoyances, because the words about heaven to me, seem a bit pointless?

If we are not going to remember this world when we go to heaven, basically not be ourselves because we're clean "children", then what is my hope? Only to go to heaven but not know It? Because I won't be me anymore?

Someone help make this seem more positive please. Thanks.

 

[Marano]

I don't know for sure that we'll forget everything in heaven or in the new jerusalem subsequently, if anyone thinks that, I'd like to see scripture pointing in that direction.

 

[resurrection33]

Hello, I am finding it difficult to think of "the things above" in heaven, rather than earthly annoyances, because the words about heaven to me, seem a bit pointless?

If we are not going to remember this world when we go to heaven, basically not be ourselves because we're clean "children", then what is my hope? Only to go to heaven but not know It? Because I won't be me anymore?

Someone help make this seem more positive please. Thanks.

I would suggest you are making incorrect assumptions about heaven. Have you read this?:

And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power." Mark 9:1 RSV

And this?:

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matt 4:17 RSV

 

[reneweddaybyday]

1 Cor 3:13-15 tells us: Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

So we know that some things will remain.

In vs 15, the loss suffered is loss of what would have remained if we had endured in faith.


As far as whether you will be "you" in eternity, 1 Cor 13:12 tells us 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.

God sees us not as we are during this lifetime, but as we are in eternity.

Because we are finite, we only see ourselves as we appear within the limitations of our lifetime on this earth.


A couple more verses pertaining to eternity which are so amazing:

Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.


1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.


2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 

[PrynceNY]

You will be you just in a incorruptible glorified body. I don't know what you mean by not be ourselves. Your flesh is limited, the body the lord gives you is capable of things beyond comprehension. As the scriptures says we will be like the angels.

 

[wwjd_kilden]

Good question.
I've wondered a bit about this, and my theory (THEORY!) is that we will remember things, but not feel sorrow / regret over the bad things. Because we know they are all in the past and forgiven.

 

[tourist]

Hello, I am finding it difficult to think of "the things above" in heaven, rather than earthly annoyances, because the words about heaven to me, seem a bit pointless?

If we are not going to remember this world when we go to heaven, basically not be ourselves because we're clean "children", then what is my hope? Only to go to heaven but not know It? Because I won't be me anymore?

Someone help make this seem more positive please. Thanks.

I believe that we will still have our memories of our life on earth.

 

[Dai3234]

Isaiah 65:17, hints at forgetting, saying the things of old will be forgotten, roughly.

 

[MavundaB]

Laughing out loud!
I like the fact that your are Real. Meaning you are realistic and truthful about the feelings you develop after reading your Bible. Not many can be so bold to write such a post.
Let me telling a feeling that I usual have after reading the book of Revelation, especially the part were in heaven praises,thanks,ect, are sang continously to our Lord and God. I always develop a feeling of exhaustion, but immediately rebuke that feeling, and conclude that I rather sing praises forever than to burn in hell!...
Thanks for sharing that thought,and thanks for being Real.

 

[Desertsrose]

Hi Dai,

Isaiah 65:17
For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;
And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind.

Revelation 21:1-5
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”
And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

My thoughts are how could we not have sorrow and pain when loved ones or friends are not with us. There's no more crying, sorrow or pain because we won't recall our former life.

You will still be yourself, but your body will be new. We will have resurrected bodies, but the new heart, the new person we are now today, we still will be that same person only without sin. What a glorious day that will be. No more crying, suffering, pain, sin, etc. Hallelujah!!!

 

[Dai3234]

Laughing out loud!
I like the fact that your are Real. Meaning you are realistic and truthful about the feelings you develop after reading your Bible. Not many can be so bold to write such a post.
Let me telling a feeling that I usual have after reading the book of Revelation, especially the part were in heaven praises,thanks,ect, are sang continously to our Lord and God. I always develop a feeling of exhaustion, but immediately rebuke that feeling, and conclude that I rather sing praises forever than to burn in hell!...
Thanks for sharing that thought,and thanks for being Real.

Yeah, kind of stuck trying to look a positive that isn't just, not burning in hell, forever.

If im me, in some way, it could be great. But if in not, then being born again, again, is what occurs, isn't it? But total rebirth of thought etc.

Im just trying to find out if in not seeing something, like explanatioñs and meanings about praising God and having joy in heaven etc.

Is there any separate mild hint of doing these things, in a different view from what most read etc. Will we learn and have fun or basically be joyed up robots?

 

[Desertsrose]

John MacArthur says this:

In heaven there will be no sin, suffering, sorrow, or pain. We will never do anything to displease God. There will be no persecution, division, disunity, or hate. In heaven there will be no quarrels or disagreements. There will be no disappointments. There will be no weeping because there will be nothing to make us sad.

We will then know perfect pleasure. Psalm 16:11 says, "In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Everything that now makes us groan will finally be done away with, and we will find ourselves in the very presence of God, where the purest and truest kind of pleasure is possible.

In heaven we will also have perfect knowledge. Paul writes, "Then I shall know just as I also am known" (1 Cor. 13:12). We will have no more unanswered questions, no confusion, no ignorance, and no more need to walk by faith rather than by sight.
We will live in perfect comfort. We will never experience one uncomfortable moment. We will finally know perfect love. We will love God perfectly and will be loved perfectly by Him for all eternity. His love will engulf us forever.

We could summarize by saying that heaven is a place of perfect joy. Think of it--we will finally be perfectly free from evil forever. We will never again have a selfish desire or utter useless words. We will never perform another unkind deed or think a sinful thought. We will be perfectly liberated from our captivity to sin, and finally able to do that which is absolutely righteous, holy, and perfect before God.

With sin and its effects erased forever, it will be a life of unimaginable blessing!

 

[MattforJesus]

Hello, I am finding it difficult to think of "the things above" in heaven, rather than earthly annoyances, because the words about heaven to me, seem a bit pointless?

If we are not going to remember this world when we go to heaven, basically not be ourselves because we're clean "children", then what is my hope? Only to go to heaven but not know It? Because I won't be me anymore?

Someone help make this seem more positive please. Thanks.

Isa 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2Pe 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
2Pe 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

It is the only way it can be,and no way else,but you will not lose your identity,for you will not know about your identity on earth,so it will not be missed,but when at the New Jerusalem it will seem familiar,for you will have the Spirit forever,and the saints,and the angels,will always felt they have been there,and nowhere else.

The former earth shall pass away,and shall not be remembered,or come to mind,for it is associated with sin and rebellion,and the saints do not have to feel sad for those they knew did not make it.

The New Jerusalem is a place where sin has never been,and sin will never be,and rebellion will never come up again.

The only thing that will continue on from the earth is charity,love in action.

This is the only way it can be to forget the past,and the angels,and saints,start fresh,and remember nothing of sin,and rebellion.

There is no male and female in heaven,for there is no gender between angels,or saints.The only thing that separates a man and a woman is the flesh,but they will put that off,and have a glorified body.The saints will not rememeber any of their relatives,or friends,in the New Jerusalem.You could be next to your dad or mom,and would not even know it,for to know it would mean remembering the earth.

 

[OneFaith]

Hello, I am finding it difficult to think of "the things above" in heaven, rather than earthly annoyances, because the words about heaven to me, seem a bit pointless?

If we are not going to remember this world when we go to heaven, basically not be ourselves because we're clean "children", then what is my hope? Only to go to heaven but not know It? Because I won't be me anymore?

Someone help make this seem more positive please. Thanks.

The Bible says in heaven we will recognize each other by our good works. And you will be yourself- the person you are right now for the rest of eternity. It is only a matter of whether you are clean or not, and whether you are in heaven or hell. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man could see, feel, and talk. He didn't change- he still thought of himself first, and wanted others to serve him. He had the same personality that he did on the earth.

Do not think heaven will be boring. There is something there that our human minds cannot comprehend. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can conceive what God has prepared for those who love Him." Besides, no matter what it is, it will be far better than the only other option.

This is why God gave us an imagination. With it we can walk with Jesus in a garden, we can fly in space and grab a star, we can go to God's very throne and have a conversation with Him, all within our minds. What we hope for now will become reality. I get so lost deep in thought that even if someone tried to interrupt me to tell me my foot is on fire, I would say "Wait a minute, I'm thinking about God right now."

Jesus gave many parables- fish, wheat, lions, sheep, the stories in Revelation. With all the movies you've seen in your life, it's easy to imagine any scenario. All that is important is you express love for God in your heart, and you don't view your thoughts as scripture, or secret messages from God.

I am never bored in my mind, and I always have a mental escape from the stresses of this life. But in order to "Go to your happy place" you need to create it first. God gives you a head start. He says "Be still, and know that I AM God."

 

[Nehemiah6]

Hello, I am finding it difficult to think of "the things above" in heaven, rather than earthly annoyances, because the words about heaven to me, seem a bit pointless?

If we are not going to remember this world when we go to heaven, basically not be ourselves because we're clean "children", then what is my hope? Only to go to heaven but not know It? Because I won't be me anymore?

Someone help make this seem more positive please. Thanks.

Here is how to make Heaven practically positive. Imagine that you accidentally fell into a septic tank and have been struggling to get out of that filthy and awfully smelly place. Along comes a neighbor, winches you out, hoses you down, and then invites you to his home for a proper bath, brand new clothes, and an outstanding meal. Would you then enjoy thinking about your past predicament, or would you bask in the sunshine and the fantastic surroundings which have been provide to you at no cost?

 

[breno785au]

Yeah, kind of stuck trying to look a positive that isn't just, not burning in hell, forever.

If im me, in some way, it could be great. But if in not, then being born again, again, is what occurs, isn't it? But total rebirth of thought etc.

Im just trying to find out if in not seeing something, like explanatioñs and meanings about praising God and having joy in heaven etc.

Is there any separate mild hint of doing these things, in a different view from what most read etc. Will we learn and have fun or basically be joyed up robots?

Two things.

Answering your original question. What makes our consciousness is spiritual, not fleshly so we will be ourselves when we pass on.

Secondly, I touched on this briefly in another thread recently. I hear people say we will be worshipping God 24/7 in heaven. What I'm about to say is what I have taken in understanding of scriptures and is opinion, so readers, take it as you will.
I don't think we will be worshipping God in prostration as such 24/7 considering we will be inheriting the new earth in our glorified bodies. So I think we will live like we do now, as a society, a community, but in perfection as intended and worshipping God 24/7 in all our thoughts and actions... We'll pretty much as we ought now but without the war within ourselves.
This is all off the top off my head quickly at myunch break at work and I'm sorry if I haven't articulated myself properly lol

 

[Depleted]

Hello, I am finding it difficult to think of "the things above" in heaven, rather than earthly annoyances, because the words about heaven to me, seem a bit pointless?

If we are not going to remember this world when we go to heaven, basically not be ourselves because we're clean "children", then what is my hope? Only to go to heaven but not know It? Because I won't be me anymore?

Someone help make this seem more positive please. Thanks.

Same you except all that disability you've got going for you now. Same you except none of that frustration you got going now. Same you, except sinning is obsolete. Same you, minus the body decaying around you. Same you finally doing what you were created to do -- worship the Lord effortlessly and joyfully eternally. Where's the problem?

 

[oldethennew]

you are going to find out for the very first time, just WHO the REAL me IS,
and what your Holy Saviour has in store for you...

 

[Dai3234]

In thinking the forgetting of the old things, is more like forgetting you've moved house. Permanently. But the other way round. Ive forgotten so much over the years, so forgetting bad things, when I've forgotten some already, shouldn't be too different, I think?

 

[notbythesword]

Hello, I am finding it difficult to think of "the things above" in heaven, rather than earthly annoyances, because the words about heaven to me, seem a bit pointless?

If we are not going to remember this world when we go to heaven, basically not be ourselves because we're clean "children", then what is my hope? Only to go to heaven but not know It? Because I won't be me anymore?

Someone help make this seem more positive please. Thanks.

I don’t believe you’re going to lose yourself or your identity if that’s what you’re afraid of. Now the desire to sin or disobey when enveloped in such glory and righteousness may indeed cause you to lose certain desires, yet, I personally believe you will still be you. Satan and some of the angels (who followed in his footsteps) were originally in heaven after all. Seems that they were still able to make conscious decisions…even if they were stupid ones.


I would think that the desires of the flesh wouldn’t be much of a factor any longer when in the kingdom of God. The prior sins and unrighteous deeds that we might be ashamed of, would be something that I think most of us would actually want to let go of. At least I would.


If you believe and trust that God loves you and likens His followers as His own children, then you have nothing to worry about. Wouldn’t you, as a loving father, give things to you children that pleased them? Wouldn’t you desire for them to be happy? If God is our Father, then I don’t worry about heaven at all. I look forward to it.