Are some more blessed than others in heaven?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

timemeddler

Active member
Jul 13, 2023
449
201
43
#41
"keep his garments": the Laodiceans hadn't kept theirs.
yeah, on his person, I keep clothes in my drawers all the time, they aren't lost in any way., I just don't have immediate access to them for action.
 
Sep 23, 2023
847
76
28
#43
yeah, on his person, I keep clothes in my drawers all the time, they aren't lost in any way., I just don't have immediate access to them for action.
Ummm... what exactly are you getting at?

1 Jn 2:28 warns the little children to remain in Christ.
1 Jn 3:23 tells us how to abide: keep His commands.
1 Jn 5:21 tells us what is drawing the little children away: idolatry.

Now, as an example of what "idolatry" is: Galatians were committing idolatry.
Why?
"This persuasion does not come from Him Who calls you."
Where does it come from then? A demon. "Doctrines of demons".
Demons teach doctrines.
Paul says the idols the Gentiles worship are demons.
So, they "deserted God" and went after "idols"/"demons" by believing a false message.

That is one example, probably the most important one, of idolatry that leads people away from Christ--and, as such, they will not be clothed with Christ, because they're not abiding in Christ.
 

timemeddler

Active member
Jul 13, 2023
449
201
43
#44
for the topic, I suspect the main reason the bible doesn't talk about the blessing and rewards in heaven is probably because they're incomprensible to us, so the best they can do is use metaphors, and all the limitations that come with those.
 

Mem

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2014
7,163
2,177
113
#46
If WE, assuming you mean all people in heaven will be clothed with Christ righteousness, then why are we told the following?

Revelation 3:18
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see
Certainly, you have heard the saying, "Are ya buyin' what I'm sellin'?" said with an underlying understanding that 'you should.'?
 
Aug 27, 2023
823
211
43
#47
More like I said you were using the same tactics that the father of all lies does, to change what was
said and then create a false narrative around it as if you are honestly representing what transpired
when you are not, simply because I had said that in 16 years doing apologetics online I'd never heard
a Christian saying men were angels before being born and will be again at the end of this age.


It was a simple statement of fact which you twisted into me having said something else and acting
as if somehow my saying that was intended to not only insult you but somehow be authoritative.
Then you tell me scholars smarter than me believe the same thing! So you falsely accuse me of trying
to use a logical fallacy that you then turn around to use against me. When called out on your errors you
refused to own up to them, put me on ignore, and then subsequently told me we could discuss anything.


Obviously it is difficult to discuss things with you when you constantly falsely interpret what I say.

I found nothing on Bullinger saying he believed men were and will again be angels.

What time line are you speaking of with your question of naked people in heaven? Right now those saved
are seated with Christ in the heavenly realm. At the end of this age all will stand before God for judgment.
Obviously those not saved will not be clothed in His righteousness.
I found nothing on Bullinger saying he believed men were and will again be angels.
Keep looking.

It is only by the Divine specific act of creation that any created being can be called "a son of God". For that which is "born of the flesh is flesh". God is spirit, and that which is "born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6). Hence Adam is called a "son of God" in Luke 3:38. Those "in Christ" having "the new nature" which is by the direct creation of God (2Cor. 5:17. Eph. 2:10) can be, and are called "sons of God" (John 1:13. Rom. 8:14, 15. 1John 3:1). (*1)
This is why angels are called "sons of God" in every other place where the expression is used in the Old Testament. Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7. Ps. 29:1; 89:6. Dan. 3:25 (no art.). (*2) We have no authority or right to take the expression in Gen. 6:2, 4 in any other sense. Moreover, in Gen. 6:2 the Sept. renders it "angels". Angels are called "spirits" (Ps. 104:4. Heb. 1:7, 14), for spirits are created by God.” EW ~ Bullinger

The word ruach occurs 389 times in the Hebrew O.T. n the A.V. it is rendered spirit in 237 passages (and no other word is rendered spirit except neshamah, "breath", in Job 26:4 and Prov. 20:27. See Ap. 16). In the remaining 152 places it is translated in 22 different ways, which are to be carefully distinguished.
[In the R.V. ruach is rendered spirit 224 times, and in the remaining 165 passages is rendered in many different ways.] The meaning of the word is to be deduced only from its usage. The one root idea running through all the passages is invisible force. As this force may be exerted in varying forms, and may be manifested in divers ways, so various renderings are necessitated, corresponding thereto.
Ruach, in whatever sense it is used, always represents that which is invisible except by its manifestations. These are seen both externally to man, as well as internally within man. As coming from God, it is the invisible origin of life. All apart from this is death. It comes from God, and returns to God (Ecc. 3:19, 20). Hence, ruach is used of :
  1. GOD,
    as being invisible. "The Spirit of Jehovah" is Jehovah Himself, in His manifestation of invisible power.
    2Sam. 23:2. Ps. 139:7 ( = Thee). Is. 40:13.

  2. THE HOLY SPIRIT:
    the Third Person of the Trinity.
    2Sam. 23:2. 1Kings 18:12; 22:24. 2Kings 2:16. 2Chron. 18:23. Neh. 9:20, 30. Job 26:13; 33:4. Isa. 40:13; 48:16; 59:19, 21; 61:1; 63:10, 1-4. Ezek. 3:12, 14 (1st); 8:3; 11:1, 24; 37:1; 43:5. Mic. 2:7; 3:8. Zech. 4:6; 6:8; 7:12. Mal. 2:15.

  3. INVISIBLE DIVINE POWER MANIFESTING ITSELF
    In creation. Gen. 1:2.
    In giving life. Ezek. 37:14.
    In executing judgment--
    "blast." Ex. 15:8. Isa. 37:7.
    "breath." 2Sam. 22:16. 2Kings 19:7. Job 4:9; 15:30. Ps. 18:15; 33:6. Isa. 11:4; 30:28.
    "spirit." Isa. 4:4; 28:6; 34:16; 40:7.

  4. INVISIBLE "POWER FROM ON HIGH", MANIFESTING ITSELF AS DIVINE POWER
    in giving spiritual gifts . Spoken of as coming upon, clothing, falling on, and being poured out. Rendered "Spirit", but should be "spirit".
    Gen. 41:38. Ex. 28:3; 31:3; 35:31. Num. 11:17, 25, 26, 29; 24:2; 27:8. Deut. 34:9. Judg. 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14. 1Sam. 10:6, 10; 11:6; 16:13, 14; 19:20, 23. 2Kings 2:9, 15. 1Chron. 12:18; 28:12. 2Chron. 15:1; 20:14; 24:20. Ps. 51:11, 12; 143:10. Prov. 1:23. Isa. 11:2.; 30:1; 32:15; 42:1, 5; 44:3; 59:21; 61:1; 63:11. Ezek. 2:2; 3:24; 11:5, 19; 36:27; 39:29. Dan. 4:8, 9 18; 5:11, 12, 14. Joel 2:28, 29. Hag. 2:5. Zech. 12:10.

  5. THE INVISIBLE PART OF MAN (Psychological).
    Given by God at man's formation at birth, and returning to God at his death.
    "Breath." Gen. 6:17; 7:15, 22. Job 9:18; 12:10; 17:1. Ps. 104:29; 135:17; 146:4. Ecc. 3:19. Jer. 10:14; 51:17. Lam. 4:20. Ezek. 37:5, 6, 8, 9, 10. Hab. 2:19. Zech. 12:1.
    "spirit." Gen. 6:3. Num. 16:22; 27:16. Job 27:3; 34:14. Ps. 31:5; 104:30. Ecc. 3:21; 8:8; 11:5; 12:7. Isa. 42:5. "Wind." Ezek. 37:9.

  6. THE INVISIBLE CHARACTERISTICS OF MAN;
    manifesting themselves in states of mind and feeling (by the Fig.Metonymy. See Ap. 6, p.11).
    "Mind." Gen. 26:35. Prov. 29:11. Ezek. 11:5; 20:32. Dan. 5:20. Hab. 1:11.
    "Breath." Job 19:17 ( = manner).
    "Courage." Josh. 2:11.
    "Anger." Judg. 8:3.
    "Blast." Isa. 25:4.
    "Spirit." Gen. 41:8; 45:27. Ex. 6:9; 35:21. Num. 5:14, 30; 14:24. Josh. 5:1. Judg. 15:19. 1Sam. 1:15; 30:12. 1Kings 10:5; 21:5. 1Chron. 5:26. 2Chron. 9:4; 21:16; 36:22. Ezra 1:1, 5. Job 6:4; 7:11; 10:12; 15:13; 20:3; 21:4; 32:8, 18. Ps. 32:2; 34:18; 51:10, 11, 12, 17; 76:12; 78:8; 142:3; 143:4, 7. Prov. 11:13; 14:29; 15:4, 13; 16:2, 18, 19, 32; 17:22, 27; 18:14; 25:28; 29:23. Ecc. 1:14, 17; 2:11, 17, 26; 4:4, 6, 16; 6:9; 7:8, 9; 10:4. Isa. 19:3, 14; 26:9; 29:10, 24; 33:11; 38:16; 54:6; 57:15, 16; 61:3; 65:14; 66:2. Jer. 51:11. Ezek. 13:3. Dan. 7:15. Hos. 4:12; 5:4. Mic. 2:11 (by Hendiadys (Ap. 6), for a false of lying spirit).

  7. Put by the Fig. Synecdoche for THE WHOLE PERSON (see Ap. 6).
    Ps.3,6; 106.33 Ezek. 21.7. Dan. 2.1,3 Mal. 2. 15,16

  8. INVISIBLE SPIRIT-BEINGS.
    "Angels." Ps. 104:4.
    "Cherubim." Ezek 1:12,20, 21; 10:17.
    Neutral spirit-beings. Job 4:15. Isa. 31:3.
    Evil angels. Judg. 9:23. 1Sam. 16:14, 15, 16, 23; 18:10; 19:9. 1Kings 22:21, 22, 23. 2Chron. 18:20, 21, 22. Zech. 13:2.

  9. THE INVISIBLE MANIFESTATIONS OF THE ATMOSPHERE.
    Temperature. Gen. 3:8 ("cool").
    Air.
    "Wind" or "winds" in every place where the words "wind" or "winds" occur.
    "Whirlwind." Ezek. 1:4.
    "Windy." Ps. 55:8.
    "Spirits." Zech. 6:5.
    "Air." Job 41:16.
    "Tempest." Ps. 11:6.
    "Blast." Ex. 15:8. 2Kings 19:7. Isa. 25:4; 37:7.
    "Quarters" (of the four winds). 1Chron. 9:24.
    "Side" or "sides" (of the four winds). Jer. 52:23. Ezek. 42:16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
 
Aug 27, 2023
823
211
43
#48
for the topic, I suspect the main reason the bible doesn't talk about the blessing and rewards in heaven is probably because they're incomprensible to us, so the best they can do is use metaphors, and all the limitations that come with those.
That surely can be the case …. as it is written;

Ecclesiastes 8
I tried to understand all that happens on earth. I saw how busy people are, working day and night and hardly ever sleeping. 17 I also saw all that God has done. Nobody can understand what God does here on earth. No matter how hard people try to understand it, they cannot. Even if wise people say they understand, they cannot; no one can really understand it.

If we can’t understand earthly things, surely we can’t understand heavily things.

John 3
12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

1 Corinthians 2
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.”
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
60,348
29,595
113
#49
@evyaniy do you agree that men were angels before being born into this world, and
will be again following the resurrection and judgment of all at the end of this age?


Just trying to determine the reason for your thumbs up on post #47...
 
E

evyaniy

Guest
#50
@evyaniy do you agree that men were angels before being born into this world, and
will be again following the resurrection and judgment of all at the end of this age?


Just trying to determine the reason for your thumbs up on post #47...
Removed it.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
60,348
29,595
113
#51
Ecclesiastes 8 I tried to understand all that happens on earth. I saw how busy people are, working
day and night and hardly ever sleeping. 17 I also saw all that God has done. Nobody can understand
what God does here on earth. No matter how hard people try to understand it, they cannot. Even if
wise people say they understand, they cannot; no one can really understand it.

Ecclesiastes1-17-18
:)
 

seekingthemindofChrist

Casting down imaginations
Jul 10, 2023
1,178
573
113
#52
for the topic, I suspect the main reason the bible doesn't talk about the blessing and rewards in heaven is probably because they're incomprensible to us, so the best they can do is use metaphors, and all the limitations that come with those.
Truth be told, our rewards will not be received until the time of the second coming of Christ. Until then, they are reserved for us in heaven (1 Peter 1:4), but we will receive them when Christ returns to this earth.

Matthew 16:27

"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."

Revelation 11:15-18

"And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth."

Revelation 22:12

"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."
 
E

evyaniy

Guest
#53
Could the rewards be in our capacity to experience joy? Not like an artificial high but in a tangible real way through understanding what your efforts to spread the word and save others contributed to those around you being there. Could that be our reward? The gratefulness of your fellow believers for your help to them being there.

And it is exponential because those who may be saved through some kind thing you did for them may end up contributing to many more receiving Salvation. We will never know what our small acts of caring resulted in till we meet those who were helped and saved partly as a result of something we did, with us in heaven.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,347
6,653
113
62
#55
Could the rewards be in our capacity to experience joy? Not like an artificial high but in a tangible real way through understanding what your efforts to spread the word and save others contributed to those around you being there. Could that be our reward? The gratefulness of your fellow believers for your help to them being there.

And it is exponential because those who may be saved through some kind thing you did for them may end up contributing to many more receiving Salvation. We will never know what our small acts of caring resulted in till we meet those who were helped and saved with us in heaven.
This is an interesting take. I've considered it might be our capacity to experience God, which may be a little more broad than just the capacity to experience joy.
 
E

evyaniy

Guest
#56
Have you ever been moved to tears of joy over something good and unexpected that happens? It can be like a revelation that gives you hope that good is actually possible and things could change for the better. The Dobbs vs Jackson overturning Roe was a recent example. It seemed impossible till it was finally announced. People marched every year for 50 years praying for that or even a better outcome. Even broken hearts because of all the wickedness we experience here is an act of repentance and hope and faith that better can happen.
 
Jun 20, 2022
6,460
1,330
113
#57
you want Rewards in Heaven?

God, wants to help People.
He, generally wants to especially help the poor, hurting, suffering, lonely, lost, alone, abused...

God, Helps These Precious People, by giving ME the idea to buy food for them, give them money, help them do something in need, say something to them encouraging about God, and so forth.

each time we [[LISTEN]] to these thoughts/feelings/urges, that are indeed COMING from the Holy Spirit, we KNOW, God, wants to Help Someone and He is telling Me to do it.

it looks like i gave these people Food/Money/Encouragement, but in reality, it is GOD, DOING HIS WORKS through me.


and eventually what happens, God tells you to do things, and You do them, GOD then gives you [[MORE Responsibility]] and tells you to now go Preach/Teach/whatever it may be.

So, You, went from Level One to hearing God and doing by giving Food/Money/Encouragement.
then GOD gives you [[MORE Responsibility]] and you keep listening to God and doing as God Commands. <--- More Responsibility is a New Level for what God is asking you to do.

but the more we Hear, Obey, the more God gives us to do. that is increasing the LEVEL of Heavenly Rewards.



it's never we did this.

it's always, God did this, but, God was able to do it through YOU!
 
L

Locoponydirtman

Guest
#59
Answer to title question. Yes.
 
E

evyaniy

Guest
#60
Enter into the joy of your Adonai.

Of course, He will be the most joyous having been responsible for saving everyone there.