INTRODUCTION

One of the most illusive concepts of the Christian faith involves the idea of heaven. In beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Man was some time later taken from the dust and set upon the ground. Since then man with a limited view has gazed upwards with wonder concerning heaven and his own purpose.

From the very beginning from a secular point of view, it is recognized that early man must have believed in another life beyond the seen dimension of this earth. Archeological discoveries of the proposed Neanderthal age show these people buried articles thought to be of value in an afterlife with their dead. Ancient Egyptians did the same adding live servants and great wealth in large tombs to assist in the next life. Experiencing God’s creation naturally demonstrates the invisible qualities of His eternal power and divine nature. It is so “plain” men are without excuse before Him.  

Romans 1:18-20

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. NIV

Paul says it is man’s wickedness that blinds him to the plain truth of God and His Kingdom. Godlessness and wickedness of men suppress the truth. Without doubt from Paul’s language here we know God wants men to see His truth and understand the invisible things we cannot see concerning God and His eternal kingdom in heaven.

As scientists learn more about this world, many are coming to the conclusion of “intelligent design[1]” from their observations. The world is just to complex for random processes in accidental assembly to be responsible for what we view before us. More students of science are now speaking and meeting with discussion of other new terms like, “specified complexity,” due to the specific complex repetitive pattern of the creation. The specific pattern seen over and over must be by “intelligent design.” Baylor University in April 2000 hosted an intelligent design conference that was attended by several members of the National Academy of Sciences and included two Nobel laureates.

Our questions about God seem to be changing. As we learn more about our world the question is no longer, “Does God and heaven exist?” Anyone with eyes open beholding all around us must admit only an intelligent power beyond this earth has ordered the universe. Our inquiries then aspire to a greater understanding of what we know deep within ourselves to be true. There is a God in heaven. Heaven exists invisible to our present senses. Where is it? What is it like? How do I get there? Does it have a history and past? Who else is there? What do they do there? Does it change? Our questions abound.

The term heaven itself has deep underlying meaning to all men. It transcends all culture and religion. Every religion has some concept of heaven even if it is atheism believing heaven must be on the earth.

Authors often create expressions of this mysterious place. One search of an Internet Christian Bookstore revealed 264 titles with the word “heaven.” Most of these use heaven as a simile. “Heaven is like….” using the word to equate paradise, bliss, comfort, peace, ecstasy, hope, love and more. In the dictionary the word heaven is the completion of expected results or desires. How many have used the term “cloud nine” in reference to an event or feeling? Our modern word “rapture” in relation to the Lord’s coming to take His own to heaven speaks of ecstasy, elation, and excitement.

Another trend seen in modern current Christian literature about heaven is that of a temporal focus. Many popular current works present heaven as the temporal fulfillment of our earthly desires. Those desires of the flesh never fulfilled will finally come to fruition. These works appeal to the flesh and help sell in the Christian market. For example, a young man with physical handicaps may believe in heaven he will be able to play all the sports he never had the opportunity to enjoy on earth. Heaven brings the realization of fleshly desires. God though has something much greater than the ultimate completion of worldly goals. 

In my experience this cartoon[2] represents a large portion of Christians in today’s world. Most do not want or need details about heaven. However, God made some people with a thirst for more. This book is for the Thomas’s of life – we who want to know how, why, when, where and who?

The goal of this study proposes to excite your mind and soul with an eternal focus upon this undiscovered country we call heaven. The purpose is motivational to greater loving service of our Sovereign King rather than “knowledge” that puffs one up in pride. Remember while reading just like any journey one can not really know the intricate details of a place till actual arrival. Still yet, hoping in something not seen, God has given us much to think about in His Word to us. May these words stimulate your joy of spirit as you await your turn for the trip to that final home.

Finally if you do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord may you answer His Spirit as He calls you through His Word. God loves you more than one can ever know.

                        Isaiah 45:21-25

21 Declare what is to be, present it--let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. 22 "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. 23 By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. 24 They will say of me, 'In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.'" All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame. 25 But in the LORD all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exult. NIV