“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” – John 15:7-8
Heaven is an oft-debated topic.
Dozens of songs mention heaven. Amazon offers more than 30,000 books on the topic. Stories of people who died, and supposedly visited heaven before regaining life, are mesmerizing reading.
None of us, of course, can describe the conditions of heaven.
Scripture helps. Hanging from the cross, Jesus told two condemned criminals hanging next to him that they would soon join him in “paradise.” Psalms 19:1 declares that “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.”
Sounds like a pretty neat place. So where is heaven? What is its relationship with earth? How do we connect with it?
Or, is heaven an ideal society of sorts, one that we can build here with manmade means? Many philosophers have dreamed of such utopian engineering through the years … although none have made their plans work.
Or should we do we do nothing until Jesus returns, and takes us to heaven?
Ponderous questions, all. How are we to know the answers?
Accepting the Commission
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” – Matthew 28:16-20
This is the Great Commission, of course. It’s Christ’s powerful commandment to pursue evangelism. It’s not a suggestion, or an option. He’s telling us to do it – no explanation involved, or questions asked.
He does so under powerful auspices: “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.” Heaven, once again! In this context, heaven is where God’s will is fully experienced, manifested through Jesus.
There’s ample evidence, too. Christ performed many miracles. Walked through walls. Disappeared (and reappeared) before others. And, of course, rose from the dead.
The instances that we call “miracles,” God defines as everyday life. In a recent C-Suite for Christ gathering, a member told his story of facing a dire medical diagnosis … only to have his tests suddenly return clear, his illness gone. Perhaps, in the world of heaven to come, miracles will be normal.
In the meantime, as Matthew 28:16-20 describes, we are all under authority to Jesus. We can embody God’s purposes by following the Great Commission. This is a directive straight from heaven. The message is quite clear.
God’s kingdom of heaven transcends all. If you follow the stories of those who have supposedly died and returned, it’s a wondrous, calm, peaceful place. The Great Commission invites us to step into the flourishing of this kingdom. Let’s do so – boldly, courageously and faithfully.
(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)
