heaven – La Vista Church of Christ

Received into Eternal Dwellings

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:37:04 +0000

by Edwin Crozier

Many things about what we often call the Parable of the Dishonest Manager in Luke 16 give us trouble. I’m sure you could ask all kinds of questions I couldn’t answer. However, Jesus’s statement in Luke 16:9 explains His point, even if it doesn’t answer every question we have about the story.

As we walk this life, we are stewards. We steward God's great blessings. Nothing we have is our own. It all belongs to God. The question is whether we are exercising our stewardship shrewdly, wisely, and sensibly. Jesus used a dishonest or unrighteous steward as His example. However, even though he was dishonest and unrighteous, he was shrewd.

Jesus explained that the people of the world are often more shrewd than the sons of light are. In saying this, he recalled the Matthew 10:16 instruction to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” “Wise” here translates the same word as “shrewd” in Luke 16:8. We understand being innocent as doves, but shrewd as serpents? That doesn’t seem right.

We are not to be as unrighteous or dishonest as those in the world might be, but we are to be as shrewd. That is, we are to use the stewardship God has given us wisely. Then He explains the goal of using our stewardship wisely.

“Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.”

That is, use the world’s wealth to serve others so they enjoy God’s eternal dwellings. With such shrewdness, they will welcome us into the eternal dwellings when our time of stewardship ends.

This parable and Jesus’s explanation drive home an important point. What we do in this life goes beyond this life. The way we use our money. The way we treat other people. All of it ripples into eternity. Our lives and our influence do not end with our biological deaths.

Basically, Jesus’s point is that folks prepare a lot better for retirement than for eternity. The dishonest manager only thought about retirement. If we only use our money to prepare for retirement, we are no better off than the dishonest and unrighteous of the world. We need to use our money and every other blessing we have in this life to prepare for eternity. More than that, to help others prepare for eternity so they can welcome us into the eternal dwellings. That will be a meaningful life.

Our Rest

Jeffrey Hamilton — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:23:24 +0000

by Hugh DeLong

Rest? Interesting that God has given the concept of rest in so many different ways. He rested from His labor of creating. He gave Israel the seventh-day rest, then the seventh-year rest, then even the fiftieth-year rest. Joshua brought them into the land (Joshua 1:13; 21:44).

Yet, that was not their rest, for there was yet for them the promise of a greater rest, a spiritual rest. Jesus therefore invited. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

Being disciples of Jesus, we ‘are entering’ that rest. That can be understood in three tenses. We have entered in the sense that we became His disciples. We are entering. And we will enter when our earthly ‘labors’ are over. All of that for us is bound up in Jesus!

Thus, chapter 4 of Hebrews is a great encouragement to not grow weary. Notice all the “therefore’s” here:

"Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience" (Hebrews 4:11).
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession"(Hebrews 4:14).
"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

For the disciples of Jesus: “And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, 'Write, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them'” (Revelation 14:13).

Views of Heaven

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:08:14 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Views-of-Heaven.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Download Audio

Text: Revelation 21:1-4

I. Most cultures have some view of an afterlife

A. It is a logical conclusion. Either there is an afterlife or there is not.

1. If there is no afterlife, then life becomes meaningless. There is no reason to go through hardship and suffering. There is no reason to live nobly.

2. If there is an afterlife, what is it like?

a. Is it endless bliss for all? Then why live righteously?

b. Is it endless suffering for all? Then again, why live righteously?

c. If there are two destinies, then there is incentive to live to reach the blessed side.

B. We see belief in the afterlife in history

1. The Egyptians saw the afterlife as a continuation of their current life, if one was judged worthy. The preserving of the body was so that the soul after death could have a body. Items were placed in the tomb so the soul had wealth and slaves. Failure meant annihilation.

2. The Greeks saw the afterlife as a gloom, shadowy existence under the earth for everyone. The shades living there were seen as sorrowful and forgetful. A few heroes were granted the right to go to the Isles of the Blessed, but this wasn’t based on morality. It was seen as a divine favor. Yet, even here, the souls preferred life on earth to where they were.

3. The native Americans had their happy hunting ground

II. The biblical view

A. The patriarchs knew of life after death - Job 3:11-19

B. Even children lived on, as David knew - II Samuel 12:23

C. It is through the gospel that life and immortality are brought to light - II Timothy 1:10

D. Here we learn that the patriarchs of faith saw life on earth as temporary and they looked for a better place - Hebrews 11:9-16

E. Moses knew there was a greater reward that made hardships on earth insignificant - Hebrews 11:24-26

F. Those enduring the hardship would receive a greater reward - Matthew 5:11-12

G. How we live our lives affect our lives to come - Matthew 6:19-21

H. A place is being prepared for the faithful - John 14:1-4

I. Our home country is heaven - Philippians 3:20-21

J. It is for the saved - I Peter 1:3-5

K. The saved will dwell with God - Revelation 21:3; 22:3-4

L. There is no sun or night to mark the days. God is its light - Revelation 22:5

III. The Muslim’s view

A. One author described it as a “bedroom” heaven. It is described as a place where every wish or desire is fulfilled.

1. “A sensual paradise, with blooming gardens, fresh fountains, and an abundance of beautiful virgins” [Phillip Schaff, 1894]

2. “As to the various felicities which await the pious (and of which there are about a hundred degrees), they are a wild conglomeration of Jewish, Christian, Magian, and other fancies on the subject to which the Prophet’s own exceedingly sensual imagination has added very considerably. Feasting in the most gorgeous and delicious variety, the most costly and brilliant garments, odors and music of the most ravishing nature, and above all, the enjoyment of the Hur Al-Oyun, the black-eyed daughters of paradise, created of pure musk, and free from all the bodily weaknesses of the female sex, are held out as a reward to the commonest inhabitants of paradise, who will always remain in the full vigor of their youth and manhood” [McClintock and Strong, 1969].

3. “The Qur’an basically pictures heaven in terms of the life of seventh-century Arabia’s wealthiest nobles, men who enjoyed lavish feasts in lush private gardens, in the region’s richest oases. Being poor, most of Muhammad’s early followers only dreamt of such a life. Hence, this vision of the super-rich lifestyle, taken to the nth degree, had strong appeal to them. The Qur’an describes believers feasting in heaven amidst the richest of fabrics and furnishings, and of rivers flowing with not just fresh water—extremely scarce in the region—but also with milk, honey and wine” [Mark Anderson, “Muslim Views of Heaven,” Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies].

4. “Being firmly committed to the idea of physical resurrection, the Qur’an pictures believers enjoying consummate physical pleasure. Since we’re sexual beings, God’s provisions include everything believers need to be perfectly happy.” [Mark Anderson, “Muslim Views of Heaven,” Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies].

B. Women have a separate place since “they are not of a prominently spiritual nature,” and could not enjoy the male environment.

1. They believe the majority in hell are women due to their ingratitude toward their husbands.

2. “What about the reward of female believers in paradise? Judging by the fact that it says little about the topic, the Qur’an seems to have little interest in it:

a. It makes a few general statements to assure women that, being equally responsible to obey God, they’ll be rewarded along with their men (e.g. Q 4:124, 33:35).

b. But it otherwise pictures them only in relation to male believers, who will have their wives and children with them. (Q 36:56).

c. It never promises female believers sexual pleasure equivalent to that of their men, nor would any woman in Muhammad’s audience ever have expected such equality.

d. Indeed, the idea that women would have multiple heavenly male partners would have been as offensive to Muslims in Muhammad’s day, as today.

e. The Qur’an says nothing about how their husbands’ abundant sexual activity will affect their wives.” [Mark Anderson, “Muslim Views of Heaven,” Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies]

C. “God is presented as the believers’ host in paradise, with the best of those admitted favored with a vision of him. In qur’anic terms, they’re allowed to glimpse his face (Q 2:272, 13:22, 30:38-39, 56:11, 75:22-23, 83:24, 28). This joy is reserved for only some, however, and it suggests neither the intimacy of personal friendship with God nor of union with God.” [Mark Anderson, “Muslim Views of Heaven,” Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies].

IV. The Mormon view

A. Joseph Smith claimed there are three heavenly realms

1. The Celestial realm is blessed by the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is reserved for the faithful who accept the fullness of the Mormon belief, those who would have accepted it if they had been given the opportunity, children who had not each an age to accountable for their actions, and those who entered the covenant of “celestial marriage.” Eventually, all of these can eventually evolve into gods.

2. The Terrestrial realm is blessed by the presence of the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is for those who reject the Mormon belief, but are still morally good. It is also for those who had accepted the gospel but did not remain faithful and those who had “benefitted” from the baptism of the dead” (post-mortem salvation). Also, it includes those who never were exposed to the truth.

3. The Telestial realm (a made-up word) is for those who reject the Mormon gospel, liars, murderers, adulterers, and whoremongers. These experience the fires of hell but will be rescued from torment when Christ finishes his work. In other words, this is modeled after the Roman Catholic idea of pergatory. Only the Holy Spirit visits this place.

4. Only Satan, his angels, and those who commit the unpardonable sin are left in the Telestial realm.

V. The Jehovah’s Witnesses view

A. The Jehovah’s Witnesses concluded “the final number of the heavenly church will be 144,000, according to God’s decree” [Let God Be True, p. 113, 1946].

B. The rest of humanity will live on God’s glorified earth.

C. This idea is actually not unique to the Jehovah’s Witnesses. It was popular in the late 1800s

D. Commonly sited passages:

1. Isaiah 65:17

a. But notice that Isaiah 65:20 says people still die.

b. And people are still working and having children - Isaiah 65:23

c. Jesus said in heaven there is no marriage - Matthew 22:30

d. This is talking about a new order: the age of the church

2. Isaiah 66:22

a. Notice that Isaiah 66:20 talks about God’s holy mountain (Isaiah 2:2-4), which is a reference to the church.

b. There is still death - Isaiah 66:24

c. There is still a moon and a counting of days - Isaiah 66:23

d. This is again symbolically talking about the new age when the church is established.

3. II Peter 3:13

a. It cannot be this present world - II Peter 3:10-12

b. This is referring to another new order: life in heaven

4. Revelation 21:1

a. Again, it says the current earth passed away

b. This again is referring to heaven symbolically

VI. The Atheist’s view

A. They deny that there is any after life, and thus, there is no heavn.

B. Death is merely a mechanical process. The brain stops functioning, and your existence ends.

C. But have you notice that we have funerals and cemeteries for loved ones, but not for cars?

D. If there is nothing after death, what is the difference between a mass murderer and an exterminator eliminating bugs?

VII. The Scriptures present a view of heaven that no other religion offers

A. No longer are we separated from God.

B. No longer are we under the curse that Adam brought upon the world

C. Revelation 21:22-27

D. Do you want to go home? You can’t reach heaven while remaining in sin.

Based on “A Study of Heaven” by Wayne Jackson

Heaven on Earth? No!

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 18:56:32 +0000

by Garland M. Robinson

Where will the redeemed be in eternity when this life is over? The Bible teaches they will go to be with the Lord in heaven (John 14:1-3). Yet, some are saying the heaven we’ve always hoped for does not exist —that it’s not going to be in heaven above (God’s dwelling place), but it’s going to be on earth below (man’s dwelling place). They imagine that God’s sole purpose through the ages has been to restore this sin-cursed earth to its original condition (like that of Adam and Eve) and that man will live upon a “refurbished” and “renovated” earth forever. They call this “reversing the curse.” But, according to inspiration, Peter wrote that this world, including everything God made and everything man made, will “pass away,” be “burned up,” “melt,” “dissolved,” and be gone! (II Peter 3:10-13).

It’s a false doctrine that says the redeemed have no hope of going to that realm beyond this world called heaven. Instead, this false doctrine teaches that God will leave His throne in Heaven and come down to live with the redeemed “on a refurbished earth.” Sad indeed, but some of our own brethren are teaching and preaching that at the Judgment, Heaven will not be in eternity where God dwells, but will be on this Earth where man dwells. That God will come down from heaven and live with man on the earth, to them, is a very appealing and comforting doctrine!

Though this doctrine may be new to many, it’s not new. It’s been around for a long, long time. It raises its ugly head now and then and is always put down by faithful brethren. Then another group arises, considering they’ve “dug deep” in the Bible and have found a new gem that has never been discovered before.

“Heaven on Earth” is a doctrine rooted in materialism. Materialism prioritizes physical, tangible, and material things over spiritual ones. Its core belief is that “substance is everything” —this world is everything.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have held onto materialism for their entire existence (a little more than 140 years). They also teach that eternal life will be on earth. Jehovah’s Witness doctrine says there is a heaven above, but that it’s already full (holding only 144,000). The rest of the saved will live on a refurbished Earth for eternity.

Anyone reading through the Bible, in even the most casual manner, would never get the idea that eternal life will be on this earth (unless that’s what you're looking for)! One needs help to see this idea in the Bible! And, sadly, there are many who stand ready to help.

Notice what Jesus said and taught about heaven...

Heaven is where God the Father is —His dwelling place. Jesus spoke of God, His father, “which is in heaven” at least 7 times. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21; cf. 10:32-33; 12:50; 16:17; 18:10,19).

Jesus spoke of God as our Father or your Father, which is in heaven, at least 14 times. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.” “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:16, 45, 48; 6:1, 14, 26, 32; 7:11; 18:14, 35; 23:9; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 11:13).

Heaven is God’s Throne and Christ’s Throne. This is mentioned at least 9 times in the New Testament. ”Heaven...is God’s throne” (Matthew 5:34). ”Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool” (Acts 7:49). “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory” (Matthew 25:31). “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever...” (Hebrews 1:8. Matthew 23:22; Revelation 4:2; 5:13; 16:17; 20:11).

The earth is God’s footstool, not his throne. “Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest” (Acts 7:49; cf. Isaiah 66:1). God cannot be confined to a physical house or place of rest like the earth —that’s ridiculous. At the dedication of the temple, Solomon said, “...will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded” (I Kings 8:27)? He prays to God in I Kings 8:30, “...hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive.” Heaven on Earth doctrine takes God off His throne in heaven and brings Him down to earth to sit on his floor mat.

Jesus cannot be a King or Priest on earth. It is impossible for Jesus to ever occupy a throne on earth. Zechariah 6:12-13 speaks of the reign of the Messiah, saying: “...he shall build the temple of the LORD; ...and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne.” Hebrews 8:1-4 says He can’t be a priest on earth. And, since he can’t be a priest on earth, he can’t be a king on earth because Zechariah says he will be both a king and priest at the same time. Also, Jeremiah 22:28-30 forbids the Lord Jesus from ever reigning on the throne in Judah (Zion). Coniah, king of Judah, was so corrupt that we read in Jeremiah 22:30: “Thus saith the LORD, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.” Jesus is a descendant by adoption of Coniah (Jeconiah, Jehoichin), mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew as Jechonias (Matthew 1:11-12). He can’t be king on earth!

The Scriptures always speak of heaven being “up” —at least 18 times. “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19; cf. Matthew 14:19; Mark 6:41; 7:34; Luke 9:16; 18:13; 24:51; John 1:51; 3:13, 31; 17:1; Acts 1:10-11; 2:34; 7:55-56; 11:10; Romans 10:6).

The Scriptures always speak of coming “down from” heaven —at least 20 times. “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38; cf. Luke 9:54; John 1:51; 3:15; 6:33, 38, 41-42, 50-51, 58; Acts 11:5; Romans 10:6; I Peter 1:12; Revelation 3:12; 10:1; 13:13; 18:1; 20:1; 21:2).

The expression “from heaven” is used more than 45 times in the New Testament. The point is, heaven is not earth. Earth is not heaven. They are two separate and distinct places. “The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven, or of men” (Matthew 21:25; cf. Matthew 16:1; 28:2; Mark 8:11; 11:30,31; Luke 11:16; 17:29; 20:4-5; 22:43; John 1:32; 3:13, 27, 31; 6:32-33,38, 41-42, 50-51, 58; Acts 11:5,9; Romans 1:18; I Corinthians 15:47; II Corinthians 5:2; Galatians 1:8; I Thessalonians 1:10; 4:16; II Thessalonians 1:7; Hebrews 12:25; I Peter 1:12; II Peter 1:18; Revelation 10:1, 4, 8; 11:12; 13:13; 14:2,13; 18:1, 4; 20:1).

God speaks “from” his lofty place “in” heaven —at least 6 times. “And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11; cf. Matthew 3:17; Luke 3:22; John 12:28; Acts 10:15; Deuteronomy 4:36; 30:11-14).

We “pray” to God who is “in” heaven. Jesus taught his disciples, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9). Jesus said, “...When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Luke 11:2). God told Solomon, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14; cf. Psalms 20:6; I Kings 8:30-32, 34, 36, 39, 43, 45, 49).

The angels of God are “in” heaven —found at least 12 times. “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven” (Matthew 22:30). “For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven” (Mark 12:25). See also Matthew 18:10; 24:36; 28:2; Mark 13:32; Luke 2:15; John 1:51; Galatians 1:8; II Thessalonians 1:7; Revelation 8:13; 12:7).

Our reward is “in” heaven. Found at least 9 times. “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven...” (Matthew 5:12; cf. Luke 6:23). He did not say our reward is great “on earth,” he said our reward is great “in heaven.” Jesus said, ”Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). If heaven is going to be on earth, then Jesus missed a great opportunity here to tell us. But he didn’t miss the opportunity; he told the truth about our eternal reward — heaven is not going to be on earth. He knew there would be a false doctrine that would arise, teaching that heaven would be on the renovated earth, so he drove a death-knell through its heart in these verses. Our hearts must be focused on heaven, not on the earth (Colossians 3:1-2). Also, Paul wrote the church at Corinth, saying, “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (II Corinthians 5:1, it’s not on earth in this verse). Our physical (earthly) body will be changed into a spiritual (heavenly) body, and we will be with God “in the heavens,” not on the earth. (See also Mark 10:21; 12:33; Luke 18:22; II Corinthians 5:1-2).

Heaven and earth are different places. Jesus told the apostles, “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19; 18:18). God did not allow the apostles to make their own laws (bind on earth) and then he would honor it in heaven (bind it in heaven). The point is, whatever they “bind on earth” will have already been “bound in heaven.” When the apostles spoke and wrote, they did so by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (II Peter 1:21; II Timothy 3:16-17).

The emphasis we’re calling attention to is that “heaven” and “earth” are two different places. God dwells in heaven above, and we dwell on the earth below. I Corinthians 15:47-49 says, “The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.” See also Matthew 28:18; Mark 11:30; Luke 10:20; 20:4; Acts 4:24; 14:15; 17:24; Ephesians 1:10; 3:15.

Our Inheritance in Heaven

Jeffrey Hamilton — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:32:53 +0000

by Ron Boatwright

Today, many people fail to recognize that the inheritance in Heaven is far more valuable than all the riches in the world. They fail to realize its worth. Our Lord says in Matthew 16:26, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Our Lord also says, "The kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys the field. Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who when he had found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it" (Matthew 13:44-46). We must spare no expense or effort in our lives to obtain the inheritance of Heaven.

Our inheritance came at a great price: the cruel death of Jesus on the cross. He purchased our inheritance with His own blood (Acts 20:28), which "has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of His dear Son" (Colossians 1:12-13).

To receive the inheritance, we must come to God in accordance with His terms, as stated in the Bible. To receive the inheritance, we must be one of His children. How do we become a child of God so we can qualify for the inheritance? "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:26-27). If we have been baptized into Christ, it is "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance" (Ephesians 1:11). When we are baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins so that we can be saved, then we know we are His children and are qualified for the inheritance.

After we have been baptized into Christ, it is through the Holy Spirit, as revealed in the New Testament, that "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:16-17). We then are assured "Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance" (Colossians 3:24). We should then "Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven" (Matthew 5:12). We then have "An inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you" (I Peter 1:4).

We should "Let no man cheat you of your reward" (Colossians 2:18). We should live a faithful life and "be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure" (II Peter 1:10). Then on Judgment Day we will hear the Lord say to us "Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom pre-pared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34). Let's make sure we qualify for the inheritance of Heaven.

Heaven

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 23:17:15 +0000

by Mark Chatfield
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 13, No. 4, December 31, 1987

Several years ago, I saw a show on TV; it may have been Twilight Zone or something similar. A man died, and the show was about his afterlife. The program caused a good deal of thought about what heaven might really be like. It seems the man had what we often wish we could have. Everything he did turned out right; he obviously was in heaven. He would go bowling and get a strike every time. He played pool, and the right balls would go into the pocket every time. He enjoyed everything immensely for several days, but then he became frustrated. He could do nothing wrong! He eventually was led to lament and beg for something to cause him difficulty. He was going mad at his seeming success and finally cried out, "Let me out of here, I don't want to be here, send me to the other place." At this time, a voice came to him, and in a sinister tone, he was told, "You are in the other place!"

No doubt the show was overdone, but what a difficult thing for men to try to comprehend. What is heaven like? We become almost trite in our thinking by considering the gold and jewels and conjuring up ideas of wealth. What good will wealth (in terms of physical gold and jewels) be in a spiritual world? There is no way for man to see anything but a shadow of what heaven is really like because we cannot think in true spiritual terms. The closest we can come is to consider the most precious and pleasant things we know and try to relate them to the spiritual realm of God, known by the term "heaven." But God has not left us with a void regarding the characteristics of heaven and what we have to look forward to. We will explore some of the things we are told about it and will try to keep fresh in our minds that we are not considering a physical place as we know physical things but a spiritual place, a realm of another dimension where time is not measurable and spiritual beings, although having a form, are neither man nor woman or otherwise grouped as we know classes of men.

More than 600 references to the word "heaven" or "heavenly" are in the Bible. Although the Old Testament is much longer than the New, half of the references are in the New Testament. This reflects greater nearness to heaven and the infinitely greater hope in Christ. But we must further define our study. The word that is translated from Greek into the English term we know as "heaven" is "ouranos," which, literally, may mean the sky but is akin to another form of the same Greek word, "ornumi," which means to lift or to heave. It is not without reason that men have, throughout time, thought of heaven as being "up." After all, Christ ascended "far above all the heavens" (sky), and the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost. But we must resist the thought that the heaven where God is enthroned with Christ sitting at His right hand is a physical place located on some extra-galactic chart beyond the stars we see in the sky. The view of ascending and descending spirits is given to us to assure that we grasp the fact that heaven is not of this world, surely "we do not seek an earthly kingdom," the eternal abode we seek is a spiritual place, transcending the physical; Isaiah 57:15 tells us that God is the "One that inhabiteth eternity" and II Corinthians 5:1 says, "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." It is through us, in us, and above us—and not just "us" but all we know and relate to in this life. Our only connection, our only door, is through the grace of God, who permits us through the Word (the Bible), the Word (Christ), and the Spirit to know of its existence and marvelous, wonderous characteristics. This heaven, the dwelling place of the righteous, is the subject of our interest.

God is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, etc.—He is all-powerful, all-present, all-knowing. He is infinite. As you look up into the starry sky some clear night, what better way can you think of to describe God's infinity than to reflect on the vastness of the galaxies and the smallness of this tiny jewel of the creations we call earth? Just as we consider the atmosphere to be "up," the Bible describes heaven as above us. We know some atmosphere is below our heads, but so much of it is above it that it is profoundly sensible to think of it as "up." It is the same way with heaven. Earth is but a pinhead in the ocean of our solar system, and the solar system is the same as our galaxies, and our galaxies are the same as the physical universe we know about—and we don't know about it at all! But heaven is beyond all that we see, it is not to be seen with eyes of men but is a spiritual phenomenon with the texture of a thought and the dimensions of a dream and the characteristics of all that is restful and joyous and good.

The Bible tells us heaven is "up," so we will understand it is not of this world. It says heaven is of substantial size, so we might have confidence that there is room for all. We are told of streets of gold, a river with water of life, walls of jasper, and gates of pearls so we may recognize the infinite value of our inheritance. We are told of a mysterious transparency, so we might understand that this is truly a special dwelling place that we can't fully know until we come into our inheritance.

Heaven is God's dwelling place, His "holy habitation," according to Deuteronomy 26:15. Unlike the mansion in an exclusive neighborhood, which is often closed, heaven is open for all His people who wish to communicate with Him. Revelation 21:25 says, "And the gates of it shall not be shut," and I Kings 8:30 says, "Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place; and when thou hearest, forgive." "The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men " (Psalms 33:13).

Heaven is not a place of total quiet and subdued light but is alive with the sounds and brightness of the Love that dwells there. Revelation 14:2 says, "And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne." We can be sure that the joy in heaven over the sinner who repents (Luke 15:7) is not just a muted expression but is more characterized by the way we are told the Lord will descend when the end comes, that is, with a shout and with the sound of a trumpet Heaven is, no doubt, quite filled with sound, joyous sound. It is also filled with light. "There is no night there," according to Revelation 21:25. Furthermore, we are told that in that city, there is "no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it; for the glory of God" is all the light that is needed (Revelation 21:23).

The beauty of heaven and the pleasures experienced there are related to us in such extraordinary terms it causes us to realize even more fully that we are gaining only a glimpse of insight into the true glory that awaits us. "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it: and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face and his name shall be in their foreheads, and there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light and they shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 22:1-5).

We who inherit heaven will not be lonely for "Ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven" (Hebrews 12:22-23). And "Lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" (Revelation 7:9-17).

The most significant thing about the opportunity to go to heaven is not to have spiritual streets of gold to walk upon spiritually, nor is it to have no troubles or tears. The most significant thing is that you and I, with all our imperfections, have the very real promise to be one with God. God Himself will wipe away all tears. God Himself will dwell with us and within us. Surely, there is no more worthwhile endeavor in this life than to seek the promise of heaven in the life to come.

Will there be hugging and kissing in heaven?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 12 May 2024 02:39:28 +0000

Question:

Hi! I came across your website! I’m an autistic Christian.

I’m aware that marriage in the new earth will be between Christ and His Church, and there likely won’t be human sex between a male and female. Whatever sex points to when all the pieces are put together will be shown somehow in the next life. Whatever it is will be extremely better and more satisfying than here in this life. For one thing, there won’t be any more sin, which will be something I’m excited about!

Here’s a question I would love to ask you more than anything: Would it still be possible for a man and woman to kiss and hug in the next life? The way I see it right now, I feel that a man and woman hugging is a happy feeling, even though we will want more than anything to hug Jesus in the New Creation.

Please let me know whenever you’re able to.

Have a blessed weekend!

Answer:

"For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven" (Matthew 22:30).

Since our experience is limited to life in this universe, we have difficulty comprehending what life will be like in the spiritual realm of heaven. Almost every creature on this earth is male or female (though there are exceptions). However, heaven is not an extension of this world.

Jesus stated that marriage is not needed in heaven. That makes sense because marriage is required to raise children for the next generation. The earth has to be repopulated. However, in heaven, we will live eternally. There is no need for repopulation.

Notice also that Jesus said we will be like angels. Angels are spiritual beings. They are not male or female. Therefore, there isn't a need to pair off.

I'm sure there will be excitement and greetings when we join the multitude in heaven, but we aren't told exactly how spiritual beings greet each other. We must wait to experience it.

Response:

Thanks for your answer. I look forward to marriage to Christ and His church and seeing all the other varieties of activities God is planning for us. I’m perfectly fine not getting married in this life. Being single is wonderful, and I enjoy deep conversations with the Lord. In addition, I am slowly but surely enjoying it more than hugs from female friends.

I look forward to seeing you in eternity and finding out the upcoming surprises awaiting our future.

What Must I Do to Go to Heaven? (Sermon)

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 22:54:33 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/What-Must-I-Do-to-Go-to-Heaven.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: Matthew 19:16-22

I. I was asked, “What must I do to go to Heaven when I die? Please no opinions. Please use the Bible, it is all we have that is the truth.”

A. I am impressed that this man only wants a biblical answer. Far too many simply want confirmation that they are right and they will search high and low for someone to tell them what they want to hear.

1. Much as Paul warned Timothy - II Timothy 4:2-4

2. As a child of God I am restricted in how I may answer - I Peter 4:11

3. Whether this man wanted a biblical answer or not, that is all he will receive.

B. The Bible affirms that man is unable to save himself - Jeremiah 10:23

1. This is because we see ways that look good, but are not - Proverbs 14:12

2. And then there is the problem of sin - Romans 3:23

II. A desire to be saved is not enough

A. A young man once asked Jesus a similar question in Matthew 19:16-22

1. He went away sorrowful because what was asked of him was more than what he was willing to give.

2. If you want to reach heaven, you must ask yourself of how much value is it to you?

B. Yet another asked the same question - Luke 10:25-28

C. Many are willing to go to heaven if it is convenient. But if it is not on their way, well ...

III. The difficult part of salvation, the obtaining forgiveness of sin, the part that man could not handle, was done by the Son of God

A. Forgiveness is not possible without the shedding of blood - Hebrews 9:22

1. But the shedding of animal blood was unable to bring forgiveness - Hebrews 10:4

2. We have been sanctified (made holy) by the body of Jesus - Hebrews 10:10-13

B. He died for us even though we did not deserve it - Romans 5:6-11

C. It was a gift freely offered to everyone - II Corinthians 5:14-15

D. God want everyone saved - II Peter 3:9

E. Yet Jesus warns that few will be saved - Luke 13:23-24; Matthew 7:13-14

F. This is because God expects men to receive His gift. Many want the gift, but they want it on their own terms. Somehow they have decided that if God, the giver of the gift, sets the terms, then it is no longer a freely given gift.

G. Love for Christ means obedience - John 14:15

H. It requires observing all that God has commanded - Matthew 28:20

IV. Faith

A. Without faith, it is impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6

B. Yet faith doesn’t just appear, it is based on knowing what God has taught - Romans 10:17

1. This is why it is called the gospel (good news) of salvation - Romans 1:16

2. Hence we see with a jailer asked Paul the same question, he was told to believe and then he was taught so he might have something to believe in - Acts 16:29-31

C. Faith is not just an outward statement, but a sincere conviction - Romans 6:17-18

1. This is why James tells us that faith alone cannot save - James 2:14-24

2. But keep in mind, that though God requires faith and effort on our part, it is not our faith or our effort that saves us, but the death of Jesus - Ephesians 2:1-10

D. Yet that faith cannot remain within. It must be confessed - Romans 10:8-10

1. If we do not have enough faith to stand up before others, if we are ashamed of our Lord, we will not reach heaven - Matthew 10:32-33

V. Repentance

A. Peter told men that they must repent, change their ways - Acts 3:19

1. If you think about this, it makes sense. It is our sins which has gotten us in trouble with God. - Isaiah 59:1-2

2. We cannot expect to be forgiven of our sins and continue in them - Romans 6:1-2

3. Or, as Jesus warned - Luke 13:3

B. Repentance is more than being sorry for past wrongs - II Corinthians 7:10-11

1. It means turning to God and doing things God’s way - Acts 26:20

2. It means honestly attempting to correct past mistakes

C. When the first sermon was delivered after Jesus’ death, the question comes up again - Acts 2:36-41

VI. Baptism

A. Peter had answered the question with two conditions - repentance and being baptized.

1. It is no different than what Jesus commanded - Mark 16:16

2. The disciples were told to make additional disciples by baptizing them - Matthew 28:18-20

B. Why is baptism so important? - Romans 6:3-7

1. Baptism represents the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus

2. Baptism represents the believer’s death to sin and his resurrection to a new life

3. Baptism represents the believer’s hope of being raised, like Christ, to enter heaven.

4. In essence, it gives the believer contact to the blood of Christ.

a. Remember it is Christ’s death which saves and in baptism, we put on Christ - Galatians 3:26-27

b. Since baptism brings us into contact with Christ, baptism saves - I Peter 3:21

c. It isn’t the water, but the sincere obedience of the believer.

d. This is why Paul was told to wash away his sins - Acts 22:10,16

VII. When taught about Jesus, the Ethiopian eunuch didn’t ask about getting to heaven. He wanted to know what prevented him from doing what needed to be done - Acts 8:35-39

A. In this one example we see much of what we discussed

1. He heard the word of God explained to him by Philip

2. He desired to do what he had learned from Philip

3. He stated that he believed - showing both belief and a willingness to declare his belief before others

4. He was baptized and had joy in his heart, knowing he obedient to the Lord God.

B. We could ask the same question today, what is stopping you from being baptized?

C. Now is the time - II Corinthians 6:2

Can we say there is no sin in heaven?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 20:16:17 +0000

Question:

We read that the devil and his angels were cast down because of rebellion. In light of this passage, can we say there is no sin in heaven? I've been confronted with this question.

Answer:

"And nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life" (Revelation 21:27).

This statement is made after Satan is thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10) and the nations are judged. "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15). Nothing sinful remains to be in heaven.

The casting down of Satan and his followers was mentioned in Revelation 12 -- before the final judgment.

The One Thing that Matters

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 20:05:14 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/The-One-Thing-that-Matters.mp3

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: Luke 11:5-13

I. How do you pray? What do you pray for?

A. A young Chinese preacher asked me to explain Luke 11:9-10 better so that he could teach others in his area better

B. God is all knowing, but God expects us to ask

1. Consider how many people won’t even admit they are wrong or need to change.

a. It is someone else’s fault (Cain, Saul, or Adam and Eve)

b. It is no use asking, I’m so sinful that God will never listen

(1) Imagining that God is looking to keep people from being saved

2. Asking requires humility – a dropping of pride

3. It measures how much you really want whatever you are considering

4. “Ask, and it will be given to you.”

C. God expects us to look for His answer

1. God expects us to put effort in, to use the minds that He has given us.

2. It is surprising how many people miss the answer that is right in front of them because it isn’t in the form that they were expecting or because it isn’t the answer that they want.

3. God requires you to put effort into receiving an answer

4. It measures your faith. Do you really believe God will answer?

5. It measures your desire. Are you willing to looking for that answer?

6. “Seek, and you will find.”

D. God expects us to put effort into receiving the answer

1. Far too many people aren’t willing to expend energy to get something

2. Knocking on a door doesn’t open the door. It doesn’t let you in, but you can’t enter without first knocking.

3. I know a lot of people who give a tentative tap and then give up because the door isn’t opened immediately.

4. “Knock, and it will be opened.”

E. God will give us what is best for us - Luke 11:11-12

1. God is not out to ruin our lives

F. Jesus’ point is that we have to trust and expect answers to our prayers, to the point that we are doing all we can to receive the answer when it comes.

II. But notice Luke 11:13 - “How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

A. We so often read this passage and think about asking for things in our daily lives, but Jesus has in mind asking for the Holy Spirit

B. What does it mean to ask for the Holy Spirit?

1. Peter talks of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 2:38-39

a. It is offered to everyone who answers the call of God

b. But it requires effort – a change in life and obedience to God

2. Paul talks of us being sealed with the Holy Spirit - Ephesians 1:13-14

a. It only comes after hearing the Gospel and believing it

b. Again, there is effort on our part

c. But he also means why.

(1) The Holy Spirit is the spirit of promise

(2) He is given as a pledge of our inheritance - salvation and eternal life

(3) We don’t become immortal when we are baptized, but know it will come because God always keeps His promises

3. But effort remains because we are required to remain faithful until death - Revelation 2:10

C. Going back to Luke 11, look again at what Jesus is saying in view of the conclusion

1. God wants us to be saved - II Peter 3:9

2. But we must ask, seek, and knock in order to gain salvation

3. Work out your salvation - Philippians 2:12-13

III. We get so caught up in our lives that we forget what is most important

A. Go back to the event that Luke records just before this discussion on prayer - Luke 10:38-42

1. Martha was caught up with the immediate events of serving dinner for the Son of God who came to her house

2. But Jesus said there was only one thing that was necessary.

3. Mary chose that which would not be taken from her – eternal life! - John 10:27-29

B. John tells us that when we ask according to God’s will, our prayers will be answered - I John 5:14-15

1. What does God want most for you and I? To spend eternity with Him.

2. Are our prayers furthering that goal or will granting those things hinder us from reaching heaven?

IV. There is a parallel account to Luke 11 in Matthew 7:7-11

A. The two lessons were not given at the same point during Jesus’ ministry; thus, we cannot assume the same point is being made.

1. Yet, Jesus mentions that God is able to give good gifts to those who ask Him.

2. Eternal life would certainly be one of those good gifts

B. The young preacher was confused by this account because Matthew 7:7-11 seems to be talking about prayer and then Matthew 7:12 suddenly seems to shift topics to properly treating people

C. Actually, Matthew 7:12 is actually returning to the topic started in Matthew 7:1-5

1. God will judge us according to how we deal with other people

2. People forget that we should be working to get as many people to heaven as possible

a. We are the lights to the world - Matthew 5:14-16

3. Some find fault in everything another person does.

a. But in finding fault, they prove they understand something is wrong and they set themselves up for the same judgment

b. While they see faults in everyone else, they fail to see their own fault, which are many times greater problems.

c. Such fault-finders tend to show no mercy to their fellow men.

4. Jesus instructs that we are to fix our own problems and then help others remove their problems.

D. This doesn’t mean that everyone wants to go to heaven or wants to leave their sins - Matthew 7:6

E. This brings us back to ask, seek, and knock.

1. Given the context, it seems that forgiveness is the primary consideration

F. God doesn’t listen to all prayers - Isaiah 1:15

1. What must we do first? - Isaiah 1:16-17

2. We have to put the effort in to leave sin and knock at God’s door to ask for forgiveness

3. Then God promises to forgive, regardless of how evil we had been - Isaiah 1:18

G. Thus, the reminder in Matthew 7:12 is that if we want forgiveness and reach heaven, we must treat others the way we want to be treated by them.

V. Heaven is hard enough to reach. We don’t need to make it harder for ourselves or for other people - Matthew 7:13-14

A. We need God’s help. We need the help of our brethren.

B. If the righteous are scarcely saved, the unrighteous have no chance - I Peter 4:18-19

1. So commit yourself to the will of God by doing good.

C. What are you asking God for?

D. There is the one thing that matters most