For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Danny Hickman
I make no apology for saying that the scriptures are so misunderstood by many of our church leaders. It isn't a wonder that we laymen get things so confused. I think the mistake that some make here is making almost every bible narrative about salvation, heaven and hell, etc.
Someone wants to know if there are "different levels of Heaven."
That is so earthy!! That's so not different from what we deal with here everyday. Life here is built that way from the ground up. There are different levels of living. Some are wealthy beyond reason while others don't have enough eye water for which to cry. Some have the athleticism of a steed, while others are born without the use of their legs. I saw a guy on a daytime TV show who was born without arms and legs. That's an extreme example of the diversity of life here in this realm. Diversity is everywhere you look!
I look forward to what the scriptures advertise about the new life we inherit in the presence of the Lord. I don't look forward to the life many supposed bible scholars describe from their misunderstanding of so much of the bible. It sounds like a slight upgrade of life here; without sinners; some souls living the high life while others live with regret.
Human wisdom produces that kind of thinking. Its foundation is carnal, fleshly, with a little spiritual seasoning sprinkled on top.
No, heaven isn't described in the Bible as having a side that's gated; no, the Bible doesn't speak of a VIP room in heaven.
Danny Hickman
The scriptures are so mishandled! Human wisdom is the reason. We want the scriptures to say what we want them to say!
1 Corinthians 2:9 is quoted as being about heaven. (I've done it; instead of studying it for myself, I was repeating what I'd always heard). It isn't about heaven being beyond our knowledge and understanding. That's the way it has been explained. It says, 'It is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love him."' This verse is often quoted as if Paul is writing about the mystery of heaven; that ain't what he's trying to get us to think about.
The next verse is usually overlooked. Vs 10: 'But God has revealed them to us through his Spirit.' He goes on to explain how without the Spirit we only have human wisdom, which doesn't help us to understand the things of God.
"These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, (here it is) comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (vs 13).
That's what the "eye has not seen" verse is all about. He's declaring that human wisdom (eyes and ears) doesn't satisfy the demand for comprehending the things of God. He never mentions heaven; it isn't yet another reference to the afterlife.
Paul is telling the church why they should listen to him. He doesn't have "excellence of speech," but he knows "Christ crucified," which is the power of God. Human wisdom vs Spiritual power.
John Wheeler
Heaven is a creation of God. The first heaven is earth because GOD created for us this heaven on earth. The second heaven is the celestial beings, and the third heaven looms above all beneath it. As an aside I believe that Hell is a place where all will go who are opposed to God. More than likely this is the place where God was before he created the heavens and earth. Heaven is a place where all will go who know the LORD. This will be a new heaven. Also God is too big to reside in heaven alone. Remember that it s written "Where can I go that you are not there." "Heaven is my Throne and earth is my footstool." "If I reach to Sheol, you are there. If I reached out to the highest heavens you are there."