One of the greatest Christian apologists of any age was C. S. Lewis. He had a way of distilling truth into pungent sayings that spoke to hearts across the globe. Here is what he said about where the focus and allegiance of believers needed to be:
“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”
I have thought of what Lewis said many times as I consider the tumult, turmoil, chaos, and confusion of the present world. I have lived long enough that I don’t get too excited when someone proposes that the next predicted catastrophe will result in the end of the world as we have known it. Too many people are clamoring for attention to convince me that the doomsayers are correct. If you examine their claims, you will find that most often they are just trying to sell you something.
There is only one resource that has consistently shown accurate directions to eternal destinations. That resource, of course, is the Bible—the best-selling book of all ages. One eternal destination is heaven—united with God for the endless ages of eternity. The other eternal destination is hell—separated from God for eternity.
I have recently begun a new series about heaven. I felt it was important for many reasons, but not least among them is to remind believers about the hope of heaven they have as a result of faith in the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross.
Heaven is a real place. It is not an idea or a product of some ancient writer’s imagination. It is not a dream; it is a destination. Jesus said in John 14:2: “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.”
Any discussion of heaven often brings along with it the idea of eschatology—the study of last things, or events surrounding the end of the age. With that in mind, I want to share with you twelve events that will take place between now and eternity. I understand that there is a great deal of debate among believers about the timing and order of these events, but I will share with you my understanding of them as a point of reference.
Why should we be discouraged when heaven is our aim and eternity is in view? This world is not our eternal home. It is nothing more than a training ground, a dressing room, a practice field for eternity. Every believer in Christ as Savior has the hope of heaven burning like a beacon in their hearts. Our true home is being perfected even now by none other than Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory. May the reality of heaven inform, inspire, and illuminate your ministry in the days to come!
Yours for the Harvest,
Dr. Rod Parsley
Founder & General Overseer
“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”
I have thought of what Lewis said many times as I consider the tumult, turmoil, chaos, and confusion of the present world. I have lived long enough that I don’t get too excited when someone proposes that the next predicted catastrophe will result in the end of the world as we have known it. Too many people are clamoring for attention to convince me that the doomsayers are correct. If you examine their claims, you will find that most often they are just trying to sell you something.
There is only one resource that has consistently shown accurate directions to eternal destinations. That resource, of course, is the Bible—the best-selling book of all ages. One eternal destination is heaven—united with God for the endless ages of eternity. The other eternal destination is hell—separated from God for eternity.
I have recently begun a new series about heaven. I felt it was important for many reasons, but not least among them is to remind believers about the hope of heaven they have as a result of faith in the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross.
Heaven is a real place. It is not an idea or a product of some ancient writer’s imagination. It is not a dream; it is a destination. Jesus said in John 14:2: “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.”
Any discussion of heaven often brings along with it the idea of eschatology—the study of last things, or events surrounding the end of the age. With that in mind, I want to share with you twelve events that will take place between now and eternity. I understand that there is a great deal of debate among believers about the timing and order of these events, but I will share with you my understanding of them as a point of reference.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 describes the rapture—that great catching away of the saints as Jesus appears in the air to gather them unto Himself. I will remind you that not one prophecy must be fulfilled in order for the rapture to happen. It could take place at any moment.
- 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 refers to the judgment seat of Christ. This judgment is reserved for the righteous and is essentially an awards ceremony. Each believer’s works will be tried by fire. What remains after the fire touches it will result in that believer’s reward.
- Revelation 13:1-8 announces the rise of the Antichrist. His agenda is completely contrary to God’s plan. He opposes and attempts to destroy all that is good and holy, and his misguided agenda is doomed to failure.
- Matthew 24:15-29 refers to the tribulation period—seven years of calamity that will be visited upon the earth.
- Revelation 16:16 describes the site of the battle of Armageddon, perhaps more correctly known as the slaughter of Armageddon, where the combined forces of the Antichrist meet their sudden and decisive end. (See also Revelation 19:17-21.)
- Acts 1:11, along with many other references, such as Revelation 19:11-16, deals with the second coming of Christ.
- Revelation 20:2 mentions that Satan will be bound for a thousand years.
- Revelation 20:5-6 refers to the millennial kingdom of Christ, where He will rule upon earth for a thousand years, and we will rule with Him.
- Revelation 20:7-10 reveals that Satan will be loosed from his imprisonment for a season, deceive many, and be overthrown and destined for eternal damnation, along with all those who align with him.
- Revelation 20:11-15 gives an account of the great white throne judgment, where the unrighteous dead of all ages will be judged by Almighty God and cast into the lake of fire.
- 2 Peter 3:10 announces that the first heaven and the first earth will be dissolved with an intense heat.
- Revelation 21:1-22 gives a beautiful description of New Jerusalem, as the capital city of God’s eternal kingdom, where the righteous from all ages go forward into the eternal state.
Why should we be discouraged when heaven is our aim and eternity is in view? This world is not our eternal home. It is nothing more than a training ground, a dressing room, a practice field for eternity. Every believer in Christ as Savior has the hope of heaven burning like a beacon in their hearts. Our true home is being perfected even now by none other than Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory. May the reality of heaven inform, inspire, and illuminate your ministry in the days to come!
Yours for the Harvest,
Dr. Rod Parsley
Founder & General Overseer