Could you imagine a more empty and hopeless feeling than being somewhere, anywhere, even Heaven, without God? Anyone who could get excited about an eternity with great things, but absent God, has clearly never encounterd the rich person of Jesus Christ. Moreover, if a person's concept of heaven does not include eternally worshipping and praising the Triune God who rescued them, I can all but guarantee you they are complete strangers to Christ. Their dead soul desires an eternity where they--not Him--are exalted, where they--not Him--are praised and worshipped. Their desire is the exact same as Lucifer's was: to dethrone God in Heaven and place himself at the center. -Ben
I became quite confused after I re-read my comment above, so I think I need to clarify my sentiments...for my sake and yours.
I my comment, I don't attempt to arrogantly assert that Ben is the judge of who's concept of Heaven is right and who's is wrong. Rather, I am trying to humbly communicate that which is already revealed in Scripture: namely, that a *natural response* of every saint who has been transformed by the love of Christ is praise, worship, and thanksgiving for God's exceeding goodness and holiness and mercy. What we do know of heaven...what Scripture clearly reveals to us...is that right now legions of angels and saints are bowed down in choruses of worship to their King. Therefore, a heart that has never had any real inclination to eternally worship God (on earth and in heaven) for who He is and what He has done is clearly a heart that has never been transformed by the God of Scripture.
The question that Piper asked is a good one...and our answers to it reveal a wealth of information on what we put stock in and what we derive satisfaction from in this life. It is a great tool for identifying the empty wells we presently are chasing after...empty wells we foolishly think will fulfill us in heaven, too. To me, this question reveals my sin in often not enjoying Christ...and having a tepid and lukewarm attraction to Him.
Our souls were designed for perfect communion with the Living God in the midst of His creation, and in heaven we will experience just that. And it will be better and more satisfying than all the minds in the history of mankind could dare to fathom.
Rass, if your question is serious, then it's an interesting one. However, if you are just being silly, then the joke has already been made. Could you clarify if it's an honest question or just a funny? Thanks.
I was being serious in my question, maybe not regarding golf especially, but I am looking forward to fellowship and spending time having sin free fun doing things in heaven that I could not do in this present stage.
7 comments:
John Piper poses this question in God Is The Gospel.
"If you imagine Heaven without God, then you are imagining Hell." --Ben Coppedge, quote on file with Jason from Jittery Joe's 5 Points, 10 DEC 05
Could you imagine a more empty and hopeless feeling than being somewhere, anywhere, even Heaven, without God? Anyone who could get excited about an eternity with great things, but absent God, has clearly never encounterd the rich person of Jesus Christ. Moreover, if a person's concept of heaven does not include eternally worshipping and praising the Triune God who rescued them, I can all but guarantee you they are complete strangers to Christ. Their dead soul desires an eternity where they--not Him--are exalted, where they--not Him--are praised and worshipped. Their desire is the exact same as Lucifer's was: to dethrone God in Heaven and place himself at the center. -Ben
I am looking forward to playing golf at Augusta National when heaven comes to earth. Does this mean that I don't know Christ?
I became quite confused after I re-read my comment above, so I think I need to clarify my sentiments...for my sake and yours.
I my comment, I don't attempt to arrogantly assert that Ben is the judge of who's concept of Heaven is right and who's is wrong. Rather, I am trying to humbly communicate that which is already revealed in Scripture: namely, that a *natural response* of every saint who has been transformed by the love of Christ is praise, worship, and thanksgiving for God's exceeding goodness and holiness and mercy. What we do know of heaven...what Scripture clearly reveals to us...is that right now legions of angels and saints are bowed down in choruses of worship to their King. Therefore, a heart that has never had any real inclination to eternally worship God (on earth and in heaven) for who He is and what He has done is clearly a heart that has never been transformed by the God of Scripture.
The question that Piper asked is a good one...and our answers to it reveal a wealth of information on what we put stock in and what we derive satisfaction from in this life. It is a great tool for identifying the empty wells we presently are chasing after...empty wells we foolishly think will fulfill us in heaven, too. To me, this question reveals my sin in often not enjoying Christ...and having a tepid and lukewarm attraction to Him.
Our souls were designed for perfect communion with the Living God in the midst of His creation, and in heaven we will experience just that. And it will be better and more satisfying than all the minds in the history of mankind could dare to fathom.
Rass, if your question is serious, then it's an interesting one. However, if you are just being silly, then the joke has already been made. Could you clarify if it's an honest question or just a funny? Thanks.
I was being serious in my question, maybe not regarding golf especially, but I am looking forward to fellowship and spending time having sin free fun doing things in heaven that I could not do in this present stage.
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