Heaven

I’d like to address a recent question that came up in a blog comment last week. I figure other readers might have read the question and may be interested, since I've been asked it many times over the years.

The question was, from a biblical standpoint, is it okay to talk to our loved ones who've gone on to be with Jesus?

Randy Alcorn spoke to a group of young moms at Mom to Mom at his local church, Good Shepherd Community Church on various topics. In this clip, Randy talks about those that have died and if they can appear to us on earth.

Randy Alcorn spoke to a group of young moms at Mom to Mom at his local church, Good Shepherd Community Church on various topics. In this clip, Randy talks about children and their fear of Heaven.

Randy Alcorn spoke to a group of young moms at Mom to Mom at his local church, Good Shepherd Community Church on various topics. In this clip, Randy talks about what the Bible says about children going to Heaven at a certain age.

The popular notion of the “sweet by and by” is often one of clouds, pain-free bliss and not much else—except for the occasional angel floating by with a harp. If one’s idea of eternity is a happy pill, such an image might be appealing.

Over years of biblical study, my view of resurrection and the eternal Heaven (and to a lesser degree, the intermediate Heaven) gradually changed. 

As Christians we have a dual citizenship. Just as He promises to make men and women new, God also promises to renew the Earth itself. Scripture calls this the New Earth, an Earth where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” and “no longer will there be any curse” (Rev. 21:1, 4, 22:3, NIV).

I give away lots of books to people I come across, believing God gives me divine appointments every day.

Now, the man in the picture is not a Christmas shepherd, but Joel Stein, a prominent columnist for The Los Angeles Times. He’s written features for Time magazine, and has impressive journalistic credentials. He says this of himself on the front page of his website: “I’m the guy who loves porn and hates America.” He’s known for his column where he said he not only opposes the war in Iraq, he opposes U.S. troops. Clearly he’s a man who says what he thinks.