Man was created to exist forever. Even when our physical body dies, our soul and that part of us that is spirit will live on for eternity. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:11 that God has set eternity in the human heart. What this means is that no matter how much someone tries to convince themselves that this life is all there is, there is something set in our heart that knows that there is more. Even atheists or nihilists have the concept of eternity in their hearts, no matter how much they try to deny or argue it. Any belief that does not accept eternity as a real thing is forced to move forward with a constant cognitive dissonance and suspended reality. God made us that way from our innermost being, which is why even tribes and people groups who have never heard the gospel or the name of Jesus still have a concept of eternity and devotion to a higher power. We will live on for eternity, so it makes sense that we would spend time and effort learning about where we will be spending eternity. Would you go on an extended vacation for even a month without knowing exactly where you would be staying and planning for that destination? Yet many people put the thought of eternity out of their minds because any realization of our fragility and brevity of life is in opposition to our pursuit of temporal pleasure. There are many different versions of eternity and explanations of what that will look like and how a person can get there. We hear words like nirvana, paradise, Valhalla, and moksha when describing this concept of eternity. Some descriptions of eternity are correct and some are not; which is why we need to look at the source of truth in God's word if we want an accurate view of what eternity really is. We can be confident and assured that we will spend eternity in heaven the same way we can be sure of anything; because the bible tells me so. Why would we trust what Jesus had to say about anything if we cannot trust what He tells us about Eternity? Even while Jesus hung on the cross, he declared to the thief who put his trust in Christ that he would be together with Jesus in paradise that very day. The same is true for us today as it was 2,000 years ago. Each of us has that same invitation extended to us; to join with Jesus in heaven and spend eternity living in the paradise that was meant for us from the start.

He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived - the things God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4

A biblical study of the principles of leadership. Special attention will be given to the structure, organization, and government of the church with a focus on the plurality of leadership and the essential concept of the “body of Christ.” Special emphasis will be put on the theory and practice of counseling from a biblical point of view with an emphasis on how to help people in practical ways.

A systematic study of the doctrine of God (theology proper) and the doctrine of man (anthropology). Special attention will be given to a study of “the world” (expanding on the study of man by extending it into the fallen realm in which he lives). The Gospels and Jesus’ teachings will serve as the specific source of the study.

Paradise Series
True North Church

Imagine Heaven
John Burke