I heard something along this line when I read about St Teresa of Avila. She was a mystic and has been designated as a ‘doctor of the Church’.
The concept of 7 levels in heaven is related to the theory that those who achieve the highest level of mysticism, that is a true union spiritually with Jesus, would then be in
seventh heaven’ after death. And, likewise, those lesser mortals like all of us, would land somewhere lower on the scale depending upon how Jesus judges us.
A more pragmatic explanation would be that for those who are truly in love with our Lord Jesus, and have achieved holiness while on earth, they would be higher in heaven, meaning they would necessarily be closer to Jesus, and thus, more joyful. The holier you are, the more you rejoice to be in heaven.
It is not specifically in the bible, however, Jesus did say, “in my Father’s house are many mansions”. This would support the belief that God will grant paradise to those he deems worthy. The Mother Theresa types would likely not be on the same level as most of us. Personally, I will be happy just to be in paradise with our Creator, Savior and the Holy Spirit. Imagine being in the presence of God, the angels, and the saints!
Thanks for this. I am planning to read a biography of St. Teresa of Avila this year. Maybe I will find some reference to it.
Galatians 5:19-21 tells the Christian to avoid the mystics.
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Sorcery
Transliteration: pharmakeia
Phonetic Spelling: (far-mak-i'-ah)
Short Definition: magic, sorcery, enchantment
Definition: magic, sorcery, enchantment.