So, tell me, where do we go, after we cross that tunnel of light with family members, presumably including those who hated us during our lifetimes, awaiting with open arms at the opening? Is heaven the place, as a song speculates, where nothing ever happens? Why is it that no one has ever communicated to me from the other side? Is that fair or just? My despair here turns into bliss out there? And Hugh Hefner’s earthly bliss turns into hellish despair forever?
He [Jesus] said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:2-12)
Why is it that no one has ever communicated to me from the other side? Is that fair or just?
Jesus again:
19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” (Luke 16: 19-31)
If you had an extremely trustworthy source that the Stock market would crash, and he advised you to pull out and do what you could to mitigate the situation -- and you didn't -- would you ask if it was "fair or just" for you to lose all your $ in the crash?
Btw, as a parallel to this parable -- most Americans (including you & I) are wealthy. We're probably wealthier than 95% of those who've ever lived -- including the bulk of those around the world. We are probably wealthier, possession-wise & resource-wise, than the person Jesus had in mind re: that parable.
And Hugh Hefner’s earthly bliss turns into hellish despair forever?
Over 20 years ago, John Piper wrote a book called: Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist... Kind of a shocking title at first when you look at it.
But Piper wasn't talking about a self-centered exploitive Hefner-type lifestyle. His point to sum up a book is that, indeed we are made for pleasure -- but we have committed idolatry by looking for pleasure in everything and everyone but God. Piper emphasized those Scriptures which highlight those in Biblical history who have sought pleasure in God, Himself!
Here's where John Piper addressed the question of
If interested here's a link on Piper's book: Desiring God
Acts 17:24 -24God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Matthew 22:30 -For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
It's a discredit to God to say heaven would look like the hotel lobby at the Georgian Inn.