POPE SAYS HEAVEN NOT A PHYSICAL PLACE November 10, 1999 - Pope John Paul II has stated that Heaven is not "a physical place among the clouds" (Daily Mail, July 24, 1999). He claims that Heaven, rather, is a "living and personal relationship with the Holy Trinity."

Here is a Protestant Fundamentalist response:

The following study on what the Bible says about Heaven is from the Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity, copyright 1994 by David W. Cloud:

HEAVEN HAS THREE MEANINGS IN THE BIBLE. (1) The atmosphere surrounding the earth (Ge. 1:6-8). (2) The region of the sun, moon, and stars (Ge. 1:14-19; Ps. 19:1). (3) The place where God has His throne (Ps. 80:14; Is. 66:1; Mt. 5:16,45,48). Christ came to earth from Heaven (Jn. 3:13) and He returned to it at His ascension following His resurrection (Ac. 1:11). From thence Christ will return to earth (Mt. 24:30; Ro. 8:33,34; Ph. 3:20; 1 Th. 4:16; He. 6:20). The Apostle Paul visited this Heaven and called it Paradise (2 Co. 12:1-4). It is also called "the third heaven" (2 Co. 12:2) and "the heaven of heavens" (De. 10:14; 1 Ki. 8:27; Ne. 9:6).

WHO LIVES IN HEAVEN? (1) The living God (He. 12:22-24). (2) Angels innumerable (He. 12:22). (3) The spirits of redeemed men (He. 12:23).

WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE? (1) IT IS A HOLY PLACE--no sin or evil (Ps. 20:6; 1 Co. 6:9-10; Re. 21:8,27; 22:15). (2) IT IS A PLACE OF WORSHIP (Re. 4:8-11). (3) IT IS A PLACE OF PARADISE (Lk. 23:43; 2 Co. 12:4; Re. 2:7). Things that are there: Spectacular beauty (Re. 4:2-3; 21:18-21); mansions (Jn. 14:2); a wonderful throne (Re. 4:2-6); wonderful creatures (Re. 4:6-8); wonderful odors and music (Ps. 45:8); fullness of joy (Ps. 45:8); horses (Re. 19:14); wonderful rivers (Re. 22:1); wonderful trees (Re. 22:2). (4) IT IS A PLACE OF GLORY (Ps. 73:24). The Lord Jesus is the Lord of glory (1 Co. 2:8). Glory refers to kingly splendor and wealth (Mt. 6:29); God's brilliant light (2 Ch. 7:1-3; Lk. 2:9; Mt. 17:1-3; Lk. 9:29-31; Re. 21:11,23); great beauty (Is. 63:1); and the manifestation of God's unfathomable wisdom and power (Ps. 19:1). (5) IT IS A PLACE WITHOUT ANY UNPLEASANT THING. No sorrow, pain, or death (Re. 21:4), no hunger or thirst (Re. 7:16), no darkness (Re. 22:5). (6) IT IS A PLACE OF SERVICE (Re. 22:3). (7) IT IS A PLACE IN WHICH EVERYONE IS LIKE JESUS CHRIST (He. 2:10-11; Ro. 8:29; 1 Jn. 3:1-2).

WHAT IS IN HEAVEN? (1) The glorious throne of God (Re. 4:2-5). (2) Jesus 
Christ at the right hand of God the Father (Ac. 7:56; Ep. 1:20). (3) Seven lamps of fire (Re. 4:5). (4) Innumerable angels (He. 12:22). (5) The blood of Christ (He. 12:24). (6) The church of the firstborn (He. 12:23). (7) The 24 Elders (Re. 4:4). (8) The four beasts (Re. 4:6-9). (9) Enduring substance (He. 10:34). (10) Mansions (Jn. 14:2). (11) Unspeakable words which earthlings have never heard (2 Co. 12:4). (12) The book of Life and the books of record (Re. 20:12). (13) Harps and vials of odors (Re. 5:8). (14) Glorious singing and worship (Re. 5:11-14; 19:6,7). (15) Ivory palaces (Ps. 45:8). (16) Lovely fragrances (Ps. 45:8). (17) Glorious clothing (Ps. 45:13-14; Da. 7:9; 10:5; Mt. 17:2; Re. 15:6). (18) The oil of gladness because of righteousness (Ps. 45:7). (19) The golden altar of incense (Re. 8:3). (20) Glorious instrumental music (Re. 14:2; 15:2). (21) Angels flying (Re. 14:6). (22) Rest from earthly labors (Re. 14:13). (23) Glorious foundations and pavements (Re. 4:6; 15:2). (24) Great voices (Re. 16:1). (25) White horses (Re. 19:11,14).

WHAT IS GOING ON IN HEAVEN NOW? (1) WHAT JESUS IS DOING: Enjoying the Father (Pr. 8:30; Jn. 1:1); interceding for believers (Ro. 8:34; He. 7:25; 1 Jn. 2:1-2); overseeing the work of world evangelism (Mk. 16:19-20); overseeing the churches (Re. 1; Ep. 1:22-23); preparing a place for believers (Jn. 14:1-3); waiting for His second coming (He. 10:12-13). (2) WHAT CHRISTIANS ARE DOING: resting from their earthly labors (Re. 14:13); praising God (Re. 4:10-11); being comforted (Lk. 16:25); enjoying paradise (Lk. 23:43; 2 Co. 12:3-4); serving the Lord (Re. 7:15); waiting for the completion of God's plans (Re. 6:9-11); waiting for their resurrection bodies (1 Th. 4:14-16); observing Jesus' eternal glory (Jn. 17:24); learning and discussing mysteries (2 Co. 12:4); praising and talking about the Lord (Ps. 145:1-11); rejoicing over people being saved on earth (Lk.15:7,10).

BOOKS IN HEAVEN. (1) The book of life (Re. 20:12; Lk. 10:20). (2) The book of tears (Ps. 56:8). (3) The book of remembrance (Mal. 3:16). (4) The book of births (Ps. 139:16).

DO PEOPLE RECOGNIZE ONE ANOTHER IN HEAVEN? (1) Our names are recorded in Heaven, and we will be known by our names (Lk. 10:20). (2) Moses and Elijah were known by Peter even though he had never seen them before (Mt. 17:3-4). (3) The rich man recognized Lazarus and Abraham (Lk. 16:23). (4) The disciples recognized Jesus after His resurrection, except when their eyes were kept from recognizing Him (Jn. 21; Lk. 24:16). (5) Our recognition will be perfect in Heaven; it is not reasonable to think that we know less there than on earth.

WHAT SHOULD BE THE CHRISTIAN'S ATTITUDE TOWARD HEAVEN? (1) We should set our minds on Heaven (Col. 3:1-3). (2) We should live holy lives fit for Heaven (Col. 3:5; Ep. 5:8; 1 Pe. 2:11). (3) We should lay up treasures in Heaven (Mt. 6:20; 1 Ti. 6:19). (4) We should act like citizens of Heaven and pilgrims on earth (He. 11:13-16; Ph. 3:20). (5) We should be certain of Heaven (1 Jn. 5:11-13). (6) We should be aware of Heaven in our daily lives (He. 12:1-2).

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