What Happens After Life? by Ron Rhodes

Author:Ron Rhodes
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780736951395
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

11

Earthly Realities Absent in Heaven

We’re all used to the way things are here on earth. Most of us have routine days. But many of the things we’re accustomed to on earth will simply not be in heaven. In like manner, many of the things we typically do on earth will never happen in heaven. Let’s briefly consider some of these things to enhance our understanding of what happens after life.

No Physical Temple

Scripture reveals that there is no physical temple that one must enter to encounter God’s presence in heaven. In fact, we are told that God Himself is the temple for believers in heaven. In Revelation 21:22, the apostle John affirms, “I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.”

The term “temple” is used in quite a number of different ways in the Bible. In Old Testament times, the term referred to the holy building where God’s presence was made known to the people. In New Testament times, the temple was not a building but was rather the people of God. We read in 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”

John did not see a physical temple in the eternal city because God Almighty and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) are its temple. Most Bible expositors take this to mean that in the New Jerusalem, God’s presence will not be limited to a single building within the city. Rather, His presence will permeate the entire city. References to serving God within His temple (Revelation 3:12; 7:15) would thus seem to point to believers serving God in His very presence.

Another point bears mentioning here. In a previous chapter I noted that the eternal city (the New Jerusalem) is 1400 miles long, 1400 miles wide, and 1400 miles high. Many theologians believe this city will be cubical, much like the Most Holy Place was in the Old Testament temple. It is possible that the New Jerusalem is intended to reflect the shape of the Most Holy Place, only much larger. This being so, there is no need for a separate temple, for indeed, all is already holy within the city. There will be no antithesis of sacred and secular in heaven.

No Night and No Need of the Sun

Revelation 22:5 tells us that in the eternal city, “night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light.” There are two observations I want to make for you.

First, our present bodies are comparatively weak and need sleep every night in order to recuperate. Our resurrection bodies will apparently not require recuperation through sleep. Our upgraded bodies will never become fatigued. We will never become run-down. Therefore, night becomes entirely unnecessary.

Second, the fact that the glory of the Lord God will light up the eternal city may have a parallel to the Old Testament tabernacle, and later, the temple. Recall that when

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