2 Corinthians 12:3-4 “And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. “
From early church times up until the present day there have been visions and experiences of Heaven that God has given people. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians he spoke of a man he knew who had a vision or revelation from the Lord.
In verse 2, this is how he described it…“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.”
The third heaven being the place where God’s throne and the people of God dwell. Heaven is a place that we all should aspire to reach for it is in the very presence of God Himself. We know from scripture that Heaven will eventually come down to a new Earth. The New Jerusalem has already been prepared and in the city will be God’s throne set among His people.
In John’s account, he witnesses the city of God…
Revelation 21:2-4 “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God iswith men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
The only way I can answer for why God gives the visions and revelations is to remind people, there is a greater home that awaits. People have near death experiences quite often and speak of relatives they have met, christians who came before them who didn’t necessarily live during their lifetime. They speak of visions of Heaven, the sights, sounds, and love that is often inexpressible. Most who have the visions speak of Jesus, the ruler of Heaven and the One who allows them to have the experience that they might tell others.
Whether it was a man who recounted his vision to Paul, or the Apostle John who wrote it down for all to know, the visions are real and the experiences are given for a purpose.
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes…no more death or crying, or pain. The things that were will be no more, only great things to come.
Do you know why all things will be made new?
Because of Jesus.
When He gave His life upon the cross, He made a way for people to come into God’s presence without condemnation. For those who believe in Him and accept His sacrifice of love, they are given new life.
Revelation 21:5 “Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
No matter what you’re going through, what this past year may have been like, the loss, the hurting, the pain, it will all be wiped away…with tears rolling down the face, your sorrow will be turned to joy.
The reminder is to not lose sight of the prize. The line of reality from this world to the next is but a threshold we cross over. For those who love the Lord, life has only just begun.
Revelation 21:6-7 “And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”
The world seeks after eternal life as if it were some secret fountain hidden in a mysterious enclave. What the world fails to see is that the fountain is available right now, where they dwell, it isn’t hidden. Jesus pours His Spirit into all who trust and believe, for the Spirit of God is the fountain of life.
The vision of paradise given to John, Ezekiel, Isaiah, or to Paul are reminders of what is to come. Keep your vision pointed upward this year, live for what is good and true, and remember that life is short, eternity is forever, and the choices you make now –echo into that eternity.
There will be a great reunion to come, I hope you will be there.
U.T. 