Quote from Forum Archives on February 2, 2009, 7:26 pm

Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>

Forthright Magazine
www.forthright.net
Straight to the Cross

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COLUMN: FINAL PHASE

Beyond Description
by J. Randal Matheny, editor

We have been given a universe full of galaxies,
systems and worlds that invites our imagination and,
perhaps, one day, our explorations. Man has created
space journeys and star adventures and unearthly
creatures, from H.G. Wells to C.S. Lewis to Isaac
Asimov to Stephen Spielberg.

Such mental exercises should not find it strange,
therefore, the new mode of existence in another,
perfect form of reality.

The Bible calls this new mode "heaven."

Even in inspired language, its reality defies
description.

Man's uninspired attempts show the paltry limitations
of his imagination.

When John compared it to our present reality, he
releases a series of negatives. No death. No pain. No
night. No hunger. No temple. No locked doors. No
uncleanness.

For all the worlds to invent, for all the raptures to
desire, for all the thrills to be sought, none can
compare with the splendor of eternity, the glory of
heaven.

For there, God is all and everything. His glory
illumines it. He presence warms it. His holiness
purifies it. His fullness fills it. His sustenance
feeds it. His rule pacifies it. His power protects it.
His love enlivens it.

The portal to enter this perfect state of being is to
welcome, now, that same God to take up his abode in
the heart. To welcome him is to obey Jesus (John
14:23).

Death is not the portal, but the passageway, for there
is yet another portal, to another, dark side of that
reality, that lies beyond this life.

We choose the portal. The passage is determined for
us.

Though heaven defies description, its pictures in
Scripture are more than adequate to motivate us to
choose the right portal, to move constantly in its
direction, to promote here the Kingdom of God so that
we and many more may be participants in its eternal
manifestation.

For the longer we remain here, the more we are
conscious of this world's limitations, its
imperfections, its impermanence.

This is the yearning of the old and the lesson for the
young.

I have my doubts that man will ever reach the stars. I
entertain none that I will attain entrance, with doors
thrown wide open, into the eternal kingdom of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:11).

Are you sure? Absolutely certain?

If not, let's see what God's directions are into that
portal.

For, in this, imagination doesn't suffice, opinion
doesn't matter, impressions don't count, traditions
fall flat and feelings have no guarantee of
validation.

Only a word from God can show us the way. Let's
discover it.
_______
To understand the steps to heaven, contact us and
we'll get someone to your door, if at all possible. Or
check this online study or these articles gleaned from
faithful friends.
forthrightpress.com/someonelovesyou/

forthrightpress.com/conversion/ See Plan of Salvation

You can help get the word out. Here's how:
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