Posted by AU on 12/15/2001, 8:11 pm

Posted by Author Unknown on 10/16/2001, 2:07 pm , in reply to "Re: One more small sample, please pray for this work—More" A New Heaven and a New Earth “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea” (Revelation 21:1, NIV). “As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,” declares the LORD, “so will your name and descendants endure” (Isaiah 66:22, NIV). God is assuring us that he will never destroy the new heavens and the new earth. “From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,” says the LORD. “And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind” (Isaiah 66:22-24, NIV). The LORD is speaking after the manner of men, for we will not have bodies of flesh in the new earth. Let us examine the phrase “their worm shall not die.” A literal worm eating a carcass would eventually run out of food and die. This is a figurative statement depicting the loathsome condition of the ungodly who are being punished. A worm never dying is an illustration depicting time. Another implication of this last passage is that we will be able to see the torment of men and women who have transgressed God's laws from our heavenly perspective. In the book of Daniel it reads “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2, NIV). This word “everlasting” means “without end.” Please notice that the same word was used to describe how long the different groups will be awake. Those who have found salvation will awake to everlasting life. Our present earth is a representation of the future realm God has for us. We will feel more at home in the New Earth than we do right now. Look at the Garden of Eden as an example. The river that flowed out of Eden parted, becoming four rivers. This natural water has spiritual significance. The number four in Scripture represents a universal application, like the four winds of heaven or the four corners of the earth. Let us draw a parallel to this natural water, understanding its representation in the New Earth. Water represents the spirit of God, which we will have in abundance on all sides, no matter which way we turn. Picture the loving relationship Adam had with Eve in Paradise—eating fruit right from the tree, basking in the sun in a beautiful garden, gazing down at the lakes and fields from the holy mountain, sleeping outdoors every night under the majestic sky, waking up covered with dew in the morning, and fellowshipping with God in the cool evening. Every wonderful illustration depicting that natural paradise and the love that was shared between Adam and Eve is an illustration of the divine Paradise and love God will share with us. Yet all of those earthly experiences will pale in comparison to what joy we will find in the New Earth. Our bodies are representations of what God has for us, too. The basic functions of movement, thought, and speech—all of these natural physical attributes that make us human will be expanded. Music will be wonderful; it will soothe the soul. Our communication will be perfect in our next life—there will be no misunderstandings. In the next world there will be no such thing as the unloved! Sleep will not compare to the peaceful repose God has for us in his Spirit—our rest will be glorious! The scriptures convey that, “Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling” (II Corinthians 5:2, NIV). This is in reference to our new spiritual body, which will take the place of this flesh. We shall be delivered from the corruption of death; we shall be free from the bondage of sin. ---------- Thank you A.U. Posted by Dave Kenady on 10/16/2001, 3:17 pm , in reply to "Re: One more small sample, please pray for this work—More" What a wonderfully edifying work. So easy to read, yet informative. I really enjoyed revisiting this. ---------- Re: And I Thank all of you Posted by Author Unknown on 10/17/2001, 5:20 am , in reply to "Thank you A.U." I really appreciate you Dave, thanks for expressing that you were edified, by the chapter I posted. I would like to share some thoughts on this chapter: That one chapter, (Chapter 15, Paradise Restored) has more scripture per page than any other chapter in the book. I was hesitant to let it go in such a meaty condition. Then I thought, hey it’s next to the last chapter, why not give people something to chew on? Latest book status: it has been six months and 11 days since I mailed the book to the publisher, they are in the process of making a decision now. Every thing I do in life is difficult; things take a lot longer than they should; however in the end the struggle is usually worth the reward. I pray that this is the case with (Ride the Ark Through Armageddon). The night I heard from God as he said, “I want you to write a book” I was thrilled. The vision and calling that I received that night has not grown cold, and I have not lacked in faith. Over the years I have crucified the flesh. I have given everything to see this work come to fruition. I have prayed countless hours about this and I have begged for your prayers. This God called work of the Gospel shall turn the world upside down! It shall strike a blow to Satan’s governance by bringing in Light. And many shall be saved from reading this work! I thank everyone who is struggling with me in prayer.