Resources by Topic: Heaven

Randy Alcorn spoke with his son-in-law, Dan Franklin, about 2 Corinthians 5:1-5. They discuss the question of how physical the present Heaven is, and is it possible that there are transitional or intermediate bodies there?

In July, Randy Alcorn was a guest on Chris Fabry Live. He and Chris talk about his book Heaven, his wife Nanci’s passing, what Nanci is experiencing now and Randy’s journey of grief and loss. 

The truth is that while we are told many things in Scripture about Heaven (as Randy explains in his book), there are some details we are simply not given. We have to go back to what we do know for sure from God’s Word.

We know that people in the present hell are already suffering even though the resurrection hasn’t happened yet, just as people in the present Heaven experience pleasure even before the resurrection (Psalm 16:11).

Because there will be continuity from the old Earth to the new, it’s possible we’ll continue some of the work we started on the old Earth. I believe we’ll pursue some of the same things we were doing, or dreamed of doing, before our death.

We’ve probably all heard it said, “This world is not our home.” I used to say it, too. It’s true, but it’s a half truth. 

It’s certainly possible that there will be farms and farmers to care for crops. In Genesis 1:28 God tells His people to fill and govern the earth. Good farming practices certainly fall within the scope of careful stewardship and will very likely be welcome on the New Earth.

I’ve read many accounts of experiences in which people who do not know Christ claim to have gone to Heaven, or its outskirts, and were reassured by a “being of light” that all is well with them. I’m convinced that though some have had real supernatural experiences, the one who reassured them was not Jesus.

The bottom line is we don’t know how that will all work out, but we do know that God is good, and that we can trust Him.

I relate to your concerns because I too, want to watch my children grow up. I believe that ultimately, it is a matter of trust. Do we trust Jesus to return at exactly the right time?

One of our staff sent me this article written by a pastor, and I thought it was very good. (Yes, he does mention my Heaven book—but that’s not why we asked his permission to share what he wrote!) Over the years I’ve often used the term “over-realized eschatology,” but I don’t usually take the time to explain it, and this article does that well.

When Jesus annihilates death, it shall be no more. We will not fear it, and it will have no hold on us. Don’t you long for that day? 

When we receive our glorified bodies and relocate to the New Earth, it will culminate history, not erase it. And nothing will negate or minimize the fact that we were members of families here on Earth. 

A reader, Tammy, sent me this touching message about her dad, and the pictures.