By Bishop Dr. Linus Mwenda
Wednesday, 15th April, 2020
Shared at 6pm
On Facebook @dcmeru
And Youtube @deliverance cathedral house.
Last week we said that eschatology is the doctrine of last things. In this study there are areas of commonality as well as those of controversy. Our first lesson was about death, an area in which the church is generally in agreement.
Death is a reality for the entire human race. It is defined as the end of human life through the separation of soul and body. Death shouldn’t be understood as annihilation because life continues after death of the body. After physical death, believers continue in eternal bliss while unbelievers continue in eternal torment.
The second area of agreement is heaven.
Lesson 2 : HEAVEN
All true believers in Christ agree on the existence of two eternal destinies: heaven and hell.
The word ‘heaven’ simply means ‘that which is above’. In the Bible, the word heaven is used in 3 ways.
a) The atmospheric heaven
Heaven may be used to describe the space surrounding the earth. The clouds are in the atmospheric heaven and the birds fly in it. The necessities for life on earth including dew, rain, snow and wind come from this heaven.
Isaiah 55:10
New International Version
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
We may call this first heaven.
b) Celestial heaven
Heaven is also used to describe the realm of sun, moon, stars and planets. God created the universe placing these lights in the heaves.
Psalm 33:6
New International Version
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
c) The dwelling place of God
This is probably what Paul referred to as ‘third heaven’
2 Cor 12:2
New International Version
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know–God knows.
This heaven is a specific place where God dwells.
Matthew 6:9
New International Version
“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
It is in heaven that God sits enthroned. From heaven God renders judgement. His blessings come from heaven. From heaven He hears prayer. God comes down from heaven.
Psalm 144:5
New International Version
Part your heavens, LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke.
Conclusion
The Bible talks about the occupants of heaven. The Old Testament saints went to heaven upon death. In Matthew 17, Moses and Elijah came from God’s presence at the transfiguration of Christ.
In this present church age, believers immediately go to God’s presence in heaven upon death.
Luke 23:43
New International Version
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Heaven is a place of eternal bliss.
Revelation 21:4
New International Version
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Below is a video of the live preaching of the Sermon on the said time and day
Next week we’ll talk about New Jerusalem as the final destination for believers.
Deliverance Cathedral House 
Thank you for the word.
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Thank again Bishop. Would you also touch on us believers position of being “raised together and made us sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus?” Eph 2:6. Perharps a comparison with Eph 1:20″…and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places ”
Well, the context may be different from your current topic but could be interesting to hear about ‘heavenly places’
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