Heaven without Jesus?

At the risk of getting too philosophical, I want to reflect my thoughts on a question posed by Stephen Pohlmann from Riverside Church in the sermon on Sunday. 

The question was would you consider having heaven and all the benefits, but without Jesus?

It's an intriguing question, and I would have to say if we were honest with ourselves, the idea has certain merits worth considering.  

I mean having Jesus would perhaps limit your enjoyment of heaven because he would make demands on your time, efforts, behavior, thought patterns etc.

 Like who wants to have responsibilities, roles and purposes in paradise right?

 I wanna enjoy the freedoms without boundaries, to make the most of the time and place. 

Isn't this how we are even now, in this space?

We don't like accountablity, and having to hold ourselves in check, who wants to work on becoming Christlike, that's a lot of effort isn't it?

On careful reflection though this idea is totally absurd. Heaven without Jesus can't be heaven, afterall in HIM is both Life and Light.

Without which we can't possibly survive, and certainly not thrive.

Not to mention and privilege of knowing Christ to the degree that ALL other things appear as dung, and completely useless in comparison. 

As it is we only understand in part due to current effects of our fallen and sinful past, and the journey through life. 

On the other side of eternity we will have the full benefits of a sinless body and nature to know Christ more, but for now in this present life I desire him and strive to be transformed into the image of Christ.

Therefore the conclusion of this question is an emphatic NO; I don't want heaven or earth for that matter without Jesus. 

I am reminded of when God told Moses that he would allow the people of Isreal to proceed to the promised land, but he personally would not lead or go with them.

Moses immediately responded that unless God and HIS presence did not go, he wanted nothing to do with the process. Without Gods presence the whole excersise was in fact futile. 

Yes this does mean that I have to surrender to his way, and any possible demands he does and will place on me. 

I do this willingly because I am learning that I can trust HIM implicitly, that the boundaries are for my freedom and safety, and he is NOT withholding any good from me. 

Yes it means that I have to workout my salvation with a certain amount of fear and trembling. I certainly am accountable for my thoughts, words and deeds, firstly to God and the fellowship/ community of diciples in my life. 

In fact I am NOT my own, I belong to Jesus. 

I therefore crucify my flesh and carnal mind along with the associated desires and passions in favour of the Life of Christ, who is present in me.

 That's just the way I want it, through the pain and struggles in life that I may learn to Know Him and be known by Him. 



Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 19, 2021 at 9:03 PM

    Great question - great answer. Thanks Sean for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

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