Eternal Among Temporal

When we think of heaven and earth the separation seems paramount. Heaven is out of reach and many people do not even acknowledge it or eternity. Likewise, our temporal lives and accoutrements are consistently fading away, even as death comes to all earthly things. However, reality extends beyond our physical senses, just as we breath unseen air, feel non-tactile emotions, perceive unheard voices in our minds, remember unconsumed smells and tastes. 

In the Bible we read accounts of angel’s deeds and appearances. These are generally very rare events, but scripture advises, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2) Books have been written about angelic visitations and there is consensus that angels frequent earth. Christians believe Scriptures, confirmed by their own experience, that after Jesus ascended to heaven the Holy Spirit came to dwell in the heart of every Believer, constituting a spiritual temple in which God dwells on earth. (1 Cor. 6:19; 1 Peter 2:4-6)

God works on earth through both supernatural and physical means. The ten plagues upon Egypt included physical manifestations such as frogs, flies and hail, but also supernatural darkness, and killing of the firstborn in only Egypt. The Egyptian magicians recognized this was the finger of God. (Exodus 8:19) God heals people by medicines, the body’s regenerative systems, surgery and miraculous means. (See Miracles Today, Dr. Craig Keener) Skeptics will never accept the documented proof of healings associated with Christian prayer, but there are overwhelming numbers of these with medical verification. The point is that God has not abandoned the creation He pronounced to be good. His eternal influences are seen through history and all around the world today.

The most common, yet special eternal characteristic of Heaven seen and experienced on earth is Love. Secular agnostics may argue that love is merely a human emotion. However, scripture and history provides that God’s very nature is love. (1 John 4:8,16) The human story most cherished and desired is one of Love. Books, movies, shows, cultures and societies of all nations recognize the eternal heavenly quality and virtue of Love. Yeshua, Messiah taught and demonstrated a life of love higher than any ever known until He appeared as God in human flesh. He said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you… Do to others as you would have them do to you… But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:27-28, 31, 35-36) Heaven has invaded earth.