To answer the questions from last week:
What will we know in Heaven and will we be able to learn?
When we pass from this temporary physical world into the eternal spiritual world, we will see things we never thought existed. The Apostle Paul describes our present state as looking into a dull mirror in 1 Corinthians 13:12. I love the way the Amplified Bible states it:
For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim, blurred reflection of reality as in a riddle or enigma, but then when perfection comes, we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part, imperfectly, but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood by God.
So it would seem that we will know a lot more than we do now and understand many more things. Will we know as much as God? Absolutely not. We will still be created beings. Even the angels don't know everything. (1 Peter 1:12)
What about learning? God created learning. He instructs us over and over in scripture to study, learn and grow in our understanding. Why would all of that stop in eternity? Can you imagine all the wonderful things there are to learn about the universe, about God, about ages past (talk about a history lesson) I don't believe we'll instantly know all these things. Inside our human nature, God has planted desires to investigate, search, and discover. Why would He deny us that thrill when we are in Heaven? Because we'll have jobs in Heaven, a purpose, and tasks to complete, it only makes sense that we would be constantly learning. And since Scripture does not contradict this and God created our desire to learn, I believe we'll do much learning in Heaven and it will be fun too!
Will there be books in Heaven? And will books written on earth be in Heaven?
Well, we know of one book that God promises will be in Heaven--His Holy Word, The Bible. Scripture declares that it is eternal. So why wouldn't there be other books as well? The world's great history books, books on theology, science, psychology etc... why not? Since we will still be learning, what better way than through books? In the words of C.S. Lewis: "I don't see why there shouldn't be books in Heaven." What about fiction books? Though there are certainly some unworthy books found on this earth, there are also tons of beautiful stories created out of the gift God has given some of His children. I believe any book that speaks the truth and glorifies God will be found in Heaven. Personally, I can't imagine a place without a great fiction to read, can you?
Next week's questions.
What will our daily lives be like? Will we sleep? Eat? work? Play?
Will we have homes? What will they be like?
As I was reading this, a picture formed in my mind of a heavenly library. It will be amazing, I am sure :)
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