I heard something very interesting and it made me think a lot and I want to share this with you.

A gentleman told me: My grandfather walked 10 miles to work and 10 miles back home every day; My father walked five. I am driving an old car; my son is driving a Mercedes and my grandson will one day own a Ferrari. But my great-grandson will be walking again. So, you may ask why is that? It is because tough times create strong men, Strong men create easy times, easy times create weak men and weak men create tough times.

Many will not understand, but you have to raise warriors. It this not evident in many faith-walks with many believers today? In days of old, you had people standing up for what they belief. There was respect when people talk Bible. When the pastor or preacher come visit, you dress your best and you keep quiet when he speaks. But it became much easier through time just to accept and not say a word. We grew weak, to scared what others will think.

It is time that warriors rise again and stand up for our faith – Just as other religions do. Believers in the New Testament, Torah and the way we belief has become an object not to upset or offend the other person.

We are Torah Followers and we are not supposed to be concern how many times people swear or ridicule or belittle us, we need to stand our ground and be proud to know YHVH Elohiym is in our lives. We need to grow a backbone and stand for what is right and what we belief in!

HEAVEN OR HELL?

PART 2

HELL

Hell is a place of future punishment for lost and unrepentant people after death.

DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION

Hell is the final destiny of those who do not put their faith in Yeshua Moshiach and his grace. Hell is described by images such as a furnace of fire, eternal fire, eternal punishment (Matthew 13:42, 50; 25:41, 46); outer darkness, the place of weeping and torment (8:12); the lake of fire, the second death (Revelation 21:8); a place for the devil and his demons (Matthew 25:41). Evidently, those in hell experience everlasting separation from YHVH, never to see the glory of his power (2 Thessalonians 1:9). Other expressions that indicate that the final state of the wicked is eternal are these: “burn with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12); “to the unquenchable fire… where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:43, 48); there is sin that “will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matthew 12:32). When Scripture is understood properly, there is no hint anywhere of the termination of the terrible state of unbelievers in hell. Their doom is unending; there is a solemn finality about their miserable condition. Some of the most descriptive and conclusive utterances about hell come from the lips of Yeshua. A summary of all Scripture that speaks of hell indicates that there is the loss and absence of all good, and the misery and torment of an evil conscience. The most terrifying aspect is the complete and deserved separation from YHVH and from all that is pure, holy, and beautiful. In addition, there is the awareness of being under the wrath of YHVH and of enduring the curse of a righteous sentence because of one’s sins that were consciously and voluntarily committed. Although the biblical descriptions of hell are stated in very physical and literal terms, the essential character of hell should not be conceived in or limited to designations such as the worm that devours, the stripes that are inflicted, the burning or being consumed by fire. This affirmation does not detract from the horror or the gravity of the situation in hell, because nothing could possibly be worse than separation from YHVH and the torment of an evil conscience. Hell is hell for those who are there essentially because they are completely alienated from YHVH, and wherever there is alienation from YHVH, there is always estrangement from one’s fellows. This is the worst possible punishment to which anyone could be subject: to be totally and irrevocably cut off from YHVH and to be at enmity with all those who are around oneself. Another painful consequence of such a condition is to be at odds with oneself-torn apart from within by an accusing sense of guilt and shame. This condition is one of total conflict: with YHVH, one’s neighbours, and oneself. This is hell! If the descriptions of hell are figurative or symbolic, the conditions they represent are more intense and real than the figures of speech in which they are expressed. Punishment for sin is a persistent teaching of the Bible. The doctrine of judgment is as extensive as the canon itself from Genesis (Genesis 2:17; 3:17-19) to the Prophets (Ezekiel 14:10) to the final Revelation (Revelation 20:11-15).

BIBLICAL TERMS

The Hebrew word “Sheol” in the Old Testament is predominantly used for “the grave, the pit, the place of the departed dead” (Genesis 37:35; Job 7:9; 14:13; 17:13-16; Psalms 6:5; 16:10; 55:15; Proverbs 9:18; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Isaiah 14:11; 38:10-12, 18). There does not seem to be a very clear distinction in the Old Testament between the final destiny of the good and the evil. They all alike go to the grave, to the world below, a world of gloom, weariness, darkness, decay, and forgetfulness, where one is remote from YHVH (Job 10:20-22; Psalm 88:3-6), yet accessible to him (Job 26:6; Psalm 138:8; Amos 9:2). It is a place characterized by silence (Psalms 94:17; 115:17) and rest (Job 3:17). Other texts, however, seem to suggest some aspect of consciousness, hope, and communication in Sheol (Job 14:13-15; 19:25-27; Psalms 16:10; 49:15; Isaiah 14:9-10; Ezekiel 32:21). A few texts seem to suggest the threat of divine judgment after death (Psalms 9:17; 55:15). On the whole, Sheol was regarded with dismay and foreboding (Deuteronomy 32:22; Isaiah 38:18). It was not until the time of the post-canonical Jewish literature, the writings that were developed between the close of the Old Testament and the beginning of New Testament times, that clear distinctions were made between the final destinies of the righteous and the unrighteous. The idea of separate divisions within Sheol for the good and the evil was developed. It is unmistakable that there was in Jewish thought, as reflected throughout the Old Testament, a belief in a future and continued existence beyond death, however shadowy and indefinite the concept. The Greek word “hades” in the New Testament is used very similarly to “Sheol” in the Old Testament. It was, in fact, used by the translators of the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament, for Sheol. It designated in general the place or state of the dead, the grave, or death itself. In some versions the word is not translated at all but is transliterated simply as “hades.” The New Testament is not always very explicit about the meaning of hades, other than what has just been described. Use of the word often does not reveal much about the specific condition of the dead. There are some passages, however, that indicate a distinct advance over the use of Sheol in the Old Testament. One New Testament passage definitely describes hades as a place of evil and punishment of the wicked, and may appropriately be translated “hell” (Luke 16:23). In all other instances, hades indicate nothing more than the place of the dead. The Greek word “Gehenna” is used in a number of New Testament texts to designate the fiery place for punishment of sinners and is often translated “hell” or “the fires of hell” (Matthew 5:22, 29-30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15, 33; Mark 9:43, 45, 47; James 3:6). It is usually used in connection with the final judgment and often has the suggestion that the punishment spoken of is eternal. Gehenna is derived by transliteration from the Hebrew of the Old Testament “valley of Hinnom” or the “valley of the son of Hinnom,” a ravine on the south side of Jerusalem. This valley was the centre of idolatrous worship in which children were burned by fire as an offering to the heathen god Molech (2 Chronicles 28:3; 33:6). In the time of Josiah, it became a place of abomination, polluted by dead men’s bones and rubbish (2 Kings 23:10-14) and by the garbage and filth of Jerusalem dumped there. A fire burned continuously in this valley. It thus became a symbol of the unending fires of hell where the lost are consumed in torment. It was a symbol of judgment to be imposed on the idolatrous and disobedient (Jeremiah 7:31-34; 32:35). Another Greek word used to designate hell or “the lower regions” is “Tartarus” (2 Peter 2:4), a classical word for the place of eternal punishment. The apostle Peter uses it for the fallen angels who were thrown into hell, “committed… to pits of nether gloom to be kept until the judgment”. As noted above, there are, in addition to these terms, the very explicit and vivid phrases that clearly teach the doctrine of hell, as developed at the beginning of this article. The biblical doctrine is determined much more by these decisive phrases than by the somewhat indecisive but frequently used terms “Sheol” and “hades.”

THE JUSTICE OF ETERNAL PUNISHMENT

It is difficult for us to understand the righteous judgment of a holy Elohiym who, on one hand, hates all evil, yet, on the other hand, loves the evildoers enough to sacrifice his only Son for their salvation from sin. Divine wrath is the necessary reaction of a holy YHVH who hates all that is contrary to his righteous nature. When the only remedy for human sin is rejected and all appeals of a loving, seeking YHVH for the reconciliation of rebellious sinners are refused, there is no other course of action that YHVH himself can pursue but to leave the sinner to his self-chosen destiny. Punishment for sin is then the inevitable and inescapable response of holiness to that which is morally opposite, and it must continue as long as the sinful condition requiring it continues. There is no indication anywhere in Scripture that lost sinners in hell are capable of repentance and faith. If in this life they did not turn away from sin and receive Moshiach as Saviour with all the favourable circumstances and opportunities afforded them on earth, it is unreasonable to think they will do so in the life to come. Punishment cannot come to an end until guilt and sin come to an end. When the sinner ultimately resists and rejects the work of Ruach HaKodesh whereby he is convicted of sin, there remains no more possibility of repentance or salvation. He has committed an eternal sin (Mark 3:29; Revelation 22:11), which deserves eternal punishment. The impossibility of faith and repentance in hell is seen also from the tragic reality of the depraved will, conditioned and determined by its repeated rebellion against YHVH. Sin reproduces itself in the will, and character tends to become irrevocably fixed. YHVH responds to endless sinning with the necessary counterpart of endless punishment. If the question is raised, “How can a loving YHVH send people to an everlasting hell?” it must be replied that YHVH does not choose this destination for people; they freely choose it for themselves. YHVH simply concurs in their self-chosen way and reveals the full consequences of their evil choice. It must always be remembered that YHVH is not only loving, he is also holy and righteous. There must be some adequate reckoning with justice in the universe where a revolt against YHVH has brought evil consequences of enormous proportions. While the duration of punishment in hell is eternal for all who have chosen that destiny for themselves, there are degrees of punishment proportional to the degrees of guilt of each individual. Only YHVH is able to determine what those degrees are, and he will assign the consequences with perfect justice according to the responsibility of each one. Evidence of such gradations in future punishment is found in Scriptures such as Matthew 11:20-24; Luke 12:47-48; Revelation 20:12-13. An obvious comparison is made in these texts between the differing intensities of punishment that are involved in the contrasting privileges, knowledge, and opportunities. There are a variety of views that must be ruled out, however attractively they may be presented by their advocates and however popular they may be from time to time. Among these views are the erroneous, but sometimes persuasive, doctrines of universalism, annihilationism, and second probation. Universalism promotes the concept that YHVH will save everyone in the end. Annihilationism teaches that hell is not a place of conscious suffering but of final extermination. And second probation is a notion that people can be delivered from hell. While these theories can be attractive, the Bible is our rule of faith for the doctrine of hell, however difficult the doctrine may seem for natural reason or for human sentiment. Scripture leaves no doubt about the terrible nature and the eternal duration of hell. Rejection or neglect of this doctrine will have dire effects upon the mission of the church.

THE BIBLE SPEAKS ABOUT ETERNAL PUNISHMENT USING DIFFERENT TERMS.

The King will turn to those on the left and say, “Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons!” (Matthew 25:41) Eternal punishment takes place in hell (the lake of fire, or Gehenna), the place of punishment after death for all those who refuse to repent. In the Bible, three words are used in connection with eternal punishment. (1) Sheol or “the grave” is used in the Old Testament to mean the place of the dead, generally thought to be under the earth. (See Job 24:19; Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 38:10.) (2) Hades is the Greek word for the underworld, the realm of the dead. It is the word used in the New Testament for Sheol. (See Matthew 16:18; Revelation 1:18; 20:13-14.) (3) Gehenna, or hell, was named after the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem where children were sacrificed by fire to the pagan gods (see 2 Kings 23:10; 2 Chronicles 28:3). This is the place of eternal fire (Matthew 5:22; 10:28; Mark 9:43; Luke 12:5; James 3:6; Revelation 19:20) prepared for the devil, his angels, and all those who do not believe in YHVH (25:46; Revelation 20:9-10). This is the final and eternal state of the wicked after the Resurrection and the Last Judgment. When Yeshua warns against unbelief, he is trying to save us from agonizing punishment.

THE PUNISHMENT OF HELL IS JUST.

YHVH shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves. (Romans 1:18) In these verses, Paul answers a common objection: How could a loving YHVH send anyone to hell, especially someone who has never heard about Moshiach? In fact, says Paul, YHVH has revealed himself plainly in the creation to all people. And yet people reject even this basic knowledge of YHVH. Also, everyone has an inner sense of what YHVH requires, but they choose not to live up to it. Put another way, people’s moral standards are always better than their behaviour. If people suppress YHVH’s truth in order to live their own way, they have no excuse. They know the truth, and they will have to endure the consequences of ignoring it.

THERE ARE NO SECOND CHANCES IN HELL.

Death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death-the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:14) Death and hell are thrown into the lake of fire. YHVH’s judgment is finished. The lake of fire is the ultimate destination of everything wicked-Satan, the beast, the false prophet, the demons, death, hades, and all those whose names are not recorded in the book of life because they did not place their faith in Yeshua Moshiach. John’s vision does not permit any grey areas in YHVH’s judgment. If by faith we have not identified with Moshiach, confessing him as Adonai, there will be no hope, no second chance, no other appeal.

IS THERE REALLY A PLACE CALLED HELL?

Matthew 7:13: “You can enter YHVH’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way.” Matthew 13:49-50: “That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the godly, throwing the wicked into the fore.” 2 Peter 2:4: “YHVH did not spare even the angels when they sinned; he threw them into hell.” Revelation 20:10: “Then the Devil… was thrown into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur… There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Although we don’t know where hell is, it definitely exists.)

WHAT IS HELL LIKE?

2 Peter 2:4: “YHVH did not spare even the angels when they sinned; he threw them into hell, in gloomy caves.” Revelation 19:20: Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur.” Jude 1:7: “Those cities were destroyed by fire and are a warning of the eternal fire that will punish all who are evil.” Luke 14:22-24: “The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Lazarus in the far distance with Abraham. The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in anguish in these flames.’” (Our imaginations cannot comprehend how horrible hell is. Here on earth, we tend to think in time spans that have a beginning and end. There will be no end to hell.)

WHO WILL BE SENT TO HELL?

Revelation 20:15: “Anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” Jude 1:15: “He will bring the people of the world to judgment. He will convict the ungodly of all the evil things they have done in rebellion and of all the insults that godless sinners have spoken against him.” (Many people will be surprised on judgment day to find that living a good life and being successful did not secure their place in heaven.)

HOW CAN I BE ASSURED THAT I AM NOT GOING TO HELL?

John 3:16: “YHVH so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 14:6: “Yeshua told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” 1 John 4:17: “As we live in YHVH, our love grows more perfect. So, we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we are like Moshiach here in this world.” Romans 10:9-10: “If you confess with your mouth that Yeshua is Adonai and believe in your heart that YHVH raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (There is only one way to be certain that you are included in the Book of Life. You must confess your sin and believe in Yeshua Moshiach as your personal Saviour. By taking this step, you have secured your place in heaven and you don’t have to fear hell again.)

HEAVEN OR HELL?

PART 1

OVERVIEW

In the Bible, heaven can mean two things. First, it refers to the sky and all that's in it (the stars, clouds, and air). This is often called "the heavens" instead of just heaven. Sometimes this space is also called the "lower heaven." It is a physical place that we can see and feel. We read about the heavens in passages such as these: 1) Genesis 1:1: In the beginning YHVH created the heavens and the earth. 2) Psalm 19:1: The heavens tell of the glory of YHVH. / The skies display his marvellous craftsmanship. 3) 1 Corinthians 15:40: There are bodies in the heavens, and there are bodies on earth. The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the beauty of the earthly bodies.

The second meaning for heaven might be called "upper heaven." It is not a place that we can see and feel; it is a spiritual place. This is what we are talking about when we say that when someone dies, he or she goes to heaven. This is where YHVH's people gather around the throne of YHVH. We read about heaven in passages such as these: 1) Genesis 28:12: As he slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from earth to heaven. And he saw the angels of YHVH going up and down on it. 2) Nehemiah 9:6: You alone are Adonai. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve and give life to everything, and all the angels of heaven worship you. [This shows both uses of the term.] 3) Luke 6:23: A great reward awaits you in heaven. The Hebrew word for heaven was understood to be plural. It referred to more than one thing.

IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Old Testament writers viewed the physical heavens as a firmament appearing as a great arch supported on foundations and pillars (2 Samuel 22:8). This heaven spread out above the earth, with rain descending through its doors (Psalm 78:23). The most descriptive Old Testament passages about the physical heavens are Psalm 8 and Psalm 19:1-6. The Old Testament speaks of familiar elements of the heavens. 1 -- The clouds (Psalm 147:8) // 2 -- The winds (Zechariah 2:6) // 3 -- The rain (Deuteronomy 11:11) // 4 -- The thunder (1 Samuel 2:10) // 5 -- The dew (Deuteronomy 33:13) // 6 -- The frost (Job 38:29) The Old Testament also mentions destructive forces from the heavens like hail (Joshua 10:11) and fire (Genesis 19:24). Ancient Hebrews were aware of what we call outer space. They saw the sun, moon, planets and stars as YHVH's glorious creation even though they didn't fully understand them. Some ancient nations worshiped the heavenly lights and associated gods and goddesses with them (Jeremiah 44:17-25). The Hebrews had been forbidden that form of worship. They were also prohibited from taking part in things like astrology, which looked to the heavens, instead of YHVH, for wisdom (Isaiah 47:13-14). These laws and restrictions separated the Hebrews from the cultures around them. The term "heaven of heavens" (Deuteronomy 10:14) is the English form of the Hebrew term, "the highest heaven." The Old Testament Hebrew term might be the counterpart to the New Testament expression "the third heaven" (2 Corinthians 12:2), which parallels the classical Greek idea of three heavens. The Roman Catholic medieval church adopted this way of thinking. Those who follow this approach think of the third heaven as the place reached by the souls of the blessed, the upper heaven. The first two heavens then are two lower regions: the atmosphere and outer space (containing the celestial bodies) and then the outlying universe. At least two Old Testament saints, Enoch (Genesis 5:22-24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11), went straight to heaven without dying first. They went directly from this life into YHVH's presence.

IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

YESHUA TALKED ABOUT HEAVEN

Yeshua referred to heaven as the dwelling place of YHVH (Matthew 6:9). During his earthly ministry, he claimed that he had come from that heaven (John 3:13; 6:33-51). On at least three occasions utterances from heaven confirmed these claims. The apostle Paul refers to it as the "third heaven" (2 Corinthians 12:2). This place is so attached in meaning to the presence of YHVH that the word "heaven" is often used as a synonym for YHVH himself (Matthew 23:22; Luke 15:18). After Yeshua' ascension, or return to heaven, in view of his followers (Acts 1:6-11), two angels reminded the disciples that Yeshua would return from heaven. This was later confirmed by the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) and was restated in the summary of the teachings of the New Testament known as the Apostles' Creed. The connection between Yeshua and YHVH's dwelling place in heaven is woven throughout the New Testament and cannot be separated from the core of the message of Yeshua' life and ministry. It is from the "right hand of YHVH" that Moshiach forever lives to make intercession for those who have come to him by faith (Hebrews 7:25; compare Mark 14:62).

PAUL WROTE ABOUT HEAVEN

Paul teaches that the believer's body will be made like the body of Yeshua Moshiach when Yeshua returns from heaven (Philippians 3:20-21). Believers will need a heavenly body to match their heavenly citizenship. The term "citizens" refers to individuals who live in a foreign country while observing the laws of their homeland instead of the land in which they live (Acts 22:28). What does that mean for believers? They are to live according to the moral and ethical principles of heaven regardless of the standards of the world around them. Believers have been raised together with Moshiach and have been instructed to "seek the things that are above, where Moshiach is, seated at the right hand of YHVH" (Colossians 3:1). From there Moshiach has blessed his followers "with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3). The expression "in the heavenly places" suggests that the blessings of the spiritual world are not for some future time or place, but by faith they can be enjoyed here and now.
While on earth, believers look forward to a new heaven and a new earth containing the new Jerusalem. There will be no tears, sorrow, pain, death, or night because the Son of YHVH will be there (Revelation 21:1-4, 27; 22:1-5), and in the resurrected state there will be no marrying or giving in marriage (Luke 20:27-38). The apostle John also experienced heaven (Revelation 4:1), a heaven intended to be populated (19:1). All believers will ultimately dwell in heaven in their resurrection bodies, which they will receive when Adonai comes for them from heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Adonai will also give treasures and rewards at that time (Matthew 5:12; 1 Corinthians 9:25)

OUR IDEAS ABOUT HEAVEN MUST BE BASED ON THE BIBLE.

Yeshua replied, “Your problem is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of YHVH.” (Matthew 22:29) The Sadducees asked Yeshua what marriage would be like in heaven. Yeshua said it was more important to understand YHVH’s power than know what heaven will be like. In every generation and culture, ideas of eternal life tend to be based on images and experiences of present life. Yeshua answered that these faulty ideas are caused by ignorance of YHVH’s Word. We must not make up our own ideas about YHVH, eternity, and heaven by thinking of them in human terms. We should concentrate more on our relationship with YHVH than about what heaven will look like. Eventually we will find out, and it will be far beyond our greatest expectations.

HEAVEN IS OPEN TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN MOSHIACH.

There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. (John 14:2-3) Yeshua’ words show that the way to eternal life, though unseen, is secure-as secure as your trust in Yeshua. He has already prepared the way to eternal life. The only issue that may still be unsettled is your willingness to believe.

YESHUA IS PREPARING PLACES IN HEAVEN FOR HIS FOLLOWERS.

There are few verses in Scripture that describe eternal life, but these few verses are rich with promises. Here Yeshua says, “I am going to prepare a place for you,” and “I will come and get you.” We can look forward to eternal life because Yeshua has promised it to all who believe in him. Although the details of eternity are unknown, we need not fear, because Yeshua is preparing for us and will spend eternity with us.

HEAVEN’S PRIORITIES CAN BE PART OF LIFE HERE ON EARTH.

Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. (Colossians 3:2) Letting heaven fill our thoughts means striving to put heaven’s priorities into daily practice and concentrating on the eternal rather than the temporal. (See Philippians 4:8-9 and Colossians 3:15 for more on Moshiach’s rule in our hearts and minds.)

FOCUSING ON HEAVENLY THINGS PUTS EARTHLY THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE.

Believers real home is where Moshiach lives (John 14:2-3). This truth gives us a different perspective on our life here on earth. To “let heaven fill your thoughts” means to look at life from YHVH’s perspective and to seek what he desires. This is the antidote to materialism; we gain the proper perspective on material goods when we take YHVH’s view of them. The more we regard the world around us as YHVH does, the more we will live in harmony with him. We must not become too attached to what is only temporary.

IT ISN’T WHAT, BUT WHO IS IN HEAVEN THAT MATTERS.

As I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me with the sound of a mighty trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.” (Revelation 4:1) Chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation record glimpses into Moshiach’s glory. Here we see into the throne room of heaven. YHVH is on the throne and orchestrating all the events that John records. The world is not spinning out of control; the YHVH of creation will carry out his plans as Moshiach initiates the final battle with the forces of evil. John shows us heaven before showing us earth so that we will not be frightened by future events.

IS THERE REALLY A HEAVEN?

Genesis 14:22: “Abram replied, ‘I have solemnly promised Adonai, YHVH Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.’” John 14:2: “There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly.” 1 Corinthians 5:1: “We know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down-when we die and leave these bodies-we will have a home in heaven.” (Not only is there a heaven, but Yeshua is preparing it for our arrival.)

WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE?

Isaiah 65:17: “Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth-so wonderful that no one will even think about the old ones anymore.” Philippians 3:21: “He will take these weak mortal bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own.” James 1:17: “Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from YHVH above, who created all heaven’s lights. Revelation 21:3-4: “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, the home of YHVH is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. YHVH himself will be with them. He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.’” Revelation 22:5: “There will be no night there-no need for lamps or sun-for Adonai YHVH will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.” (In heaven we will live forever with YHVH. There will be no sadness, no pain, no evil, no death. Everything will be perfect and glorious. YHVH will give us new bodies and we will be able to talk face to face with Adonai Himself.)

WHO WILL GET INTO HEAVEN?

Matthew 5:3: “YHVH blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.” Matthew 19:14: “Yeshua said, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.’” John 3:16: “YHVH so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Those who accept Yeshua Moshiach as Savior and recognize that only he can forgive their sins will gain entrance into heaven. This only occurs with a humble and repentant attitude.)

DOES THE BIBLE REALLY CLAIM THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO HEAVEN?

John 14:6: “Yeshua told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” (Yeshua is the only way to heaven. We may want to buy our way in, work our way in, think our way in. But the Bible is clear-Yeshua Moshiach provides the only way in.)

Those who endure in their faith have a secure place in heaven.

Genesis 3:24, “God forced the man out of the garden. Then God put angels on the east side of the garden. He also put a sword of fire there. It flashed around in every direction. This kept people from getting to the tree of life.” When our Creator forced Adam out of the garden mankind was one degree removed from God and perfection. After Cain killed his brother and moved east of Eden (Gen.4) his family was one more degree removed from God and perfection. Every sin moves us farther away from our Creator.

Thought for Today: Sunday May 18

You must remember that you live in a fallen world, an abnormal world tainted by sin. Much frustrations and failures result from your seeking perfection in this life. There is nothing perfect in this life except YHVH! That is why closeness to Him will satisfy deep yearnings and can fills you with Joy.

Here's First Fruits Ministries' sermon for the Sabbath on 5/17/2025, called: "Elementary Principles, Part 10 (Baptisms, Part D):

YouTube Link: