If Christians will spend eternity in Heaven, why does the Bible talk about us ruling on the earth with Christ?
The Christian does go to Heaven at death (Phil. 1:21-24; Rev. 6:9-11; Rev. 7:9-15). I believe this is where many Christians come up with the idea of us being in Heaven forever.
Let’s examine some excerpts from the Bible that will indicate events after the return of the Lord Jesus and the resurrection of the dead. However, you need to read these chapters in their entirety from your own Bible.
…They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.
(Rev. 20:4-5 NIV)Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 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.”
(Rev. 21:1-4 NIV)
First, notice that for a thousand years we will live on the earth and reign with Christ. Then after that period is over, God the Father comes down to the earth and we see the new Jerusalem descending. God makes His dwelling with men on the earth. This city is where we will live for eternity. We could say that Heaven will come to earth.
Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc.
aka: Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally on WFMJ, the NBC affiliate, reaching thousands weekly.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.