why would heaven be forever?

Great Debates
1

I think the Bible has way to many contradictions and confusing stories, codes, prophecies, etc. for me to decide exactly what I believe. One thing I wonder is, why would heaven be forever and ever?

Say a guy lives 60 years, and is a real saint for most of them.
Why would God reward him forever and ever for something he did for only 60 years?

2

Because, according to the Bible, heaven is not a reward for living right. Heaven is a place where God is, and you only get to hang with God is if you accept the gift of salvation from Jesus Christ.

3

Forever in a good place?
What is “good” if there is no “evil” to compare it to?

4

Hmmm, what is ‘light’ if there’s no ‘darkness’?

5

Actually, on thinking about it, that might better serve your point than mine Czar; if there was no such thing as darkness (no shadows, no absorption of light), there would be no colour and no contrast, which would make it pretty difficult to see anything.

6

You wouldn’t have or need eyes, either.

7

Mangetout, I think this from Pseudo Dionysius’ Mystical Theology, chapter 2, is apropos:

(tr. Colm Luibheid, Pseudo-Dionysius The Complete Works)

To answer your question, Czarcasm, it’s the mystics’ optimism IMHO. Beyond all light and darkness is the “uncreated light.” Beyond good and evil is the ultimate good. A pessimist might just as well call it ultimate evil ;).

8

The one thing God expects from those who join him in Heaven is unremitting praise. Praise him, praise him, praise him, Lord God Almighty. An eternity spent in singing his praises. What are we doing today? Were going to spend the day praising God. Any plans next week? We were thinking of getting together and praising God. Going on vacation next year? Nah, were going to stick around and praise God.
I wonder if the Pearly Gates are to stop people getting out?

9

:rolleyes: Who defined praise = singing songs? certainly that’s a lot narrower than my definition.

10

I think of heaven as, not so much a place, but rather a state of mind were one can finally acheive a fuller understanding of God. Heaven is knowing His Plan, and seeing how amazing and beautiful and perfect it is.

Once you know that, I figure praising His Unending Name is pretty much all you’d ever want to do.

Disclaimer: I am an atheist, so this is entirely hypothetical.