Lynn:  (Chuckles)  Unfortunately a lot of people feel like Jack does. 

April:  Anyway, I didn't mean to interrupt your reading.  I was just curious about what that book says about heaven. 

Lynn:  That's OK.  We know that heaven is the spiritual realm where the glory of God's presence is displayed.  We know that the angels of God and all believers who have died are in heaven.  From Scripture we know there's a pervading sense of the holiness of God, which had an overwhelming impact on those who saw visions.  An example is Isaiah.  When he saw the Lord sitting on the throne, he said, "Woe to me…my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." *

April:  Wow, from what you're saying, heaven sounds kind of scary.

Lynn:  Not at all.  In fact, it's a place of safety and protection so we will live without fear and worry.  We will live without need--

April:  (Cuts her off)  Will there be pain in heaven?

Lynn:  No.  We will live forever without pain.

April:  Dad says Mom's in a lot of pain (Looks away and sighs).  I hope you're right because I want my mother free of pain - and comfortable!

Lynn:  Heaven is a place of comfort, too.  And we will live without sorrow.  The Bible says it's a place of boundless joy!  We'll be free of life's cares and filled with the joy of being in God's presence.

April:  Now there's a frightening thought! 

Lynn:  What?  Being in God's presence?

April:  Yes.  My mom says she's looking forward to it, but I'm not.  (Cavalier)  When I get up there and plead my case for the right to enter, God will say, "You are not ready yet!  You need a few more lifetimes to work off some of your bad karma.

Lynn: (Chuckles)  The Bible doesn't teach reincarnation, that's a Hindu belief.  You're not Hindu, are you?

April:  (Incredulous)  No!  I already told you I'm a Baptist!

Lynn:  Right.  Well, Baptists believe that at the moment of death they go to be with God.

April:  Where does the Bible say that?

Lynn:  Hebrews 9:27.  It says,  "A man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment." 

April:  Once, huh?  Well, then, I guess I'd better clean up my act.  There was a time in my life when I did really nice things for people.  But lately I've sort of been into the "me" syndrome.  If we only go around one time, I should do more good deeds.  Otherwise, when I enter those pearly gates, I'll have a lot of explaining to do.

Lynn:  No you won't.  Jesus says that the only ones who will enter heaven are those who have accepted him as the way, the truth, and the life - not those who have the best arguments or who have performed the most good deeds.  Heaven is not a court, but a prepared place for prepared people.

(Continued on page 157)