The Holy Spirit has given his word that heaven is a reality. He has provided vivid and breathtaking descriptions of the wonder of heaven in the Bible. In his wisdom, God has provided exactly what we need to know about what heaven is like. But, there is more. For you and me to believe and trust in the Bible, Jesus Christ had to die. If Jesus had not suffered agonizing punishment and death for our sins, we would not be capable of seeing the wonder and majesty of the Spirit’s book; we would never have the faith to believe its truth.
Therefore, we can trust what is written in God’s word because God guaranteed its truth by the death of his son. So, what the Holy Spirit has written cannot be equaled in reliability by any other author or account. Further, God is not in need of the confirmation or approval of men to validate his truth. God’s truth is validated by the most impeccable source possible: his own holy character.
Why is this understanding important?
A book, and now a new movie, about the reality of heaven have been recently released. Both the book and the movie are based on a young boy’s life-experience, offering proof that heaven is for real. The question is, do these experiences actually give us a better reason to trust God about heaven?
If we rely on a voice other than that of the Holy Spirit in his written word, we are trusting in something other than God’s provision. We are, in effect, saying that we need something in addition to God’s word to confirm the truth about heaven. This stance is an affront to the integrity of God and the trustworthiness of his word. Ultimately, if we need a source different than or in addition to Scripture to confirm our faith, our faith is misplaced. Yes, the Bible tells us that others are to encourage us in the faith; that encouragement often comes as truth spoken in love. Scripture also teaches that, as we are encouraged by others, we must test that encouragement against the Word. The only way to validate truth is to lay it alongside the Bible and see if it conforms exactly to the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Bible.
Therefore, if a book is written about the experiences of a 4 year-old boy, we need to take that account for what it is. Those experiences, no matter how touching or amazing they might be, cannot be equated to the trustworthiness of the Holy Spirit. The words and experiences of anyone other than a member of the Trinity are tainted in some way by sin. That is reality. As a Christian, you have no need for confirmation of truth beyond what the Lord of the Universe has provided in his Word. The words of other humans may be as sincere as men can utter; their intentions may be as pure and well-intentioned as a sinful human can offer. But, before the word of the Maker of the Universe and of his Holy Spirit, they pale in comparison.
Heaven is for real. The Bible tells me so!
6 thoughts on “The Holy Spirit says heaven is for real!”
I totally agree. Very well put, Was telling a brother about this check in my spirit about this movie. You explained it well, as I was trying to get him to understand. I read the book it was a good story. I cannot prove if it was real or not, but as you said the Word tells us all about heaven.
Andrea, the concern is that there are detailed descriptions about heaven are at best conjecture. The Bible is careful to teach that we don’t add to or take away from what is written. In this case we there are additional things said about the nature of heaven that the Bible does not describe. We are however commanded to tell others about Christ. The post is a word of caution that Scripture provides all that we need regarding heaven. Thanks for your comment.
Elisa, your comment assumes that we can know with certainty about the truth of the experiences of this little boy. There are no biblical support for much of what he says, just his word that what he experienced is true. However, with regard to Christ, the Bible has abundant specific testimony to describe what he did for us as sinners. Thank you for commenting.
Of course, reliance on the Word of God, the Bible is best. At least what I can put to the test of what Colson said with Scripture, and passes, I do believe. What sounds iffy. I don’t take it in. God the Father, will affirm or correct/rebuke Colson, when Jesus returns and God’s Kingdom is finally established. Like it says in Revelation 21-22.
Yes. Heaven is for real. By the presence of Gods holy spirit in my life. To feel him and trust him. Angels have visited us and still do. God can give visions like he did john. But to believe in the bible our loved ones are not their for us to see. All through the bible it tells us we are in a sleep until the day of rssurection when Jesus comes. THE DEAD SHALL RISE FIRST. AND THOSE WHO ARE ALIVE WILL JOIN HIM IN THE AIR. We ard but asleep until that time. To all believers in the bible please study study study.
This is a great point – I had not thought of it that way. People’s experiences do add to my hope and faith; but we should always turn to and believe in God’s word.