For Heaven’s Sake

Note: Hey, everyone, Jon here! I’ve been traveling a lot recently and haven’t been able to do a full-fledged series in a while. Thankfully, I’ve got some spare time in between travels so I’ve written a series for this week and the next. After that, I’ll do one more “Friday Ramblings” before returning with a regular series each week.

It’s good to be back in full swing with you all! If only for a little while.

In 1969, American musician Norman Greenbaum released one of the most famous one-hit wonders of all time - “Spirit in the Sky."

This catchy rock song is about the hope awaiting one after death as they’re led to the titular, benevolent spirit on high.

Though the place this spirit resides is spoken of highly, little is known about it beyond its reputation as “the place that’s the best.”

Nonetheless, when many of us hear the song, we get a fairly vivid vision of the place Greenbaum sings of, even though his lyrics are scant on details.

All we need to know is that this place is a paradise where none other than Jesus Himself hangs out.

In other words, Heaven.

Heaven in the Popular Imagination

When we hear about a lovely world after death where everything is perfect and Jesus is your neighbor, most people’s minds go to the same place…

Heaven.

Generally speaking, this popular image of Heaven contains the following:

• Fluffy white clouds

• Gentle harp music

• Golden gates manned by St. Peter

• Shiny streets

• Halos and angel wings for everybody

• All with eternal peace and bliss

(Oh, and it exists above Earth because Hell is firmly below it.)

These heavenly depictions are common throughout history, found in the works of the most accomplished Renaissance masters to the Looney Tunes themselves.

Now, of course, this is Theophilus, and being the killjoy that I am, I’m obligated to ask my favorite, annoying question:

Is any of this accurate?

From Here to Heaven

This week on Theophilus, we’re going to probe that very question.

We’ll discuss what exactly Heaven is, why it’s necessary, and “where” it is.

These questions reveal important aspects of the Gospel and God’s plan for creation…

…but also important aspects of the way we, as humanity, view God, this life, and what happens after death.

So be sure to stay tuned this week as we explore these questions and, hopefully, learn more about that great Spirit in the sky.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

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