Tears in Heaven
 

I've often wondered.

Once we are in heaven, will we be sad for those we knew on earth who are lost? Or will be be so changed that we won't remember them at all, and thus won't really be ourselves anymore - and just be happy-go-lucky all the time.

Any guesses?

Re: Tears in Heaven
 

from what i have heard we will not remember those who are lost

Re: Tears in Heaven
 

Here's a guess from one of the fire-and-brimstone heroes:

Can the believing husband in Heaven be happy with his unbelieving wife in Hell? Can the believing father in Heaven be happy with his unbelieving children in Hell? Can the loving wife in Heaven be happy with her unbelieving husband in Hell? I tell you, yea! Such will be their sense of justice that it will increase rather than diminish their bliss.

Jonathan Edwards

WOW.

Re: Tears in Heaven
 

Oh yeah. I think we'll all be rootin' for the flames to torment folks we didn't like in this life.

"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night..."

Gotta love that. Gonna be a real BBQ! heh-heh!

Re: Tears in Heaven
 

Such is the deception and delusion of the traditional manmade torment, provided by a All Powerful, Loving, Creator. What absolute blasphemy!!

Is His arm so short that He cannot save? Is His mercy so weak that it cannot endure? Is His love so anemic that it fails?

No, No, No, a thousand times no!!!

Re: Tears in Heaven
 

From an eternal perspective, God wipes away every tear. So there are tears, and perhaps some painful memories. However, in Heaven one has resources from which to draw knowledge, including the Lord Himself.

Remember, the wicked are not wicked because God judged them to be so. The wicked are wicked because it is simply made manifest regarding what they already are.

The pain of having a loved one in prison or sentenced to capitol punishment isn't grounds on negating justice. A just God must punish sin. While we might disagree on Hell's duration or purpose, the point is... pain from loosing a loved one to justice is enflicted by the offender, not the judge. If my son committed a robbery to support a drug habit and killed two police officers and was sentenced to life in prison or capitol punishment, I'd be far more upset with my son's choices than the judge. Clearly my son's selfishness was to such an extent he didn't care about the pain his actions might cause those who love him.

Re: Tears in Heaven
 

And if my son stole a dollar from my wallet and I locked him in the basement with just bread and water for a year, think my wife would be more upset with my son or with me?

Re: Tears in Heaven
 

I think one has to understand the holiness of God. A single white lie is as vile a sin as murder or rape. We, being legalistically conditioned, see sin in varying degrees of severity. God doesn't. To God, sin is sin. It's high treason against the creator and the Kingdom of Heaven.

Also, knowing the holiness of God, our question shouldn't be why would God condemn people to Hell... but rather how is it possible that such a holy God could be so merciful and gracious that He chooses to save any of us?

Once one understands the holiness of God, one will ditch the "spiritual entitlement syndrome" and realize that the only thing we deserve is Hell. This reality highlights how precious, powerful, and abiding grace truly is. When we realize that through Christ we are perfect, righteous, and holy in God's eyes, every sin (past, present, and future) forgiven, we truly begin to see the depth of His love in comparison to what His holiness demands.

Re: Tears in Heaven
 

Does that basement pad come with Internet, because I might be interested. A few bags of Cheetos would be nice. Oh, and a couple of Cokes, too, if you'd be so kind. Thanks.