You going to heaven?

 If hell is—as I noted on a previous blog—-the absence of God and anything related to God—what is heaven?
Well heaven is a manifestation of all, or every thing, that is God or God-like.

There is a term that theologians use called ‘common grace.’  Simply put, common grace is the grace released by God to everyone, all the time.  ‘Special grace’ is the grace that is revealed through God in His incarnate act of birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.  So, back to ‘common grace.’  

This is the God-ness (goodness) that is revealed in all creation, all acts and actions of humanity.  Baxter Kruger in his book The Great Dance explains it in the following illustration. Kruger was watching a documentary about the rescue of a stranded whale.  He noted the passion and earnestness of the people involved—“the depth of their burden and commitment, their determination.”  As he watched and listened, he saw God.  Who cares the most about creation?  God!  Who knows the stars by name, sees the sparrow fall and clothes the lilies of the fields?  God!
Think of everything beautiful, kind, nice, loving, peaceful,  talented, fun, exhilarating, and  fancy—and you have heaven and God.  Think of community, team, friends, games, parties, and family—and you have heaven and God.  Think of creativity, exploration, building, painting, art, and creativity—and you have heaven and God. 
What is the invitation for us now?  To enter heaven now.  To enjoy heaven now.  I recall reading a quote many years ago by E Stanley Jones: “There’s a little bit of heaven to go to heaven with.”


Heaven—I’m going some day—but I am there all ready!

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