What will we take to heaven....?

[Hobie]

I was thinking over all the things that we have to get rid of before we go to heaven and they were too numerous, jealousy, envy, pride, anger, just keep going from there.

So then I turned it around and went over what we truly need to have to take with us to heaven and came across what seems to stand out, one of which of course is our physical bodies which will be transformed and what David prayed for..
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

So defects of character must be repented of and overcome through the grace of Christ, and a clean heart and right spirit come withing us for the saints to take to heaven. The Bible says it in many different ways but here is my favorite....

1 Corinthians 13:1-10
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

What are the other things we will take....?

 

[Josheb]

I was thinking over all the things that we have to get rid of before we go to heaven and they were too numerous, jealousy, envy, pride, anger, just keep going from there.

So then I turned it around and went over what we truly need to have to take with us to heaven and came across what seems to stand out, one of which of course is our physical bodies which will be transformed and what David prayed for..
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

So defects of character must be repented of and overcome through the grace of Christ, and a clean heart and right spirit come withing us for the saints to take to heaven. The Bible says it in many different ways but here is my favorite....

1 Corinthians 13:1-10
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

What are the other things we will take....?

About how old are you, @Hobie?

 

[Two-Edged Sword]

Despite our best sanctification here (we should always be aiming towards the unattainable perfect holiness), the best we can acquire if we keep all commandments is a "unprofitable servant" (Luke 17:10) so I don't think we will have anything "worthy of heaven" to take with us.

When we receive our new bodies fashioned like Christ's (Philippians 3:20, 1 John 3:2) perhaps we will be of a whole new mind as well, suitable for heaven, cleansed from all our flesh and worldly thoughts, and the things of this earth will no longer be remembered by us (Isaiah 65:17).

 

[Josheb]

Despite our best sanctification here (we should always be aiming towards the unattainable perfect holiness), the best we can acquire if we keep all commandments is a "unprofitable servant" (Luke 17:10) so I don't think we will have anything "worthy of heaven" to take with us.

When we receive our new bodies fashioned like Christ's (Philippians 3:20, 1 John 3:2) perhaps we will be of a whole new mind as well, suitable for heaven, cleansed from all our flesh and worldly thoughts, and the things of this earth will no longer be remembered by us (Isaiah 65:17).

Do you think we will retain our memories of this life? @Hobie? @David Lamb?

 

[Two-Edged Sword]

Do you think we will retain our memories of this life? @Hobie? @David Lamb?

Another thought as to not having remembrance is Revelation 21:4 that the former thing have pasted away and we will not have sorrow, crying, or pain.
My parents probably didn't go to heaven and unless they are saved in the future I don't think my wife, sisters, or best friends will be there with me either. I also have nothing but regret for the vast majority of my life and how I conducted myself even while understanding God and knowing better. I think a HUGE portion of my memory, if not all, will need to be taken if I am to not have sorrow in heaven.
I'm just speculating though and willing just to wait and see.

 

[ElectedbyHim]

Another thought as to not having remembrance is Revelation 21:4 that the former thing have pasted away and we will not have sorrow, crying, or pain.
My parents probably didn't go to heaven and unless they are saved in the future I don't think my wife, sisters, or best friends will be there with me either. I also have nothing but regret for the vast majority of my life and how I conducted myself even while understanding God and knowing better. I think a HUGE portion of my memory, if not all, will need to be taken if I am to not have sorrow in heaven.
I'm just speculating though and willing just to wait and see.

I can agree with this.

 

[fastfredy0]

Another thought as to not having remembrance is Revelation 21:4

... and Isaiah 65:17 “Behold, I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things [of life] will not be remembered or come to mind.

 

[ElectedbyHim]

... and Isaiah 65:17 “Behold, I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things [of life] will not be remembered or come to mind.

I forgot about that verse and hard to wrap my mind around it.

 

[Hazelelponi]

... and Isaiah 65:17 “Behold, I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things [of life] will not be remembered or come to mind.

Revelation 5:9 (ESV) states, "And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God,'" suggesting that our worship in heaven includes a personal testimony of Christ’s redemptive work.

This implies that glorified believers retain sufficient memory to preserve their personhood and recall what they were saved from (sin and its consequences) and to (eternal fellowship with God). Without such memory, their testimony of salvation would lack substance.

In glorification, I see Scripture to teach our minds are fully renewed, and the emotional pain of past sins or traumas will no longer afflict us. The overwhelming joy of God’s presence will eclipse the sorrows of this life, rendering the negative effects of our former experiences powerless, though we may still recall them as part of our testimony to God’s grace.

Correct me if I'm wrong certainly

 

[Josheb]

Another thought as to not having remembrance is Revelation 21:4 that the former thing have pasted away and we will not have sorrow, crying, or pain.
My parents probably didn't go to heaven and unless they are saved in the future I don't think my wife, sisters, or best friends will be there with me either. I also have nothing but regret for the vast majority of my life and how I conducted myself even while understanding God and knowing better. I think a HUGE portion of my memory, if not all, will need to be taken if I am to not have sorrow in heaven.
I'm just speculating though and willing just to wait and see.

So, you will take regret to heaven?

Lemme ask you the same question I've asked @Hobie. About how old are you?

 

[Josheb]

... and Isaiah 65:17 “Behold, I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things [of life] will not be remembered or come to mind.

Do you think that verse was spoken and written with a certain degree of hyperbole?

 

[fastfredy0]

Revelation 5:9 (ESV) states, "And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God,'" suggesting that our worship in heaven includes a personal testimony of Christ’s redemptive work.

This implies that glorified believers retain sufficient memory to preserve their personhood and recall what they were saved from (sin and its consequences) and to (eternal fellowship with God). Without such memory, their testimony of salvation would lack substance.

Correct me if I'm wrong certainly

Can't say I have enough evidence to prove you wrong but I see no direct evidence of memory from a previous life; rather, knowledge of Christ saved people. For example, I have knowledge that the Wright brothers flew a plane but this is based on someone telling me it is so and this may be the case of those celebrating Christ.
Plus, you have to explain Isaiah 65:17 which is more specific.

ASIDE: I am not 100% sure we won't recall previous life, but that's the way I lean.

 

[fastfredy0]

Do you think that verse was spoken and written with a certain degree of hyperbole? [Re: Isaiah 65:17]

Gee, that never occurred to me. My default is to read things literally. Using hyperbole, satire, anthropomorphisms, jokes, whatever; make for confusion though they are possibilities.
Is it advantageous to recall one's lies, disobedience, angry, drunkenness, 3 wives, etc. in heaven. I don't know. God's ways are not our ways so who knows. ... on the other hand, would be strange to all of a sudden know nothing about yourself like your own name.

.... going to be a new me when my 'sin nature' is taken away

 

[Josheb]

Gee, that never occurred to me. My default is to read things literally. Using hyperbole, satire, anthropomorphisms, jokes, whatever; make for confusion though they are possibilities.

If they are possibilities, ones intended by God and ones intended by God to be understood..... the confusion is not the result. God is not a God of confusion.

Is it advantageous to recall one's lies, disobedience, angry, drunkenness, 3 wives, etc. in heaven. I don't know. God's ways are not our ways so who knows. ... on the other hand, would be strange to all of a sudden know nothing about yourself like your own name.

Do you think any resurrected Christian will remember God's forgiveness? How about God's grace, will that be recalled on the other side of the grave? God's mercy?

Revelation 5:1-10
I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?" And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals." And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

How could any of that be if nothing on this side of the grave is remembered (as the literal reading of Isaiah 65:17 would dictate)?

Revelation 7:9-10
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."

As I read the book of Revelation, there is a book, called the Lamb's "Book of Life," in which every purchased person's name is recorded for all eternity. You and I will never not have a name. If I read Paul correctly, there will also be a ceremony in which every single creature ever created will bow down before Christ and acknowledge him as King and he will then hand over the kingdom to his Father because the entire history of creation has been about that moment.

1 Corinthians 15:23-24
But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.

Seems odd to have such a ceremony with people who do not remember any of it.

Do you think any resurrected Christian will remember God's forgiveness? How about God's grace, will that be recalled on the other side of the grave? God's mercy?






Btw, thanks for answering the question asked. Sincerely appreciated.
.

 

[Hazelelponi]

Can't say I have enough evidence to prove you wrong but I see no direct evidence of memory from a previous life; rather, knowledge of Christ saved people. For example, I have knowledge that the Wright brothers flew a plane but this is based on someone telling me it is so and this may be the case of those celebrating Christ.
Plus, you have to explain Isaiah 65:17 which is more specific.

ASIDE: I am not 100% sure we won't recall previous life, but that's the way I lean.

I just see it as minimal hyperbole, more like we can imagine that we won't do/practice the former things (sin disobedience) for such a great time period we can lose the ability to relate to them emotionally.

Much like how a modern American etc might view life under Pharaoh. We kind of understand it intellectually, but not personally. We certainly can't actually relate to the experience of it.

I have just thought there's something of that separation from our transgressions. Similar to how we don't understand walled cities, most of us have never even seen one except in pictures of ruins. It was a big prophecy no more walked cities, we live it and can only say, what's a walled city like?

The former things passing away so they don't come to mind. It's not that we don't know these former things, but they are no longer a part of our reality so there's no negative affects from them.

I have thought our lives will be like that to the perfected and glorified mind in heaven

It's more difficult for me to read literally though. But I believe our experiences shape our relationship and our worship with/of Christ so I can't imagine worship without that relational ability based on experience.

 

[fastfredy0]

If they are possibilities, ones intended by God and ones intended by God to be understood..... the confusion is not the result. God is not a God of confusion.

I would say the scripture is often confusing if one dives into it. Christ himself said the parables confusing so to speak in Matt 13:10 Then the disciples came to Him and asked, “Why do You speak to the crowds in parables?” 11 Jesus replied to them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. 1 Cor. 2:14 But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters].
Of course, on are different levels of confusion and maybe I just wish for absolute clarity which is not possible given God is a transcendent Being.

Do you think any resurrected Christian will remember God's forgiveness? How about God's grace, will that be recalled on the other side of the grave? God's mercy?

I don't know.

How could any of that be if nothing on this side of the grave is remembered (as the literal reading of Isaiah 65:17 would dictate)? Rev 5:1-10

that's a good point which I had considered. It is possible that we are judged, our evil tasks are burned away so to speak if one is in Christ and then our memories of these deeds are erased. I grant it just an idea and the verses would support remembering the past.

1 Corinthians 15:23-24
But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.

Seems odd to have such a ceremony with people who do not remember any of it.

Well, remembering things is the default in this life and we tend to associate the next life with concepts we currently have. Again, I'm not sure we will not recall the past in heaven, but Isaiah 65:17 does suggest the possibility.

Do you think any resurrected Christian will remember God's forgiveness? How about God's grace, will that be recalled on the other side of the grave? God's mercy?

Well, the assumption is the such things are necessary. I don't think anyone has any clue what heaven will be like .... save it beats the alternative (giggle). Gee, maybe we will simply say Holy, Holy, Holy for eternity. I do like the idea of casting a crown He gave me at His feet, but who knows.

 

[Josheb]

I don't know. that's a good point which I had considered.

I do not know, either, but I am inclined to read the whole of scripture to say God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness (as well as other matters pertaining to God's purpose for creating creation) will be remembered and celebrated for all eternity. Salvation is what separates us from all other creatures (along with our having been made in God's image). As far as I can tell in scripture, no angel and no other creature has ever had the privilege of having God extend the kind of grace He extends in salvation. No other creature has been shown that kind of mercy. No other creature, not even the angels who did not keep their proper abode, were provided with the option of forgiveness, redemptive purchase, immunity from eternal death and destruction, and glorification found in Christ.

I doubt any of that will be forgotten.

If that proves true, then something of our need will also persist because grace, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, etc. without context is meaningless. There will be an eternal contrast in which God is able to hold up the redeemed as different than all other creatures, perhaps even the paradigmatic example of His own glory.

It is possible that we are judged, our evil tasks are burned away so to speak if one is in Christ and then our memories of these deeds are erased. I grant it just an idea and the verses would support remembering the past.

To what end?

Well, remembering things is the default in this life and we tend to associate the next life with concepts we currently have. Again, I'm not sure we will not recall the past in heaven, but Isaiah 65:17 does suggest the possibility.

Perhaps but that position begs a series of questions such as what is the purpose of memory. Perhaps some clarification is in order because, as far as research on this side of the grave goes , no one ever forgets anything. They simply lose the ability to recall it. Everything we experience gets recorded in memory but very little of what is recorded is consciously obtainable. That, of course, would not be the case for God, but this appears to be the design metrics of God for humans (although it may have been corrupted by sin). The salient point is that we don't actually forget anything, we are just not able to recall it.

There is also the fact that each time we access or recall a memory we change it. We "update" the memory relevant to the contemporary circumstances (memory then proves unreliable as far as objective facts of the past go). If this happens on the other side of the grave then everything we know, all that is recorded in our memories will then occur within the context of fully knowing and being known, a divine and objective knowledge and understanding of all creation from the external position of God's viewpoint. If we forget everything then the knowledge of everything has only the eternal context and none of the contexts provided by creation - none of the contexts Gd provided by providing creation as the context of our early existence.

Well, the assumption is the such things are necessary.

I am not assuming it. I conclude grace, mercy, forgiveness (and salvation) will be remembered based on the whole of scripture. The Isaiah verse is wonderful verse I wholeheartedly affirm..... when correctly understood in the light of whole scripture.

I don't think anyone has any clue what heaven will be like .... save it beats the alternative (giggle). Gee, maybe we will simply say Holy, Holy, Holy for eternity. I do like the idea of casting a crown He gave me at His feet, but who knows.

We know. We know something. We know what scripture states and whether literal or figurative the crown-casting is indicative of something of the past remaining in our awareness.



Now..... to steer this back to the op ,

Q: What will we take to heaven?
A: We will take God's grace, mercy, forgiveness, and salvation to heaven.

That is a good starting place. I have asked everyone about their age because the human lifetime helps answer this op's inquiry. So, I'll ask you, about how old are you? Bear with me as I walk through a few other relevant and salient inquiries to answer this op.

 

[Josheb]

Personally, I think the op has misused the 1 Corinthians 13 text because mysteries, envy, vaunting, iniquity, etc. won't exist on the other side of the grave. Those would be things we definitely will not take with us to heaven because our newly transformed bodies will be incorruptible. When the perfect comes then the imperfect will be discarded. If we were to continue using the rest of that chapter then we might ask what examples of patience, long-suffering, or endurance exist. The attributes listed in that chapter are all couched in this sinful, imperfect world. Love will look much different on the other side of resurrection when those problems do not exist. Perhaps other challenges will exist, but not those of boasting, arrogance, provocation, or unrighteousness.

Oh! Here's another thing we will take to heaven: humbleness. And knowing and being known as both He and we are, we will take a true understand of both into heaven. Sticking with Ps. 51 is a much better basis for answering the original inquiry. We'll take a clean heart and a right spirit to heaven, and a transformed body to accommodate both.

 

[fastfredy0]

If that proves true, then something of our need will also persist because grace, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, etc. without context is meaningless.

... well, perhaps just the knowledge that we had done somethings and and not the specifics would satisfy this potential need. For example, one could be high on drugs and do something terrible that one didn't recall and later be told they had done something terrible but not the details. One would have enough context. Granted, another hypothetical.


Re: It is possible that we are judged, our evil tasks are burned away so to speak if one is in Christ and then our memories of these deeds are erased. I grant it just an idea and the verses would support remembering the past.

To what end?

Everything is to God's "end" and His ways aren't our ways, so who knows. Again, a possibility .... just throwing mud on the wall to see if any sticks.

Everything we experience gets recorded in memory but very little of what is recorded is consciously obtainable.

.... I doubt everything we experience gets recorded in memory .... not that I have proof... interesting hypothesis

The salient point is that we don't actually forget anything, we are just not able to recall it.

I think that's a contradiction ... but I know what your saying given the previous premise above ... giggle

There is also the fact that each time we access or recall a memory we change it. We "update" the memory relevant to the contemporary circumstances (memory then proves unreliable as far as objective facts of the past go).

That's an interesting point. I, on occasion, thought that when I recall a memory I wonder, am I recalling the original memory or a copy of the original memory that I recalled subsequent to the original. Then there the issue of whether I added something to the copy and if I recall the memory yet another time, am I recalling the original or the copy that may have changes.

how old are you?

69 .... I can give you the exact date if you desire to send me a gift ... say via Zelle?


Aside: You're a deep thinker so take it easy on my limited mental abilities.

 

[Josheb]

69 .... I can give you the exact date if you desire to send me a gift ... say via Zelle?

That'll work. I'm 66.

Compared to when you were 19, what have you discarded from your life? A short answer, a brief list of a few items or concerns, should suffice.
Compared to when you were 39?
Compared to 59?
Assuming you make it to 89 (God willing) what do you suppose you will have discarded? What will you no longer be taking with you into the next years?


For myself, I am much less strident, fearful, and angry. Despite the fact that I have managed to accumulate a lot of possessions with my wife (because most of it is in her name, too ), I do not have anywhere near the aspirations for gain that I had at any point on my earlier years and that is only a recent phenomenon; one that began around the time I consider retirement (or, more accurately, semi-retirement. In the other direction, my children are grown and have moved out, and we expect to be grandparents soon. I find myself regretting not having spent more time with them, looking for ways to see them more, and hoping for the opportunity. Also, despite the fact I have been involved helping others all my adult, Christian life, in my early years I actively sought out mentors, others from whom I could learn but now there are fewer available, and I am the old man others seek out.

My mother will turn 90 in August. She lives in a small place, a condo with a living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and a closet. She has very few of her possession from my youth and she doesn't care one wit about that which she no longer owns. Most of it she gave away (and some of it was quite valuable as the world perceives such things).She's always been ornery if umbrage is taken and generous where genuine need crosses her path. She now often expresses a wonder regarding why God has let her live so long given the frailties and inconveniences of old age (although for 90 years of age she is doing remarkably, and enviably, well).

I did not ask if you're married but I have reached the point where I think about the premise either my wife or I will go and leave the other behind. I cannot find a satisfying answer beside the delight attained being in God's presence. I do not wish to go and leave her to feel the pain of loss and grief. I have spent a lot of professional and lay time with others going through that mess. She is a wise woman of strong character and God is ever-faithful so I know she'll be alright but who would wish that on their spouse? I have always been independent and comfortable with myself, but I cannot currently "see" life without her. Having witnessed loss and helped countless others I am confident in my abilities to negotiate loss and grief and seek out help when needed, and I am most definitely confident in Gods ability. The chief comfort I take is knowing that because I have so much still to accomplish, I will never die .


Life is a chronology of loss and gain.


Since reading the op I wonder if anyone can get sufficiently close enough to the question to answer it with substance.