What will we take to heaven....?

[fastfredy0]

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?

Gee, I pondered the question for awhile but I can't come up with much. I retired so I suppose I gave up work and I do miss that to some degree. I suppose I gave up living in Canada in my young 40s. Texas/the U.S. is so much better. I don't see a change in me emotionally over time or a change in my striving for anything as I've always had all the material things for the most part.

My family is rock solid as I measure such things. My parents, wife of 40 years, 2 males children, 2 daughter-in-laws are all good, church going Christians. My 7 and 8 year old grand daughters are Christians who are home school and religion is part of their curriculum. Grand son is 4 so a little early to call. All are financially secure. My mom is 96 but is mentally "out of it". She doesn't recognize her children. She does still like singing hymns. In-laws are all Christians. I had a mentally retarded brother who died. One of the two other brothers is a good Christian and the other is GAY. I sort of would have liked it if he came out of the closet while my dad was alive so I could see the "fire works", on the other hand, maybe best he never knew. The gay brother even married a good Christian wife who we (wife and I) are still close to.

Wife is 8 years my junior so I'll have someone to push my wheel chair should that become necessary. For my age, I'm in excellent health.

I had an interesting discussion with my 2 sons. I asked them to put a percentage odds on whether Jesus is God and whether they will end up in heaven. One said 100% on both questions. The other was more like me with 99% chance the Jesus is God and some percent in the 90s that he'd end up in heaven. Later, I asked the wife the same question and she was similar to me. She is a wondrous person, much better than I. She, when considering her life in God's eyes, says "she sucks" as she disapproves of herself from God's perspective. From a human perspective she is a 9.9 out of 10.

Life is a chronology of loss and gain.

I have not found that to be the case for the most part. I suppose if I got into the finer minutia I could come up with something. My only significant loss was my dad who died at 80. I miss him. Occasionally I pray to God to say HI to my dad which is contrary to my assertion regarding Isaiah 65:17 (slight giggle).

You seem to go much deeper into the psychological analysis of life relative to me, so I probably didn't answer your question.

 

[ElectedbyHim]

Gee, I pondered the question for awhile but I can't come up with much. I retired so I suppose I gave up work and I do miss that to some degree. I suppose I gave up living in Canada in my young 40s. Texas/the U.S. is so much better. I don't see a change in me emotionally over time or a change in my striving for anything as I've always had all the material things for the most part.

My family is rock solid as I measure such things. My parents, wife of 40 years, 2 males children, 2 daughter-in-laws are all good, church going Christians. My 7 and 8 year old grand daughters are Christians who are home school and religion is part of their curriculum. Grand son is 4 so a little early to call. All are financially secure. My mom is 96 but is mentally "out of it". She doesn't recognize her children. She does still like singing hymns. In-laws are all Christians. I had a mentally retarded brother who died. One of the two other brothers is a good Christian and the other is GAY. I sort of would have liked it if he came out of the closet while my dad was alive so I could see the "fire works", on the other hand, maybe best he never knew. The gay brother even married a good Christian wife who we (wife and I) are still close to.

Wife is 8 years my junior so I'll have someone to push my wheel chair should that become necessary. For my age, I'm in excellent health.

I had an interesting discussion with my 2 sons. I asked them to put a percentage odds on whether Jesus is God and whether they will end up in heaven. One said 100% on both questions. The other was more like me with 99% chance the Jesus is God and some percent in the 90s that he'd end up in heaven. Later, I asked the wife the same question and she was similar to me. She is a wondrous person, much better than I. She, when considering her life in God's eyes, says "she sucks" as she disapproves of herself from God's perspective. From a human perspective she is a 9.9 out of 10.


I have not found that to be the case for the most part. I suppose if I got into the finer minutia I could come up with something. My only significant loss was my dad who died at 80. I miss him. Occasionally I pray to God to say HI to my dad which is contrary to my assertion regarding Isaiah 65:17 (slight giggle).

You seem to go much deeper into the psychological analysis of life relative to me, so I probably didn't answer your question.

You are a blessed man.

The other was more like me with 99% chance the Jesus is God and some percent in the 90s that he'd end up in heaven.

Can you clarify the above statement, that is, if you want too.

Grace and peace to you.

 

[fastfredy0]

Re: The other was more like me with 99% chance the Jesus is God and some percent in the 90s that he'd end up in heaven.

Can you clarify the above statement, that is, if you want too.

Faith is belief in things unseen, as described in Hebrews 11:1
Many are deceived when it comes to religion. Logic dictates that I might be the one deceived. For example, the official doctrine of the R.C. church is that protestants end up in hell. It is possible that I'm wrong/deceived. Given that possibility and other possibilities, I am 90ish percent sure I'm be in heaven some day, but maybe I've been deceived. Also, it's not as if I've earned my salvation so I don't have that to rely on.
Also, in general, the odds of getting to heaven are poor:
Matthew 7:14 But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.
If one doesn't believe in 'eternal security' one could not be 100% sure .... I happen to believe in eternal security, but if I am wrong then there is cause for concern

Faith Always includes Doubt - Romans 12:3b as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith … Romans 14:1a As for the one whose faith is weak, accept him. ​

"Question 81: Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace, and that they shall be saved? Answer: Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith (2 Peter 1:10), true believers may wait long before they obtain it (1 John 5:13); and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and desertions (Psalm 77:7-9; Psalm 31:22, etc.); yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God, as keeps them from sinking into utter despair" (Psalm 73:13-15, 23; 1 John 3:9; Isaiah 54:7-11).—Westminster Confession of Faith, Larger Catechism.

.... that's my thoughts

 

[Josheb]

Gee, I pondered the question for awhile but I can't come up with much. I retired so I suppose I gave up work and I do miss that to some degree. I suppose I gave up living in Canada in my young 40s. Texas/the U.S. is so much better. I don't see a change in me emotionally over time or a change in my striving for anything as I've always had all the material things for the most part.

My family is rock solid as I measure such things. My parents, wife of 40 years, 2 males children, 2 daughter-in-laws are all good, church going Christians. My 7 and 8 year old grand daughters are Christians who are home school and religion is part of their curriculum. Grand son is 4 so a little early to call. All are financially secure. My mom is 96 but is mentally "out of it". She doesn't recognize her children. She does still like singing hymns. In-laws are all Christians. I had a mentally retarded brother who died. One of the two other brothers is a good Christian and the other is GAY. I sort of would have liked it if he came out of the closet while my dad was alive so I could see the "fire works", on the other hand, maybe best he never knew. The gay brother even married a good Christian wife who we (wife and I) are still close to.

Wife is 8 years my junior so I'll have someone to push my wheel chair should that become necessary. For my age, I'm in excellent health.

I had an interesting discussion with my 2 sons. I asked them to put a percentage odds on whether Jesus is God and whether they will end up in heaven. One said 100% on both questions. The other was more like me with 99% chance the Jesus is God and some percent in the 90s that he'd end up in heaven. Later, I asked the wife the same question and she was similar to me. She is a wondrous person, much better than I. She, when considering her life in God's eyes, says "she sucks" as she disapproves of herself from God's perspective. From a human perspective she is a 9.9 out of 10.


I have not found that to be the case for the most part. I suppose if I got into the finer minutia I could come up with something. My only significant loss was my dad who died at 80. I miss him. Occasionally I pray to God to say HI to my dad which is contrary to my assertion regarding Isaiah 65:17 (slight giggle).

You seem to go much deeper into the psychological analysis of life relative to me, so I probably didn't answer your question.

The point being is that if we reflect on our life we see life is full of things we could not and/or did not take forward. In that regard moving from this life to the next may not be much different. I trust everyone here who has been brought from death to life left a pile of dross behind. Paul was a well-considered Pharisee of some note or esteem. He'd been taught by his generation's greatest rabbi (Gamaliel) and we uniquely situated due to God's appointments within Israel and Judaism to be another great rabbi. He gave it all up. Or, rather, it was all taken away from him. He did not regret or resent the loss.

Philippians 3:7-16
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

The rock bottom, wrap-your-knuckles-on the stone slab fundamental truth is the only thing we need to be doing is confessing Christ crucified and resurrected when we draw our last breath, Some of us will endure immense pain before we draw that last breath, and along the way suffer much loss. We can give those with dementia a pass due to their loss of faculties but, for those of us who retain a right mind all the way up to the end we must be able to repeat Paul's words. I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

As far as our earthly brethren go, we all die alone. We do not take anyone else with us to heaven. When scripture mentions those who've resurrected or been seen after their death..... I do not recall any of them carrying purses, briefcases, or backpacks of stuff they've accumulated in heaven.

Just saying

 

[ElectedbyHim]

Re: The other was more like me with 99% chance the Jesus is God and some percent in the 90s that he'd end up in heaven.

Faith is belief in things unseen, as described in Hebrews 11:1
Many are deceived when it comes to religion. Logic dictates that I might be the one deceived. For example, the official doctrine of the R.C. church is that protestants end up in hell. It is possible that I'm wrong/deceived. Given that possibility and other possibilities, I am 90ish percent sure I'm be in heaven some day, but maybe I've been deceived. Also, it's not as if I've earned my salvation so I don't have that to rely on.
Also, in general, the odds of getting to heaven are poor:
Matthew 7:14 But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.
If one doesn't believe in 'eternal security' one could not be 100% sure .... I happen to believe in eternal security, but if I am wrong then there is cause for concern

Faith Always includes Doubt - Romans 12:3b as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith … Romans 14:1a As for the one whose faith is weak, accept him. ​

"Question 81: Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace, and that they shall be saved? Answer: Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith (2 Peter 1:10), true believers may wait long before they obtain it (1 John 5:13); and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and desertions (Psalm 77:7-9; Psalm 31:22, etc.); yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God, as keeps them from sinking into utter despair" (Psalm 73:13-15, 23; 1 John 3:9; Isaiah 54:7-11).—Westminster Confession of Faith, Larger Catechism.

.... that's my thoughts

Once again I agree with you.

Assurance comes and goes in my life and that all depends on sin, flesh, satan and the like.

I always doubt my salvation when I self-examine and see what a dirty rotten wretch of a man I am.

The hardest thing for me to comprehend is how the Lord sees me righteous and blots out my sins.

It is inconceivable to me.

Sometimes I think I may be that person in Matthew 7:23.

But then I think to myself how can my thoughts continually be on the Lord, love his law, want to do His will and be obedient and have such a thirst for His word. The unregenerate mind cannot ever think this way.

Once again I went off topic (the mods are going to reprimand me).

Thank you for your honesty brother.

 

[fastfredy0]

Sometimes I think I may be that person in Matthew 7:23.

Yeah, that is the climax of the salvation/non-salvation experience in some ways. Even Isaiah said "woe is me" when meeting the Almighty.

But then I think to myself how can my thoughts continually be on the Lord, love his law, want to do His will and be obedient and have such a thirst for His word. The unregenerate mind cannot ever think this way.

Agreed.

 

[fastfredy0]

The point being is that if we reflect on our life we see life is full of things we could not and/or did not take forward. In that regard moving from this life to the next may not be much different. I trust everyone here who has been brought from death to life left a pile of dross behind. Paul was a well-considered Pharisee of some note or esteem. He'd been taught by his generation's greatest rabbi (Gamaliel) and we uniquely situated due to God's appointments within Israel and Judaism to be another great rabbi. He gave it all up. Or, rather, it was all taken away from him. He did not regret or resent the loss.

I became a Christian so young in life that I don't recall when. Therefore, I did not sense a change/loss of anything. Paul is at the other end of the spectrum in that regard.

I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

AH, I see where you're coming from with that statement. Agreed.

As far as our earthly brethren go, we all die alone. We do not take anyone else with us to heaven. When scripture mentions those who've resurrected or been seen after their death..... I do not recall any of them carrying purses, briefcases, or backpacks of stuff they've accumulated in heaven.

Maybe they left their "stuff" in heaven ...
John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you.

interesting ...

 

[makesends]

I became a Christian so young in life that I don't recall when. Therefore, I did not sense a change/loss of anything. Paul is at the other end of the spectrum in that regard.

Thought came from that, that it is pretty much continual, almost continuous, the giving up over and over, what "could have been". For the Arminians and Pelagians reading this: If I could remember the day I first believed, I doubt it would be a whole lot different from every time I repent of my rebellion against the Lord that I love, and submit my heart again to him, almost without even an act of the will, it is so overwhelmingly not mine to be able to do. My whole will is involved, but that is more angst than ability. And that is as an already forgiven believer! There is no way on Earth, nor anywhere else, that I can do anything of myself to bring about my salvation.

 

[Josheb]

I became a Christian so young in life that I don't recall when. Therefore, I did not sense a change/loss of anything. Paul is at the other end of the spectrum in that regard.


AH, I see where you're coming from with that statement. Agreed.

Maybe they left their "stuff" in heaven ...
John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you.

interesting ...

Do you carry a wallet? Do you think one will be necessary in heaven? Will we need identification, and will we need to show it? Will there be a need in the nature of heaven prompting such a requirement? How about credit cards? Are we going to incur short-term debt driven by usury? How about membership cards? Will we need to show memberships for workplaces, or AAA or the NRA? Gotta show my membership at the shooting range or country club? How about our monarchist, socialist, democratic, libertarian, or anarchist politics? We gonna need any of that?

One of the things we will not take with us to heaven is the earthly mindset(s) and one of the things we will take to heaven is a completely renewed, altered mindset. We are all going to bend at the knee and raise hands in fealty and praise a lot more than we do now, and we'll enjoy it.

 

[fastfredy0]

Do you carry a wallet? Do you think one will be necessary in heaven? Will we need identification, and will we need to show it? Will there be a need in the nature of heaven prompting such a requirement? How about credit cards? Are we going to incur short-term debt driven by usury? How about membership cards? Will we need to show memberships for workplaces, or AAA or the NRA? Gotta show my membership at the shooting range or country club? How about our monarchist, socialist, democratic, libertarian, or anarchist politics? We gonna need any of that?

But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” ..... so I have no clue what heaven will be like. It sounds like it will be much different than this life which suggests things on your list may not exist. I the think we will have a monarchism as Christ will be King.

One of the things we will not take with us to heaven is the earthly mindset(s) and one of the things we will take to heaven is a completely renewed, altered mindset. We are all going to bend at the knee and raise hands in fealty and praise a lot more than we do now, and we'll enjoy it.

Agreed ... I would think we would still would be rational beings and logic still exist .... and ideas regarding things like mathematics
..... and I like to think I will still be KEWL!

 

[Josheb]

bump for @Hobie