Quote:
Originally Posted by MacDuff
ZNPaaneah, Not heaven. Paul explains the principle rather well. Where is it, if it's coming down out of heaven but didn't land on earth? Why mention a new earth, if that wasn't it's destination?
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The quote didn't make it when I I quoted your post, but it is a very interesting point. Our life is hid in Christ. Since Christ was going to Paradise from the Cross he told the thief he would see him there. However on the third day Christ ascended to the heavens and now sits by the right hand of God. Therefore the teaching may not be that we go to Paradise when we die but rather we go to where Christ is.
That is strongly supported by Paul's word in Phillippians:
1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
According to this verse when we die we will "be with Christ". Since Christ is in the heavens then it makes sense we would be too.
However, it still leaves the verse about "the dead in Christ rising first" to be reconciled.
Perhaps the bumper sticker should be "When you die will you be with Christ?"