[aron]

There are a number of books out which are by people who have had "near death" experiences, and returned to consciousness telling about the kingdom of heaven. The ones I have seen are all of a Christian bent, though it might be interesting to see the testimony of a Muslim or Buddhist who briefly died and came back telling tales.

I'm typically not too interested. I never read the best-seller by Todd Burpo, though it's hard not to be aware of it. The last one I read was given to me by a Christian friend. My lack of curiosity is due to the fact that if they present a novel view of heaven I am suspicious. Why did God hide information, to reveal it now? Likewise if their experience confirms the Holy writ, then why is it necessary? What does it add? I am reminded of Jesus' story of Lazarus and the rich man. Abraham told the rich man, "They have Moses' writings" to warn them of the penalty of sin. They don't need people to rise from the dead. I feel largely the same way. We have a book called the Bible, which I find to be eminently satisfying in its view of the "divine and mystical realm".

"Let me live that I may praise Thee", said the psalmist. According to Peter in Acts 2, the psalmist was in spirit, channeling the Spirit of Christ, and revealing both the interior mileu of the coming Messiah, as well as those in the heavenly realm. The near-death survivor says, for example, that heaven is a peaceful place. But I know that the heart of the Messiah is peaceful. That is clearly revealed, again and again, in the testimonies of the NT, and in the typologies of the spiritual seeking ones (prophets, psalmists, etc) in the OT (see Jesus to the 2 disciples in Luke 24 on the road to Emmaus).

God let Jesus Christ live, though He went to the pit God did not let the pit seal over him. Jesus came to the earth, under all the "rulers of the authorities of the air", but never was touched. They never closed over Him. The heavens were always open, and the angels of God ascending and descending. Marvelous! What can we who have sinned, who failed, do but rejoice! Here is our hope! Here is our release! Here is our victory -- believe into Jesus Christ, and call upon His name!

O Jesus Christ, Son of David, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!!

Praise the Lord, hallelujah! Amen, come Lord Jesus!