In a new ten-minute roundtable discussion, John Piper, Scott Swain, and Randy Alcorn address one of Christianity’s most profound and often misunderstood topics—heaven. Their goal is to clarify what Scripture actually teaches and offer believers a more accurate picture of their eternal home.
Scott Swain is encouraged as Christianity is currently embracing a more correct view of heaven than in years past. Specifically, Swain would like to see more of an emphasis on the joy of being with God. “The best part of the future,” he says quietly, “is that God will dwell in our midst.”
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In another article on Heaven, Randy Alcorn says, “Will we be with the Lord forever? Absolutely. Will we always be with God in the same place Heaven is now? No. In the present Heaven, God’s people are in Christ’s presence, free of sin and suffering and enjoying great happiness: “in your presence there is fullness of joy” (Ps. 16:11). But they’re still looking forward to their bodily resurrection and permanent relocation to the New Earth. So, yes, after death we’ll always be in Heaven, but not in the same place or the same condition.
To illustrate, imagine you lived in a homeless shelter in Miami. One day you inherit a beautiful house overlooking Santa Barbara, California, and are given a wonderful job doing something you’ve always wanted to do. Many friends and family will live nearby.
