C.S. Lewis talked of the cancer fight and passing of his wife as “shadowlands”. Life has also been described as existence in a fog or in the grey. I think those are all appropriate terms for this life with its times of joy and celebration mixed with seasons of weeping and groaning. They all speak of a light being on, but partially muted or somewhat suppressed.
Such rings true based on the story of Adam and Eve who lived in “heaven on earth” – they lived in perfection and apparently had daily walks with God “in the cool of the evening.” But, they heard of another way that offered greater power and prestige so they opted and turned away from the sweet fellowship with their Creator. God, being holy and just, responded by expelling them from their perfect home into a new world now cursed. The new world had light but it was dimmed rendering it a life in a mist, a fog, or the “shadowlands” – the Light was now dimmed.
This idea can be considered another way which is the idea of grace. While there is daily grace, God’s goodness, it is not the fullness of grace as John refers to as wave upon wave of grace (John 1:16). Rather, it is a grace that is common to all but also restricted or at times withheld. Take rain: Matthew 5:45, …for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
God’s grace shows man His power and love (Romans 1:19-20), their need (unable to make it rain), and His patience. II Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Yes, God extends man’s days for a very important reason: Ezekiel 18:32, For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore, turn and live!” Today the world does not dwell in the fullness of grace, but in a grace to draw people to salvation.
That all to say that eternity is other than “shadowlands” or a fog. Rather, it is the fullness of grace or the lack of grace. Either it is eternity with God with waves of grace or it is an eternity with grace removed – Hell.
Now, three brief talks about Heaven:
- In Revelation 4 we find John snatched into God’s throne room and his description of what he saw and heard. There is a throne, a rainbow overhead, lightning and thunder and voices, a lamp stand with 7 lamps burning, a glassy shimmering “sea” in front, on both sides 12 thrones with men in white, and four creatures leading worship which includes words, bowing and casting of golden crowns. It is captivating and intriguing! It is calling: “Get ready today to enter God’s presence!”
2. Revelation 21 gives another glimpse into the eternally perfect state – the place with the fullness of grace. There will be peace as there will be no sea, which separates, is always agitated, and swallows up life. 2. There will be the place prepared by Jesus that will be glorious as only a bride for the greatest King ever could be adorned. It will be amazingly beautiful and LARGE (21:10-21). 3. There will be perfect family – both Father and “siblings” dwelling in full unity and love. 4. There men will be bonded to God as their all-in-all – they will find fulfillment in being with Him, in being His, and in serving Him (22:3-5 – serve, His name, reign). 5. There will be NO curse – no tears, no death and no pain – it will be joyous! It will be the fullness of grace! - I suggest 5 things mark Heaven or full grace: love, joy, peace, beauty, and purpose
Heaven will abound with pure, sacrificial, and abounding love for God is love, I John 4:8.
In Heaven will be found the fullness of joy, Psalm 16:11.
Heaven will have perfect peace for there is the Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6.
Heaven will be marked by beauty – the beauty of God and all associated with God, Psalm 27:2.
Heaven will give man fulfilling purpose – man will find the worship and knowing of God to meet his deepest desires, Revelation 19:7.
Heaven will be the fullness of love, joy, peace, beauty, and purpose. It will be fabulous!
a PK Musing 
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