Heaven by Randy Alcorn
Week 12: Part Five Continued — Anticipating Heaven, Living Differently Now
Read Part Five, Chapters 43–46 of Heaven by Randy Alcorn. Key passages: Colossians 3:1-4; Hebrews 11:13-16; Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:11.
Previewing Week 12 of Heaven
Read 3 of 8 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 14-week guide when you’re ready.
Alcorn closes his argument with the question every good theology of heaven must answer: so what? These chapters examine how a true vision of heaven is meant to change the way we live, love, work, and suffer right now.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.Alcorn cites C.S. Lewis's famous observation that those who have most transformed the world have been those who thought most about the next one — the "heavenly-minded" saints. Lewis said that people who are too earthly minded are of no heavenly *or* earthly use. Do you find that claim persuasive? Can you think of examples — historical or personal — that illustrate it?
2.Colossians 3:1-4 instructs us to "set our minds on things above." Alcorn argues this doesn't mean being mentally absent from the present world, but bringing the perspective of eternity to bear on everything we do. What does "setting your mind on things above" look like practically in a typical Monday for you?
a.What habits or practices help you maintain an eternal perspective?
b.What pulls your perspective most powerfully back toward a purely earthly frame of reference?
3.Alcorn describes the patriarchs of Hebrews 11 as people who "admitted they were strangers and pilgrims on earth" and were "longing for a better country." He argues this pilgrim identity produced their extraordinary faithfulness, not the other way around. How does seeing yourself as a stranger and pilgrim in this world change how you hold its pleasures, losses, and disappointments?