Heaven by Randy Alcorn
Week 3: Part Two — The Present Heaven
Read Part Two, Chapters 5–8 of Heaven by Randy Alcorn. Key passages: Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23; Revelation 6:9-11; Luke 16:19-31.
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What happens the moment a believer dies? Alcorn turns to Scripture to paint a picture of the "intermediate state" — the present heaven — where believers dwell consciously with Christ while awaiting the resurrection.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.Alcorn insists that believers who die today go immediately to a real, conscious, joyful existence in the presence of Christ — what he calls the "present Heaven." What Scriptures does he marshal for this claim, and which do you find most compelling?
2.Jesus told the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). Alcorn makes much of the word "today." How does this verse speak to fears about soul sleep or purgatory?
3.Alcorn addresses the question of whether those in the present Heaven are aware of what is happening on earth. He looks at passages like Revelation 6:9-11, where martyred souls cry out asking how long before God judges the earth. What does this passage suggest about the consciousness and emotions of those in the present Heaven?
a.Does the idea that those in heaven may know about events on earth comfort you or trouble you? Why?
b.Alcorn argues that those in heaven have greater joy even amid awareness of earthly suffering because they see from God's perspective. Does that seem reasonable to you?
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