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Hap
Guest
Can we obtain a higher level in Heaven by our good deeds. If so where can I find this in Scripture.
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Theodora
Guest
The more you love God with all your strength, soul, heart, and mind, the greater good deeds you will be able to perform, because these deeds are done for the love and glory of God. The greater your love for God, the greater reward you will be able to accept when you arive in the eternal Kingdom. Everyone in heaven is perfectly happy, however not everyone will be able to possess the same degree of happiness. It all depends on how much you have loved before you died.
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Deacon2006
Guest
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Matt 16:27
or about 100 more
Works
The parables about different talents and rewards and the presence of many rooms in heaven suggest quite clearly that works can elevate you in the hierachy of heaven but thank the Lord he doesn’t give us much information about Heaven. Could you imagine the endless speculation that would occur otherwise?
God Bless
or about 100 more
Works
The parables about different talents and rewards and the presence of many rooms in heaven suggest quite clearly that works can elevate you in the hierachy of heaven but thank the Lord he doesn’t give us much information about Heaven. Could you imagine the endless speculation that would occur otherwise?
God Bless
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Hap
Guest
Thank you this helps, For someone who is just beginning to study the Bible I guess the mistake I am making is to look for that one verse to explain what I am looking for, instead of looking at a combination of verses.
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Dr.Colossus
Guest
Though theologians have speculated different “levels” of Heaven, what really exist are degrees of happiness, each according to what we can experience. Good works during this life lead us to deeper holiness, and thus allow us to experience more of God’s grace. In Heaven, those who are capable of experiencing more grace will be happier, though everyone will be “perfectly” happy according to his or her ability to receive this grace.
This Rock magazine gave the example of beer steins and shot glasses (I love that magazine!). Souls are like these containers. They can be filled to the brim, and both be “full”, but the stein will hold more than the shot glass. The same thing applies to our souls and grace.
This Rock magazine gave the example of beer steins and shot glasses (I love that magazine!). Souls are like these containers. They can be filled to the brim, and both be “full”, but the stein will hold more than the shot glass. The same thing applies to our souls and grace.
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Tom
Guest
There are many Scriptural references to different “levels” of heaven. Jesus telling us there are many rooms in His Fathers house, Paul being raised up to the third level, See the KJV or DR version of 2 Cor 12:2-4, the NAV simply says raised into paradise, ect. The Old Testament also contains many references, notice that in when it speaks of heaven it refers to the “heavens” (plural form, “shamayim”). For example: Song of songs 1:4 “The king (God) has brought me into His chambers”. In some of the cases they are referring to the sky as the heavens. In others they are referring to different levels of heaven. The term “ Seventh Heaven” comes from an old Jewish tradition which held that there were seven levels in heaven, seven of course being Gods number. The seventh being the dwelling place of God. The Rabbis of the ancient Talmud actually assigned different functions of the seven levels. One wonders if this might have been where the concepts of Purgatory and Limbo originated. Perhaps they were considered a level? Although, it is difficult to imagine suffering, as in purging, to occur in heaven, but if you know you’re going to heaven would the purging really be suffering?
You may want to research Gershom Scholem, he was a historian of Jewish mysticism.
See also the ancient Talmud and the Jewish Hasidic movement. There are stories there about visits to the third level.
See J. Dan, “the religious experience of the Merkavah”; L. Jacobs, “Jewish Mystical Testimonies”; G.Scholem, “Jewish Gnosticism, Merkabah Mysticism and Talmudic tradition”
You may want to research Gershom Scholem, he was a historian of Jewish mysticism.
See also the ancient Talmud and the Jewish Hasidic movement. There are stories there about visits to the third level.
See J. Dan, “the religious experience of the Merkavah”; L. Jacobs, “Jewish Mystical Testimonies”; G.Scholem, “Jewish Gnosticism, Merkabah Mysticism and Talmudic tradition”
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Sir_Knight
Guest
There are indeed higher and lower levels in heaven. However, everyone will have their fill and be satisfied. If you are thirsty and your thirst is satisfied by 16oz of water, you are not really going to care if somebody else gets 32oz – twice as much as you because you have been satisified with your 16oz.
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jimmy
Guest
Adding to what is above. Those in Heaven are continually gaining more reward. As time goes by in Heaven(only way to express it), the more happiness you feel. You become more enlightened. Those who live more of a life for Christ and love God more, start ahead of the rest kind of.
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Steven_Merten
Guest
Hello Hap,
****Mother Theresa will have far greater wealth in the Kingdom of God than the thief on the cross next to Christ. Even though both are in heaven, they are not equal in wealth. In heaven there are no poor to feed, naked to clothe, alms to give or neighbors to recue in any way. Your love for God is produced on earth and it is your “inexhaustible treasure in heaven”.
Please visit: Parables Painting Pictures of Paradise and The Kingdom Of God Is At Hand
NAB LUK 12:31
Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides. Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.****
NAB MAT 13:44
"The reign of God is like a buried treasure which a man found in a field. He hid it again, and rejoicing at his find went and sold all he had and bought that field. Or again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant’s search for fine pearls. When he found one really valuable pearl, he went back and put up for sale all that he had and bought it."****
**NAB SIR 35:1 **
****To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise. To refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. Appear not before the LORD empty handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. The just man’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. The just man’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. In generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you generously, according to your means. **For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold. **
NAB SIR 17:17
A man’s goodness God cherishes like a signet ring, a man’s virtue, like the apple of his eye.
Peace in Christ,
Steven Merten
www.ILOVEYOUGOD.com
****Mother Theresa will have far greater wealth in the Kingdom of God than the thief on the cross next to Christ. Even though both are in heaven, they are not equal in wealth. In heaven there are no poor to feed, naked to clothe, alms to give or neighbors to recue in any way. Your love for God is produced on earth and it is your “inexhaustible treasure in heaven”.
Please visit: Parables Painting Pictures of Paradise and The Kingdom Of God Is At Hand
NAB LUK 12:31
Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides. Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.****
NAB MAT 13:44
"The reign of God is like a buried treasure which a man found in a field. He hid it again, and rejoicing at his find went and sold all he had and bought that field. Or again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant’s search for fine pearls. When he found one really valuable pearl, he went back and put up for sale all that he had and bought it."****
**NAB SIR 35:1 **
****To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise. To refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. Appear not before the LORD empty handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. The just man’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. The just man’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. In generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you generously, according to your means. **For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold. **
NAB SIR 17:17
A man’s goodness God cherishes like a signet ring, a man’s virtue, like the apple of his eye.
Peace in Christ,
Steven Merten
www.ILOVEYOUGOD.com
C
Calbreese
Guest
Do not forget Jacob’s Ladder vision. He saw Angels ascending and descending the Heavens. The Chosen people believe in seven Heavens, and a google search yields several Catholic references. Great question! IHS Daryl
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