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A Taste of Heaven

by Larry R. Dick

228 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #02-0539; ISBN 1-55369-726-x; US$21.50, C$25.00, EUR18.00, £12.50

Have you ever wondered what heaven will be like? Based on sound biblical research, this fascinating, insightful book will make heaven a much more real place to you and bring new hope and understanding of heaven's glory.

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about the book      praise for A Taste of Heaven      about the author      table of contents and sample excerpts      catalogue info

About the Book Does the Bible tell us specifically what heaven will be like? What will the new earth and the capital city, New Jerusalem, be like? Is heaven a real, physical place or just some kind of spiritual realm unlike anything on earth? What will people look like in heaven? What will we do forever and ever? Will there be buildings, families, nations in heaven? What language will we speak? Where is heaven? Will we see God there? Find answers to these and over 300 questions you've always wanted to ask about Heaven. This easy-to-read book is based on doctoral research, but written for the layman to present a Biblical picture of what life in eternity will be like. My hope is to bring new excitement and understanding to the average person in the pew, as well as to the Bible scholar. Perhaps it will even encourage those who do not believe everything in the Bible but do believe in a heaven. Yes, I believe the Bible tells us much about what Heaven will be like. Eden, the tabernacle, the promised land, the kingdom parables, the millennial kingdom, the church, all paint a picture of eternity. Many of the great themes and teachings of Scripture present, at the very least, a type or taste of what Heaven will be like. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things wich God hath prepared for the that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit" (1 Cor 2:9,10). Life is short and full of troubles. The good things of this world are so temporary. They are but a taste of better, eternal things to come. Only those things which last forever are real and worthwhile. But how can you look forward to something you know little about? I hope this book will fill in some of those blanks for you, encourage you to read God's Word, and give you a taste of heaven.

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Praise for A Taste of Heaven

"One of the best books on heaven yet. Thoroughly Biblical, easy to read, and well researched. Larry makes heaven real, exciting, and most of all understandable."

Dennis J. Brunet PhD. Pastor/ Midway Baptist, Florida

"The writing quality of this book is first rate. A very insightful work. One of the best manuscripts I've read this year."

Steve Manning, Editor/Literary Critic, Ontario

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About the Author Born in Scotland and brought up in Surrey, England, the author, Larry Dick, first spent many years traveling around the world as an officer in the British Merchant Navy. He and his wife Gayle, then immigrated to Canada in 1970, settling in Toronto, where the Lord called him into the pastoral ministry. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Divinity School, Illinois, and a PhD in Biblical Studies from Pensacola Theological Seminary. With years of ministry experience, serving in churches across the US, he has continued to be an avid student of God's Word, gaining valuable insight into the Scriptures and how they apply practically to people's lives. Larry and his wife have two college-aged children and currently reside in Gulf Breeze, in the Florida panhandle. In addition to being a preacher, teacher, writer and counselor, he has studied journalism and broadcasting, held real-estate, morgage-broker, and insurance-agent licenses, taught high-school math and science, and run his own internet business. This varied background, plus extensive travel to over 50 different countries, and a deep faith, has developed God-given insight and unique understanding of life and people. The author retains a genuine commitment to minister to others, lead them to faith in Christ, and help them put meaning, purpose, and hope back into their lives. His easy-going, conversational style of writing reveals precious nuggets of wisdom and truth.

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Table of Contents and Sample Excerpts

ACKNOWLEDMENTS
INTRODUCTION
PART I. A NEW HOPE
1. Where in the World Is Heaven?
2. Why should I Care about Heaven?
3. What Happens When I Die?
PART II. A NEW WORLD
4. The New Earth
5. Will there still Be Sunsets and Stars?
6. Will there Be Mountains, Oceans, and Animals?
7. God's Dazzling Space Station
8. Heaven's Seat of Power
PART III. A NEW LIFE
9. What Will I Look Like?
10. What Will I Do Forever and Ever?
11. What Rewards Will I Receive?
12. The Sabbath Rest Principle
13. All about Time and Eternity
PART IV. A NEW RELATIONSHIP
14. Will I See God?
15. What about My Relatives?
16. Kingdom Living
17. Touched by Angels
PART V. A NEW DIMENSION
18. Is Heaven for Real?
19. It's All about People
20. Are You Ready for Forever?
APPENDIX: Over 300 Questions You Always Wanted to Ask about Heaven

Chapter 8 HEAVEN'S SEAT OF POWER

What Does the Throne Room in Heaven Look Like?

Ten thousand voices reverberated around the sanctuary. High above the platform a projected, silent movie of the life of Jesus matched the words of the hymn. Five hundred in the choir, two hundred in the orchestra, and every heart focused on Christ. Magnificent harmony, enthusiastic praise, thunderous worship bombarded my hearing, and the balcony shook beneath my feet. My spirit soared and I felt as though the very throne of God would suddenly appear.

If you have ever experienced congregational singing in a huge church where the people genuinely love the Lord, you will know something of what I have just described. Whether or not you like super-churches, worshipping with thousands of others is an experience unlike any other and a very taste of heaven. For most of us the thought of a church seating ten thousand or more is almost too incredible to be believed. But they do exist.

The greatest super-church ever will be in heaven, in the throne room of New Jerusalem. According to John in Revelation, the focal point of the heavenly city is the throne of God. So what is this throne room like and what happens there? The focus of activity is worship of the Lamb. Millions upon millions of saints and angels will lift their voices in magnificent, glorious praise to Him.

Sounds boring? Actually it will be totally awesome and the highlight of our days in heaven. Think back to the last time you attended a major concert (classical or popular) that you really enjoyed, or even to a sporting event (especially if your team won!), or a public celebration of some kind where you were one among thousands. The euphoria of the moment made your flesh tingle and your neck hairs rise. It was almost addictive!

I am not trying to equate worship with entertainment here, God forbid. I am simply reminding you that our gregarious instinct for mass celebration is God given. The most exciting crowd moment you have ever experienced is but a taste of what worship in heaven will seem like. True worship in the fellowship of God's people is even closer, and Sunday by Sunday prepares us for the heavenly city.

Color and light and sound fill the throne room of God. From emerald rainbows to the amber glow of fire, from sapphire blue waters to dazzling white robes, from blazing light to dark clouds the scene is amazing. Thunder and lightning, trumpets, choirs, harps and hallelujahs, and God's own voice, deep and loud like the sound of a waterfall.

This is how the Bible describes the throne room of God in heaven. I say throne room. Actually it is probably more like a huge, magnificent outdoor temple. The sparkling crystal sea, the waters flowing from the throne to the garden, the atmospheric phenomena, all seem to be an integral part of the Biblical descriptions of God's throne.

Yes, we know from the book of Hebrews much of it is like the temple pattern given to Moses. But when you factor in the millions of angels and worshippers present here, this throne area of the heavenly city must be a kind of super-church worship center beyond description. Actually the whole city is really a temple (worship center) of God (Rev. 21:22).

Once again, I believe, some of what we have already experienced here on earth is a taste of what all this will be like. Have you ever craned your neck in awe at the sweeping columns and intricately carved ceilings of some of Europe's magnificent cathedrals? Have you ever wondered how they must have looked when that stone was brand new and sparkling white and the sanctuary full of people, instead of being dark, dank and empty as so many are now? Then perhaps you've had a glimpse, a taste, of heaven's worship center.

I remember one time in Arkansas visiting a small but beautiful wood and glass chapel in the woods. It was designed so wherever you sat you saw trees and sunlight. The glass went from ceiling to floor so it was hard to tell where the forest ended and the chapel began. It was easy in such a setting to feel at one with creation and the Creator.

I imagine the worship center in heaven to be somewhat like this little chapel, only on a vastly grander scale and surrounded by lakes and rivers and gardens, as well as trees. Any worship place you have visited which has given you a sense of the majesty and awe of God and made you feel like humbly bowing before Him, is I believe a glimpse, a taste of the throne room of heaven. But what of the throne itself?

What Is God's Throne Like?

Rainbows surround the throne of God (Ezek. 1:26-28), green ones according to John (Rev. 4:3). The sky above it is sapphire blue and the floor beneath God's feet is transparent sapphire also. Daniel describes it as a fiery throne set on fiery wheels (Dan. 7:9). The light of God's glory blazes forth from the throne causing most of the Biblical writers who saw it to fall on their faces in awe and fear of God's holiness.

It is obviously made like a seat, a regular throne, for the Lord is always seen to be sitting on it, administering His Holy rule. Once again the earthly images we experience of thrones are a pale pattern of the one in heaven. The thrones of kings and potentates of earth and its history are usually magnificently decorated with gold and rich cloth and precious jewels and raised up so the king can look down on his subjects. So it is in heaven.

Lights, clouds, thunder and lightning, surround God's throne and a spring of pure water wells up from beneath it, flowing out into the river of paradise. In front of the throne is a crystal sea, like glass (Rev. 4:6). Given the crystal river coming out of the throne (Rev. 22:1) this may well be a very calm, mirror-like lake of water. The Tribulation saints are seen standing on this sea of glass singing and playing instruments in praise to God (Rev.15:2). Either they are walking on water, which is entirely possible, or this crystal is some kind of transparent pavement or floor (cf. Exod. 24:10).

Worshippers dominate the throne room of God. Millions of angels and millions of believers sing praises to the Lamb of God on the throne. Actually the scriptures never say angels sing, only speak and cry out. Perhaps only man has the ability to make music with his voice. Music fills the throne room, trumpets, harps and other instruments accompany the worshipping choirs (Rev. 5:9-14; 14:2-3).

The temple choirs of David and Solomons's reign were huge, skilled and highly organized (1 Chron. 15:16-22). The accompanying orchestras were too. Imagine how vast, magnificent and beautiful the choirs and orchestras of God's tabernacle will be? To be a part of this will be incredible. Even though you think you can't sing or play a note now perhaps one day you will be trained to participate in heaven's music.

Seraphim are the closest individuals to the throne of God. Their task is to praise God continually and apparently to lead everyone else in worship. 24 elders, representing the church, sit close to the throne. They sit on special seats and are dressed in white. The angels stand around the throne and join in the worship of Christ who sits on the throne. White robed martyrs also have a special place near God's throne, they are God's special servants in heaven (Rev.7:14-17).

The four beasts that John describes (Rev. 4:6-9) closely resemble the beasts of Ezekiel's vision of God's throne (Ezek. 1:4-27). Ezekiel identifies these as being Cherubim (Ezek.10). They are half-man, half-beast like creatures with four wings who live continually next to the throne of God. The Seraphim too, worship God day and night around His throne and lead the elders in worship (Rev. 4:9-10).

What Is the Throne Room Used For?

In the throne room are millions of believers from every nation on earth waving banners and praising the Lamb of God on the throne (Rev 7:9-10). It is a place constantly filled with people, with music, voices and light, an exciting place to be. Worship and praise seems to be the primary activity of this part of the heavenly city, where God's throne is. It is the place where God's presence and glory is seen and experienced by everyone in heaven. Here is where the saints and angels alike, communicate with Christ.

What a contrast from the Old Testament where the Shekinah glory of God was seen only once a year on the day of atonement and only by the High Priest. The people were always afraid he wouldn't live to tell the tale, afraid he would never come out again from the Holy of Holies. Even Moses on Mount Sinai was only allowed to see the back (or afterburner) of God's glory (Exod. 33;18-23).

In the New Testament, believers can come boldly before the throne in prayer and faith, but only in the spirit not physically. But then and there in this heavenly city you will all be able to physically enjoy God's presence and glory and talk with Him face to face. Imagine having a daily pass to the Oval Office or Buckingham Palace? Well in this city you get a daily pass and free audience with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Creator of the universe. Wow!

Exhilarating and awesome, perhaps best describe the worship of heaven. John's descriptions especially are of loud, exuberant praise. The angel voices are loud, God's own voice is too, and the sound of instruments playing and people singing. The only time it's recorded there is silence before the throne is when God is about to pour out His final trumpet judgments on earth (Rev.8:1). There won't be any need of judgment again in heaven.

Not that there won't be peace in heaven. He is the God of peace and the Prince of peace. But the throne area seems to be one of perpetual, joyful activity.

Believers are singing old songs and learning new ones (Rev. 5:9; 15:3). Myriad instruments, both string and percussion, accompany this beautiful singing. The angels cry out in praise, the Seraphims too as they lead in worship (Rev. 5:11-14). God's voice booms like the sound of falling water and above it all the elements add their harmony of praise (Rev. 1:15; 4:5).

But all He has to say is "Peace, be still" and I'm sure you could hear a pin drop in the midst of a billion worshippers. What an awesome prospect. We have not yet begun to worship!

Continual praise is offered to God before His throne, led by the seraphim. For the saints it will probably be a daily worship experience as we come to feed on the bread of life, the very words of God Himself and to be refreshed by the water of the Spirit. Given the pattern of the Old Testament worship, there will probably be special worship celebrations as well as remembrance services of what Christ has accomplished.

John records seeing the ark of the covenant, the scriptures, the candlesticks and many of the temple instruments in heaven. Though there is obviously no longer any need for temple sacrifice and ritual, these symbols may well be used to remind us of what Christ has done for us. After all, we will be in heaven only because of His great love and sacrifice. I am sure the worship services in heaven will be creative and progressive, incredibly moving and beautiful, and never boring.

Translation into the city from the new earth or anywhere else in the new universe will get you instantly into the throne room and the presence of God. It can obviously be physically accessed from within the city itself. Prayer or a similar kind of spiritual communication will enable the believer to communicate with Christ at any time from anywhere in heaven. There will never be a busy signal!

Though the Bible does not specify where the throne is inside the city it most certainly will be either in the center or at the apex. The tabernacle in the wilderness was always pitched in the center of the camp, with the children of Israel's tents all around it. The temple was built in the northern corner of the highest part of Jerusalem. Either way God's throne is high and lifted up and the focal point of New Jerusalem.

High and holy is God's throne according to the Old Testament prophets. It is a throne of glory, justice and judgment, the place where God sits surrounded by the hosts (angels) of heaven. Ezekiel predicts that God's throne will be the place where He will one day live with His children forever (Ezek.43:7).

The 70 elders that went up Mount Sinai with Moses saw the throne of God (Exod.24:10). Their description of its sapphire-like transparent walls is very similar to Isaiah, Ezekiel and John's visions of heaven. The Psalmist speaks of God's throne being in His Holy temple in heaven, once again in a similar way to John's description.

In fact most of the Book of Revelation is Old Testament imagery. It is impossible to fully understand it without a knowledge of the Old Testament. John, through the Holy Spirit, simply expands on what God had already revealed to the prophets. The clouds and atmosphere around the throne, the colors, the light, the sounds, the general appearance, and the predictions of the Messiah one day sitting on this throne are all from the Old Testament.

Christ is the New Testament focus of the throne of God. John sees the glorified Savior sitting on the throne of God judging the churches, judging the earth, judging the devil and his demons, judging mankind and ruling forever with His saints. But for the believer this throne becomes a throne of grace, not judgment (Heb. 4:16).

Presently Christ sits at the right hand of God the Father interceding for His children on earth. Your prayers go to the throne room of God, administered by the seraphim and the twenty four church elders (Rev. 5:8). Ephesians teaches through faith and prayer believers can spiritually sit with Christ now in this throne room of grace (Eph. 2:6).

In the future, in heaven, every knee will bow before Christ on the throne, acknowledging Him as Lord. The nations will bring their cultural gifts to Him at that throne room in the heavenly city. Jesus will rule the new universe from this throne.

Why Is There A Garden There?

Life began in a garden for mankind and there is therefore a garden near the throne room in heaven, the garden of God . . . paradise. Just as God walked with Adam in Eden so He will walk with us in heaven's garden. Water is essential to life and the source of all water comes from the throne in the form of a river that flows through the garden. The water also represents the life giving power of the Holy Spirit.

As you read John's account of this garden (Rev. 22:1-5), you get the impression the throne area is in the middle of this garden. What a beautiful contrast to the exuberant noise and activity of the worship around the throne, to then stroll the quiet streets and river banks of paradise. Heaven is so full of unexpected, wonderful contrasts, I know I am going to love living there.

Trees of Life cover the banks of this river. Remember the tree of Life in the garden of Eden? The fruit of these trees sustain life forever also. The nations of the new earth come and eat of them so the garden will always have people strolling through it. But of course, like everything else in this vast heavenly city, this magnificent garden will be huge, probably more like a whole garden State than a private backyard.

There will be no more thorns or weeds or fierce animals here, only peace and light and incredible natural beauty. The river will be full of fish, according to Ezekiel's vision (Ezek. 47:1-12), and the trees will bare fruit every month. Notice how closely John's account in Revelation mirrors the Old Testament imagery of Ezekiel. Sure, Ezekiel was prophesying about more immediate events in Israel, but he was also pointing to the eternal temple of God in eternity. What an awesome place this is going to be to explore. You've never been to a resort quite like this!

Beyond the sky, beyond the stars God rules now from His throne in heaven. It is part of His Holy temple or tabernacle (Psa. 11:4), and is therefore now part of the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem home Christ has prepared for His saints. At present the throne of God is right here, on a spiritual plane accessed by prayer and faith.

Even back in Exodus, Moses and the 70 elders were able to physically see God's throne from earth. The New Testament teaches it is only a prayer or praise away. Think about this for a moment. If you are a child of His then every time you pray, you are transported spiritually to that very throne (Eph. 2:6). You can, as it were, enter heaven now and have an audience with the King of Kings.

So why can't I see it now? Probably because we are not as spiritually discerning as Elisha was (2 Kings 6:16-17). Or perhaps we would, like the apostle Paul was tempted to do (2 Cor. 12:7), become proud of our spiritual vision and begin to worship the physical experience of the throne rather than the One on the throne.

What Does God Do from His Throne?

Power flows from the throne of God. He has chosen to control the world from here. As the prophets predict God will one day live among and fellowship with his people from here. As in the past so more so in eternity God chooses to bless the earth and His children from His throne in heaven.

At present God judges the world from His throne. He controls the weather and the seasons and the politics of earth from here. It is from His throne that He hears the prayers of His people, forgives, admonishes, blesses and supports them. It is from this throne of grace He calls to lost mankind, longing to restore fellowship with all of His children.

God looks down from this sanctuary (holy place) in heaven to watch over the affairs of earth (Psa. 102: 19). He speaks to men's hearts from here, answering their prayers and supplying their need. He demonstrates His judgment and His glory, visibly on earth from the throne. Mercy and truth proceed from His throne. God sent His Son to earth from here to redeem mankind. What an incredible place this throne of God is. One day you will stand before it. You will see God face to face . . . and live!

But what of the practical wonders of heaven? What will I look like when I visit the throne room? What will I feel like? What will I do in heaven? How will I pass the time?

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Catalogue Information

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