ATSS: Reinder Bruinsma, “What Do We Really Know About Heaven?”
22 January 2025 |
Heaven is something we sing about and paint pictures of. Sometimes we imagine what it will be like. It’s a good theme for children’s stories.
But the biblical descriptions aren’t especially detailed. In the Old Testament, heaven has to do with animals and vineyards, while in Revelation, heaven is a wealthy and massive city.
But what do we really know about the place we aspire to go to after we finish our life here?
- Is heaven a location? Is it out in space, or somewhere else entirely?
- Will we wear robes and crowns and play harps?
- Is marriage done away with, as Jesus implies?
- How exact are the biblical pictures? Is there really a city as tall as it is wide? And has the ocean disappeared?
- Should the picture of a city with streets of gold be taken literally?
- What is eternal life? Is there discontinuity from, or continuity with, the here and now?
- Are heaven and the new earth similar, or entirely different things?
Teacher:
Reinder Bruinsma lives in the Netherlands with his wife, Aafje. He has served the Adventist Church in various assignments in publishing, education, and church administration on three continents. He still maintains a busy schedule of preaching, teaching, and writing. He writes at http://reinderbruinsma.com/.
Moderator:
How to join:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81918218975
Passcode: HEAVEN {ALL CAPS}
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The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand.
- Please use your name when you sign in, so we know who we’re addressing.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Maury Jackson
- Bryan Ness
- Reinder Bruinsma
- Kärt Lazik
- Tom Dybdahl