Introduction

Jesus said:

Let not your heart be troubled; 1believe in God, believe also in Me. “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1–3

David said:

Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. Psalm 39:4–5

Our life is but a vapor. It is like the fog our single breath makes on a cold day as it dissipates into the air. Such is the brevity of life here. The wise will consider what awaits us on the other side of this life that so quickly ends. At that time, we shall discover the realities of eternity. 

Since the dawn of time, men and women everywhere have had some kind of belief structure of eternity—an afterlife when we all have to face our mortality. The Christian belief is that Jesus will return and until He does, we shall all die. Death is something most people do not like to talk about, but it is inescapable.

At some point in time, whether it shall be as we take our last final breath or when we as believers meet the Lord Jesus at His return, we step out of our physical bodies into eternity. Where we spend that time depends on our choice processes today. We can choose to follow Jesus or not and to believe in the realities of Heaven and Hell and our decisions determine our ultimate destination.

Heaven and Hell are both real places with physical characteristics.

I have prepared three pages to describe them as best as I can—this page titled Heaven, a page titled the Gates of Hell and a third page called From the Gates of Hell to the door of splendour.

They are real, true to life accounts. I hope you get something from them.

Robert

I was raised in the Church of England and had a wonderful childhood. My father was the church warden and our family was well known throughout the entire diocese. Many of the priests became close friends and one took an interest in me wanting to make me his Protégé. At one time I established a good working relationship with the bishop, who I believe was Spirit filled. Despite that background, something was lacking in my life. I was led to believe that God never changes and that is true. We know from Hebrews 3:8 that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. We also know that God’s word (in the original language) does not change and does precisely what He said it would do.

With those things in mind, I could not understand why things seemed to have changed. I though that the miracles of Jesus should still be happening and that people like the apostles and prophets should still be with us. They are of course and that is another topic.

I had too many unanswered questions and had just purchased my first home. I had two sons and two daughters and my younger son, Gary, took so ill I had to admit him to hospital in an emergency. The doctors asked for a meeting and they showed me X-rays of his left hip. They pointed out shadows on the hip bone and told me that the bone was decaying and they did not know what was causing it or what to do.

Newfound friends kept inviting me to their church but I kept declining. They were holding a month-long crusade at the time and when I told them about Gary, they told me that they believed in Divine healing and would I like them to pray for him. I agreed.

Within that same week, Gary was discharged from hospital perfectly healed and that got my attention.  I decided to attend a meeting and it was the very last meeting of that crusade. It was also the last crusade that the evangelist conducted as he moved elsewhere to become the senior minister of what is now a large church.

In that meeting, during the opening hymn, a brilliant blaze of light appeared and seemed to bore right through me. That was my first encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.

About eighteen months later, I received an electric shock,which should have killed me at my place of employment. The current was flowing from my right hand through my body and out through my left hand, burning a small pea-sized hole in the inner joint of my middle finger.

My hand was closing tighter and tighter in an involuntary muscular contraction around the live terminal that had been accidentally exposed through a mechanical failure of the device on which I was working. I could feel the pulsating of the current supplied by the high voltage supply flowing through my chest and was thinking to myself, This is it. This is graduation day. I am coming home.

Suddenly, I was free. I do not know how that happened as my assistant was too far away to see everything that was happening, but he knew that something had indeed happened and continually looked intently at me in wonderment afterward.

That evening, I was preparing for bed and in a state of awed numbness. I felt elated. God had delivered me from certain death, without any side effects whatsoever. The experts told me that I should have received muscular or tissue damage that would have produced chest pains, if nothing else, but I had no pain or any symptoms of any kind. The gaping hole burned into my right finger was not hurting and it had completely gone without a trace the following morning.

It was a crisp wintry evening as I sat on the floor with my back against the bed with my feet on the wall as I looked out the bedroom window into a cloudless sky. The sky was bright and the stars were twinkling brilliantly under that clear crisp sky, when I suddenly heard a strange noise that grew louder.

It was a whooshing sound and I could feel a breeze on my face, blowing past my ears, ruffling my hair, blowing onto my eyes and whistling past my ears. Suddenly, a tunnel shaped opening appeared in the sky, enveloping me. It disappeared into the distance high above me into a mere pinpoint as if the very sky itself opened up. This whooshing noise continued whilst I was being bodily lifted upwards and outwards out of my window into this tunnel.

Although the evening sky was naturally bright and the were stars twinkling brilliantly, the tunnel grew even lighter, almost dazzling bright. The stars disappeared inside this tunnel, although I could still see them outside the tunnel as I moved.

Laying on my back, I was moving at an astonishing speed upwards towards the pinpoint at the end of the tunnel. The motion was simply amazing and seemed to continue for a very long time but I really do not know the duration. As I continued upwards, the end of this tunnel seemed to disappear, open out, or fade out into a wide expanse of sky. I call it sky, because there is no way I can describe it. It was like being in space with the stars surrounding me, but in the midst of this, there was an atmosphere and brilliantly, dazzlingly white clouds and I was zooming towards them.

As I got closer, a gleaming white object appeared. It was immense, seemingly miles wide. It was a throne that had the appearance of gleaming white marble that seemed to pulsate with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors that emanated from within, yet surrounded it.

The geometric precision of this throne amazed me. It was perfectly straight, level and vertical. The right angles were perfect and the edges were so precise, they were almost razor sharp. The throne was reminiscent of those marble seats one sees in Roman or ancient Greek artwork. It had shiny portions in the sides that were like mother of pearl and although I cannot honestly state that there were precious gems there, it gleamed, shimmered and sparkled brilliantly as if light was reflecting from them. It was dazzling.

As if shrouded in a cloud, or like a photograph that is slightly out of focus, a human shaped figure was sitting on this throne. I could not see this person clearly, almost as if not permitted to do so, but there was a definite impression of age—timeless age and a carriage of distinction like nothing I have experienced. Again, without being capable of seeing distinctly, he seemed to be garbed in a flowing white mantle with long sleeves and large cuffs.

Although this throne was miles wide and the person was the size of a very large man, he filled this throne. It was one thing that greatly impressed me. The throne was huge in proportions. It was miles wide, yet this person completely filled it as he sat there in regal posture. I was still moving at astronomical speed towards this sight, in the middle of this brilliantly illuminated tunnel with the wind blowing in my face, ruffling my hair. The illumination in this tunnel was not by any artificial means. There were no lights as we understand them yet the whole opening was just lit up as if the light was alive. The stars were still visible as I continued my movement.

This person then leaned slightly forwards and gestured with the right arm and hand towards me. I heard a voice within me that spoke words of comfort and reassurance that all was well and that I had a destiny and then suddenly there was one sudden large whoosh sound and I was back in my home again in a different position than before.

My personal opinion is that this was the Great White Throne. I have no biblical proof in any way, but that is what my heart tells me. I do not hazard a guess as to who this person was, nor am I going to try to suggest anything, as I just do not know, but the experience has radically affected my life. I can close my eyes and think about it even now and see it again. One day, I will stand before the Great White Throne, but this time, I will see with open eyes, clothed in pure white linen, bowing in worship and adoration with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Will you?

For many people, Heaven is a place shrouded in mystery. It is an almost an unknown place… a dream land… a paradise that is without peer, or a place that exists merely in peoples’ imaginations… a fantasy land, or escapism from reality. It is more real than the world in which we live. It is a place that dreams are made of and it truly is a place that is without comparison.

You might not have visited there yet, or know much about it, other than what you read in books or in the bible.

You might not know anyone who has seen it and perhaps there are mere handfuls of people who have seen Heaven, but I have a feeling that this is going to change. We just cannot barge in to anyone’s home without invitation- that would be trespass and lead to problems with the law. Similarly, one cannot just arrive in Heaven, because it is a special place that is reserved for special people.

Going to church will not guarantee admission. Doing many good deeds will not open the door for you. Believing in God is no certainty either, because even the devil and evil spirits believe in God. They aren’t going there!

The people who will go there are those who are the redeemed of the Lord. Those blood washed believers, who are looking earnestly for the Bridegroom’s appearance, are the ones who will go. Those ones who are not foolish like the man who attended the wedding reception, but was not prepared, will go, but those who are clean, righteous and prepared will!

Oh, yes! Heaven is special.

When Jesus ministered on the earth, He was a man just like us. He got just as tired, hot, dirty, sweaty, hungry and thirsty as we do and went to the bathroom occasionally. That is one reason why he so readily identifies with us and understands the feeling of our infirmities.

If you will give him the time, he will become your friend and relate to you, friend to friend, man to man, God to man, in communion, fellowship, relationship and he will enjoy the purest of our worship.

God wants to get involved in our everyday life. He is very interested in all that we do, where we go, what we eat, drink and wear. He is involved with our sleep, work, rest or play, desires us to enjoy life to the full and more than that… to the overflow.

There are times in which we think are inappropriate that he communes with us like that. I was showering one time and he started talking. I was in the restroom and he started talking. Going to the restroom is a very private thing and I was embarrassed the first time, but suddenly realized that he made me. He knows my plumbing, so my nakedness and toilet habits were inconsequential.

He has often done things like that with me and others who have shared similar experiences. He often shares things as friends do together and stated that in John 15:13-15. One evening as I was sitting in my lounge chair, doing nothing of real importance, he suddenly said that he wanted to show me the home that he was building for me in heaven.

Suddenly, without any physical manifestations, I was there. One minute I was sitting in my lounge chair and the next, as fast as it takes to blink an eye, I was standing outside a mansion in heaven.

Paul explained:

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again,in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

I recommend you also read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.

This is what Christians often call the rapture. The word itself does not really appear as such in scripture, but it is an apt description of what is there, describing the event as a catching away.  It is often debated topic, linked with the tribulation period and this is a topic best addressed elsewhere. Personally, I believe that I shall be gone before that and hope you will join me.

People often ask about what we will look like and such things and Paul gave an answer:

...someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have when they come?”

You fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And as for what you sow—you are not sowing the body that will be, but only a seed, perhaps of wheat or another grain. But God gives it a body as he wants, and to each of the seeds its own body.

Not all flesh is the same flesh; there is one flesh for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish.

There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is different from that of the earthly ones.

There is a splendor of the sun, another of the moon, and another of the stars; in fact, one star differs from another star in splendor.

So it is with the resurrection of the dead: Sown in corruption, raised in incorruption; sown in dishonor, raised in glory; sown in weakness, raised in power; sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

So it is written, The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, then the spiritual.

The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven.

Like the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; like the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven.

And just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.

What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor can corruption inherit incorruption.

Listen, I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. For this corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place:

      Death has been swallowed up in victory.

      Where, death, is your victory?

      Where, death, is your sting?

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Jesus stated that there are mansions in heaven.

Don’t worry or surrender to your fear. For you’ve believed in God, now trust and believe in me also. My Father’s house has many dwelling places. If it were otherwise, I would tell you plainly, because I go to prepare a place for you to rest. And when everything is ready, I will come back and take you to myself so that you will be where I am. And you already know the way to the place where I’m going. John 14:1-4

This is the only specific place in the bible where the word mansion is used, but it establishes a precedent.

Jesus revealed that He is preparing a place for us and when the construction work is completed, He will return for us and we shall return there with Him. This of course relates to end time prophecy, especially in regard His return.

The place that He mentioned is a literal physical place. The Greek word used is topos and we can see its meaning in words like topography that refer to maps and surveying. The word mansions refers to places to stay—abiding places with a sense of permanence.

Hebrew life revolved around the family in which the father provided for his wife and children. He built a home for them and often times when a son married, the house was extended. At the appropriate time the groom came to the home of his bride to be and returned to his home that was now completed.

Such a setting is found in the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25.

All ten women had been betrothed according to custom and were waiting for the bridegroom to arrive.

Unfortunately all ten had fallen asleep and the only person who was aware of the bridegroom’s appearance was the watchman.

There is an object lesson in this that is best dealt with elsewhere.

At this point, we are concentrating on the Father’s house. One day, we shall live in one!

The following is a description of the kind of things you may see.

The bible talks about heaven many times. It describes Heaven as being a very real and beautiful place.

The following information, taken from scripture, is shared below to give you some understand of what it is like to bles and inspire you.

Enjoy.

Every one of us has an eternal destiny. If you are unsure of your eternal destiny, you can make certain of it right now and receive your salvation today. Salvation is a Free Gift from God.  There is nothing humanly possible that you can do to obtain it, other than to believe and to receive.

Jesus came to reveal God the Father to us and to make it possible for us to receive this free gift of eternal life.

The book of Ephesians says that it is by grace alone that we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Receiving this free gift is easy and is achieved by taking several steps-

• Believe with all your heart that Jesus came for you
• Believe that he died for you
• Believe that God raised him from the dead for you
• Receive him into your life and confess him with your mouth.

You can do this by prayer. It really does not matter what your words are, as long as you say what comes from your heart. God knows!

Here is a typical prayer to help you.

Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus and ask you to help me.
According to your word, you say that if I acknowledge Jesus, believe in my heart that he came for me, that he died for me and that you raised him from the dead three days later, I would be saved.
You promised that if I confess him with my mouth, you would forgive my sin, adopt me as your child, change me and give me a hope and a future that will last forever with you in Heaven.
I ask you now to do all those things and invite Jesus to become the lord of my life.

Amen.

If you declare that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God brought him back to life, you will be saved.

By believing you receive God's approval, and by declaring your faith you are saved. 

Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be ashamed.” There is no difference between Jews and Greeks.

They all have the same Lord, who gives his riches to everyone who calls on him. 

So then, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-11).

If you responded positively, please tell someone. It is important. Write to us if you want to. We'd love to hear from you and may be able to assist more.

Robert.