Hidden In Him
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- Joined
- Mar 16, 2020
- Messages
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Greetings all!
The following is a Bible Study I just completed recently, which I thought I would share with everyone here. Most of my studies are more scripture-filled and scholarly, but this one is an easy read.
I realize that not all will believe this, but as I point out in the few passages I do quote in the beginning, I believe scripture teaches that this is something the Lord in fact does want believers to know, whether many details are actually included in scripture or not.
Blessings in Christ to all who take the time to read this, and if anyone has any feedback on my writing style or any of the content cited, please feel free to comment.
Hidden
Original Study Title:
Faithlessness About Heaven's Riches Blinds The Eyes Of Many
Just as it is today, many in New Testament times, despite believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, still had a tough time fully believing in everything awaiting them in Heaven after they died. Paul was therefore often praying for them that their eyes be fully opened to know all the riches of the inheritance that waited them in the afterlife if they continued to trust in Christ for salvation. As he now told the Colossians, this was an important part of the gospel message, and what he had been commissioned by God to preach to the Gentiles. And what he told them about Heaven was based upon personal experience, seeing as how he had been taken up to Third Heaven himself (2 Corinthians 12:1-7).
As he here also added, he was fulfilling this commission despite continuing to suffer affliction and persecution from unbelievers:
I am now rejoicing in [my] sufferings over you, and filling up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ for His body's sake, which is the church, of which I became a servant according to the administration of God having been given unto me, for you to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations but which has now been made manifest to His saints, to whom God wished to make known what the riches of the glory of this mystery is amongst the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfected in Him. (Colossians 1:24-28)
What was Paul referring to here by the expression "the hope of glory." It is clear from another passage in Ephesians, a letter he wrote around the same time, that Paul was referring to the glory of God that permeates Heaven. These were the "riches of their inheritance," which they could expect to enjoy in eternity:
I do not cease giving thanks over you, making mention in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the recognition of Him, the eyes of your heart having been enlightened for you to know what is the hope of His calling, what the riches of the glory of His inheritance is amongst the saints, and what the surpassing greatness of His power is toward us, those believing in accordance with the supernatural energy of the dominion of His strength, which He made manifest in Christ in having raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in heavenly places. (Ephesians 1:15-20)
The expressions "the hope of glory," and "the hope of His calling" were here synonymous. They both referred to "the riches of the glory of His inheritance amongst the saints," or in other words the riches awaiting them in Heaven. As Paul very specifically told the Colossians, God wanted to make these things known to the Gentiles! What then was the problem? Unbelief and skepticism. Believers coming out of the world are often skeptical of such promises, because they often sound "too good to be true" for them. Others regard them as "too materialistic." But both Paul and Peter used the words "inheritance" and "riches" when talking about our heavenly reward, and both words are about as "materialistic" as you can get. The fact is that these promises are true, but unfortunately faithlessness stands in the way of many becoming fully enlightened to them. So Paul was praying that their eyes be enlightened to fully know what awaited them.
Many are in the same place today. They are even told by their leaders not to trust in the multiple heavenly accounts God is still giving to the church today, and still wants the church to know about. Instead, they are told only go by what is in the Bible, which in and of itself actually contains very few details about Heaven.
What is the answer for this? The same answer Paul was using. We still tell others about the riches God wanted to make known to the churches, while praying for them that the eyes of their hearts might be fully opened to believe in it!
In this light, the following are excerpts from modern accounts of what believers have witnessed in heavenly visions and dreams. Keep in mind that these experiences were not limited to those of only one denominational or doctrinal background. The Lord wants all His children to know of and believe in these things. Thus, the following excerpts are taken from a broad cross-section of modern accounts, yet they all often bear similar details which confirm one another.
These should not be taken as in any way an exhaustive description of Heaven, but merely small representative descriptions of what certain aspects of Heaven will be like.
Mansions, Architecture And Furniture
Just as Christ Himself promised the disciples, many report seeing mansions throughout Heaven. These mansions are not just materializing out of thin air. The saints are being allowed to build them for one another out of love for each other, just as families on earth sometimes do:
I have interviewed a hundred and three people who have died and come back now, and everyone that’s had a near death experience since 1960 has seen construction going on there. There was an anticipation, getting ready for a large number of people… They were building, very much the same [as on earth], only the architecture was so awesome it would take many programs to describe. (Betty Maltz, Messianic Vision, Sid Roth Radio Program).
On my way to the Throne of God. I saw an avenue just off the street I was walking on... On this avenue there were mansions beyond compare. I was told that they were for missionaries. Everything they'd given, they'd given to the Lord. I believe that in Heaven, God rewards everything that we can't receive on earth. I was taken to one house on the street on which I was walking. It was a single mansion carved out of a single, giant pearl. The house seemed to be two hundred fifty to three hundred feet across and one hundred feet tall... even the chandelier had been carved out of the pearl and it was lit. It glowed from within... Of all the buildings I saw in Heaven, none of them had locks on any doors, and the doors were not closed. Whether they were mansions, smaller homes, or apartment buildings (yes, some people liked living in condominiums in Heaven), all were open. Everyone who comes by is perfectly welcome to enter, whether you are there or not. But, out of respect, I don't believe anyone enters anyone else's home when the resident is not there. I saw houses that were brightly lit from the inside and whose architecture was beautiful. In Heaven, it seems the architecture includes large pillars. Every home had large porches with pillars and huge archways. Some of the houses were made out of what appeared to be a type of brick or stone material. Others were made out of a type of wood. Yet as I looked, there were no nails or even pegs. Not a piece was sawn, but everything was crafted and fit perfectly together. I saw a veranda on one home that looked like it was made of onyx. You could see through it; it was as clear as glass. Inlaid in the porch were precious stones and gold and silver, and there were great diamonds... I saw a home made of clear stone, embedded with roses that were alive and growing, and gave off the most beautiful aroma. When I put my ear up to anything solid in Heaven, I heard it humming the most beautiful songs. Some of the songs were ones we sing on earth, but others were not. Everything gave praise and glory to the Lord. (My Time In Heaven, P.38-40, Richard Sigmund)
As we went up a path, I saw a gigantic house above the trees. I know it was a mansion, and that it didn't simply look that way because I was a little boy... Jesus and I waited for what seemed like a period of about three minutes, and then He knocked again, before anyone ever came to the door. A man opened the door... [and] then invited us inside; Jesus and I walked in and sat down in what I would call a living room or den area. The furniture there is different from that on earth in this respect: It is as if comfort "lives" in the furniture of Heaven. Earthly furniture becomes uncomfortable after you sit in it for awhile, and you find yourself squirming and shifting periodically. In Heaven, comfort finds you. I sat down on a black velvet couch, and comfort reached up and "cuddled" me. I was so comfortable that I never had to move once. After we finished talking, the man took us through the house. His mansion seemed just like houses on earth, but it was total perfection. The windows had curtains over them. The walls were decorated with paintings, which in this in this particular house reminded me of modern art on earth, except better. Also, there were photographs of the man's family members, and there were plants everywhere. In addition, the mansion was filled with beautiful furniture and luxuries. Some things I did not recognize. Each mansion was suited to the person who lived there, for every child of God has his or her own mansion in Heaven (John 14:2). This one had different rooms, such as dining room, living room, kitchen, den, and so forth. (I am sure there were bedrooms, but I did not go upstairs). (Lairdon, I Saw Heaven, P.28-30)
We soon reached [the home], and I was truly charmed with it in every way. It was fashioned much like my brother Nell's home, and built of polished woods. It was only partly finished, and was most artistically done. Although uncompleted, I was struck with the fact that everything was perfect so far as finished. There was no debris anywhere; no chips, no shavings, no dust. The wood seemed to have been perfectly prepared elsewhere - where, I have no idea. The pieces were made to fit accurately, like the parts of a great puzzle. It required much skill and artistic taste to properly adjust each in its place... [and] the house was slowly growing into beauty and symmetry. (Springer, My Dream Of Heaven, P.42-43)
Frank led Rebecca up the stairs to the veranda and into the house between large marble columns. The reception hall had an inlaid floor, a window with mullioned glass and a wide, low stairway. Before Rebecca could speak, Frank took her hands and welcomed her to her heavenly home... He led her into a large room made of polished, pale grey marble. The walls and floors, however, were covered with beautiful roses of every type and color. Attempting to gather some up so she would not crush them, Rebecca found them to be embedded in the marble! Frank explained to her that a group of boys and girls had come to the house one day asking if it really were for the Springers. Upon being told that it was, they replied that they had loved the couple and wanted to help make the house even more beautiful. The girls, who carried bouquets of roses, began to toss them over the floors and against the walls, where they remained attached, giving the appearance of fresh flowers. The boys produced tool cases, and through some celestial art embedded each flower in the marble. Rebecca asked Frank who these young people were, and he named them for her. She realized that her love for these children on earth had brought her additional happiness in Heaven. (Rebecca Springer's account, as told by Roberts Lairdon, We Saw Heaven, P.102-103)
Gardens, Fountains, Trees And Flowers
It is also said that there are fountains, walkways and beautiful gardens everywhere, making the overall landscape look like one giant park, whether you are in the cities or the suburbs:
Each building in the city was extremely large and perfectly integrated with all the others. The entire city gave the impression of being one garden of flowers, one grove of shady trees, one gallery of sculptures, and one sea of fountains. All of these together with the buildings, formed an unbroken expanse of sumptuous architecture set in a surrounding landscape of matching beauty. This was then overarched by a colored sky that bathed every object in its incredible and ever-changing shades. (Davis, Nine Days In Heaven, P.26)
Look where I would, I saw, half-hidden by the trees, elegant and beautiful houses of strangely attractive architecture... I caught glimpses of sparkling fountains in many directions, and close to my retreat flowed a river with water clear as crystal. The walks that ran in many directions through the grounds appeared to me to be, and I afterward found were, of pearl, spotless and pure, bordered on either side by narrow streams of water running over stones of gold. The one thought that fastened itself upon me was "Purity, purity!"... The grass and flowers looked as though fresh-washed by summer showers, and not a single blade was any color but the brightest green. The air was soft and balmy though invigorating; and instead of sunlight there was a golden and rosy glory everywhere, something like the afterglow of a Southern sunset in midsummer. (Springer, My Dream Of Heaven, P.7-8)
There is no death in Heaven, so not even plants nor trees nor grass can die:
I also looked at the trees we passed. The leaves swayed back and forth, dancing and praising as we passed. You would have thought a great wind was blowing through the land. The grass was green, the very essence of green, and very soft. After we passed, the footprints in the grass sprang back into perfection, immediately erasing any footprints. Many men will be happy to know that you never have to mow the lawn in Heaven! The grass is always the same length, and if a leaf falls it disappears. There is no rotten fruit on the trees, because death and decay have no part in Heaven. (Lairdon, I Saw Heaven, P.32)
As we walked along, we came to a path of flowers. Their fragrance and beauty were beyond human reasoning. At first, I didn't want to step on them, but the angel said, "Walk on them." So I did. I was amazed that the flowers were not crushed as we stepped on them, but I realized there is no death in Heaven. Instead, each blossom popped back up and seemed to turn towards us as we passed, so that we could always see their beauty. I noticed there were no brown leaves on any plants. (Duplantis, Heaven: Close Encounters Of The God Kind, P.79-80)
It is also reported that along with mansions, each person has a garden all their own, where the Lord can meet with them personally; a garden distinctly their own, where only the types of trees, plants, flowers and herbs that they like best grow. As Anna Rountree recorded in her account:
I stood facing the three-tiered fountain in the center of the garden. Cool, clear water flowed from its top and gently pooled in its widely-rimmed basin. The large flowering apricot tree arched over the fountain, with the bench for two at its base. I let my eyes rest upon the colors and varieties of the plantings within the walled area. All sorts of scented herbs grew among the jonquils, tulips and daffodils. The fruit-bearing trees and vines were heavy with flowers, but they also had leaves and the rudiments of both summer and fall fruit. As with the trees and the vines, the flowers of spring, summer and fall were all blooming at the same time within the beds. A slight breeze blew across the garden, stirring the aromas. The fragrance was unique. On earth we do not experience the three growing seasons together. I was reminded of Aaron's staff, that sprouted, blossomed and bore fruit at the same time. (Rountree, The Priestly Bride, P.19-20)
Many Kinds Of Fruit Grow In Heaven
Then there are the fruit trees, which bear incredibly delicious fruit of many different kinds all year round. This is reported by virtually every account:
The man gave me a large fruit to eat that looked something like an apple, and it was very delicious... Eating in Heaven is something people seem to have a problem with believing. Yet the apostle John wrote about the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:19). Also, John wrote of seeing the Tree of Life, which has twelve kinds of fruit that it yields every month (Revelation 22:2). (Lairdon, I Saw Heaven, P.30-31)
Frank and Rebeca then traversed a marble terrace, and a staircase that wound down to the lawn. Tree branches filled with ripe fruit hung close to the terrace. Some of the fruits seemed to resemble those on earth, only with a far superior consistency and flavor. Although she bit into a fruit similar to a pear and its juice ran off her hands and down her dress, there were no stains left on her clothing and her hands were as clean as if she had washed them. Frank explained that no impurity could remain in Heaven's environment. Rebecca realized that this was the explanation for why no [dead] fruit lay under the trees. (Lairdon, We Saw Heaven, P.104)
The fruit-laden branches of the trees hung within easy reach of the terrace, and I noticed as I stood there that morning seven varieties. One kind resembled our fine Bartlett pair, only much larger and infinitely more delicious to the taste, as I soon found out. Another variety was in clusters, the fruit also pair-shaped, but smaller than the former and of a consistency and flavor similar to the finest frozen cream. A third, something like a banana in shape, they called "bread-fruit." It was not unlike our dainty finger-rolls to the taste... food for the elegant repast was here provided without labor or care. My brother gathered some of the different varieties and bade me try them... The rich juice from the pearl-like fruit ran out profusely over my hands and the front of my dress. "Oh!" I cried, "I have ruined my dress, I fear!" My brother laughed genially, as he said, "Show me the stains." To my amazement, not a spot could I find. (Springer, My Dream Of Heaven, P.27-28)
I ate this fruit. It was a copper-colored type of fruit. It was sweet-tasting, and very juicy. I bit into it and it went down my face. I was embarrassed. I went like [motioning that he bent down and tried to clean his face]. But he said, "It's alright," and that it would give me strength. (Duplantis, Close Encounters Of The God Kind DVD, Chapter 14)
(Part 2 will follow shortly)
The following is a Bible Study I just completed recently, which I thought I would share with everyone here. Most of my studies are more scripture-filled and scholarly, but this one is an easy read.
I realize that not all will believe this, but as I point out in the few passages I do quote in the beginning, I believe scripture teaches that this is something the Lord in fact does want believers to know, whether many details are actually included in scripture or not.
Blessings in Christ to all who take the time to read this, and if anyone has any feedback on my writing style or any of the content cited, please feel free to comment.
Hidden
Original Study Title:
Faithlessness About Heaven's Riches Blinds The Eyes Of Many
Just as it is today, many in New Testament times, despite believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, still had a tough time fully believing in everything awaiting them in Heaven after they died. Paul was therefore often praying for them that their eyes be fully opened to know all the riches of the inheritance that waited them in the afterlife if they continued to trust in Christ for salvation. As he now told the Colossians, this was an important part of the gospel message, and what he had been commissioned by God to preach to the Gentiles. And what he told them about Heaven was based upon personal experience, seeing as how he had been taken up to Third Heaven himself (2 Corinthians 12:1-7).
As he here also added, he was fulfilling this commission despite continuing to suffer affliction and persecution from unbelievers:
I am now rejoicing in [my] sufferings over you, and filling up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ for His body's sake, which is the church, of which I became a servant according to the administration of God having been given unto me, for you to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations but which has now been made manifest to His saints, to whom God wished to make known what the riches of the glory of this mystery is amongst the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfected in Him. (Colossians 1:24-28)
What was Paul referring to here by the expression "the hope of glory." It is clear from another passage in Ephesians, a letter he wrote around the same time, that Paul was referring to the glory of God that permeates Heaven. These were the "riches of their inheritance," which they could expect to enjoy in eternity:
I do not cease giving thanks over you, making mention in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the recognition of Him, the eyes of your heart having been enlightened for you to know what is the hope of His calling, what the riches of the glory of His inheritance is amongst the saints, and what the surpassing greatness of His power is toward us, those believing in accordance with the supernatural energy of the dominion of His strength, which He made manifest in Christ in having raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in heavenly places. (Ephesians 1:15-20)
The expressions "the hope of glory," and "the hope of His calling" were here synonymous. They both referred to "the riches of the glory of His inheritance amongst the saints," or in other words the riches awaiting them in Heaven. As Paul very specifically told the Colossians, God wanted to make these things known to the Gentiles! What then was the problem? Unbelief and skepticism. Believers coming out of the world are often skeptical of such promises, because they often sound "too good to be true" for them. Others regard them as "too materialistic." But both Paul and Peter used the words "inheritance" and "riches" when talking about our heavenly reward, and both words are about as "materialistic" as you can get. The fact is that these promises are true, but unfortunately faithlessness stands in the way of many becoming fully enlightened to them. So Paul was praying that their eyes be enlightened to fully know what awaited them.
Many are in the same place today. They are even told by their leaders not to trust in the multiple heavenly accounts God is still giving to the church today, and still wants the church to know about. Instead, they are told only go by what is in the Bible, which in and of itself actually contains very few details about Heaven.
What is the answer for this? The same answer Paul was using. We still tell others about the riches God wanted to make known to the churches, while praying for them that the eyes of their hearts might be fully opened to believe in it!
In this light, the following are excerpts from modern accounts of what believers have witnessed in heavenly visions and dreams. Keep in mind that these experiences were not limited to those of only one denominational or doctrinal background. The Lord wants all His children to know of and believe in these things. Thus, the following excerpts are taken from a broad cross-section of modern accounts, yet they all often bear similar details which confirm one another.
These should not be taken as in any way an exhaustive description of Heaven, but merely small representative descriptions of what certain aspects of Heaven will be like.
Mansions, Architecture And Furniture
Just as Christ Himself promised the disciples, many report seeing mansions throughout Heaven. These mansions are not just materializing out of thin air. The saints are being allowed to build them for one another out of love for each other, just as families on earth sometimes do:
I have interviewed a hundred and three people who have died and come back now, and everyone that’s had a near death experience since 1960 has seen construction going on there. There was an anticipation, getting ready for a large number of people… They were building, very much the same [as on earth], only the architecture was so awesome it would take many programs to describe. (Betty Maltz, Messianic Vision, Sid Roth Radio Program).
On my way to the Throne of God. I saw an avenue just off the street I was walking on... On this avenue there were mansions beyond compare. I was told that they were for missionaries. Everything they'd given, they'd given to the Lord. I believe that in Heaven, God rewards everything that we can't receive on earth. I was taken to one house on the street on which I was walking. It was a single mansion carved out of a single, giant pearl. The house seemed to be two hundred fifty to three hundred feet across and one hundred feet tall... even the chandelier had been carved out of the pearl and it was lit. It glowed from within... Of all the buildings I saw in Heaven, none of them had locks on any doors, and the doors were not closed. Whether they were mansions, smaller homes, or apartment buildings (yes, some people liked living in condominiums in Heaven), all were open. Everyone who comes by is perfectly welcome to enter, whether you are there or not. But, out of respect, I don't believe anyone enters anyone else's home when the resident is not there. I saw houses that were brightly lit from the inside and whose architecture was beautiful. In Heaven, it seems the architecture includes large pillars. Every home had large porches with pillars and huge archways. Some of the houses were made out of what appeared to be a type of brick or stone material. Others were made out of a type of wood. Yet as I looked, there were no nails or even pegs. Not a piece was sawn, but everything was crafted and fit perfectly together. I saw a veranda on one home that looked like it was made of onyx. You could see through it; it was as clear as glass. Inlaid in the porch were precious stones and gold and silver, and there were great diamonds... I saw a home made of clear stone, embedded with roses that were alive and growing, and gave off the most beautiful aroma. When I put my ear up to anything solid in Heaven, I heard it humming the most beautiful songs. Some of the songs were ones we sing on earth, but others were not. Everything gave praise and glory to the Lord. (My Time In Heaven, P.38-40, Richard Sigmund)
As we went up a path, I saw a gigantic house above the trees. I know it was a mansion, and that it didn't simply look that way because I was a little boy... Jesus and I waited for what seemed like a period of about three minutes, and then He knocked again, before anyone ever came to the door. A man opened the door... [and] then invited us inside; Jesus and I walked in and sat down in what I would call a living room or den area. The furniture there is different from that on earth in this respect: It is as if comfort "lives" in the furniture of Heaven. Earthly furniture becomes uncomfortable after you sit in it for awhile, and you find yourself squirming and shifting periodically. In Heaven, comfort finds you. I sat down on a black velvet couch, and comfort reached up and "cuddled" me. I was so comfortable that I never had to move once. After we finished talking, the man took us through the house. His mansion seemed just like houses on earth, but it was total perfection. The windows had curtains over them. The walls were decorated with paintings, which in this in this particular house reminded me of modern art on earth, except better. Also, there were photographs of the man's family members, and there were plants everywhere. In addition, the mansion was filled with beautiful furniture and luxuries. Some things I did not recognize. Each mansion was suited to the person who lived there, for every child of God has his or her own mansion in Heaven (John 14:2). This one had different rooms, such as dining room, living room, kitchen, den, and so forth. (I am sure there were bedrooms, but I did not go upstairs). (Lairdon, I Saw Heaven, P.28-30)
We soon reached [the home], and I was truly charmed with it in every way. It was fashioned much like my brother Nell's home, and built of polished woods. It was only partly finished, and was most artistically done. Although uncompleted, I was struck with the fact that everything was perfect so far as finished. There was no debris anywhere; no chips, no shavings, no dust. The wood seemed to have been perfectly prepared elsewhere - where, I have no idea. The pieces were made to fit accurately, like the parts of a great puzzle. It required much skill and artistic taste to properly adjust each in its place... [and] the house was slowly growing into beauty and symmetry. (Springer, My Dream Of Heaven, P.42-43)
Frank led Rebecca up the stairs to the veranda and into the house between large marble columns. The reception hall had an inlaid floor, a window with mullioned glass and a wide, low stairway. Before Rebecca could speak, Frank took her hands and welcomed her to her heavenly home... He led her into a large room made of polished, pale grey marble. The walls and floors, however, were covered with beautiful roses of every type and color. Attempting to gather some up so she would not crush them, Rebecca found them to be embedded in the marble! Frank explained to her that a group of boys and girls had come to the house one day asking if it really were for the Springers. Upon being told that it was, they replied that they had loved the couple and wanted to help make the house even more beautiful. The girls, who carried bouquets of roses, began to toss them over the floors and against the walls, where they remained attached, giving the appearance of fresh flowers. The boys produced tool cases, and through some celestial art embedded each flower in the marble. Rebecca asked Frank who these young people were, and he named them for her. She realized that her love for these children on earth had brought her additional happiness in Heaven. (Rebecca Springer's account, as told by Roberts Lairdon, We Saw Heaven, P.102-103)
Gardens, Fountains, Trees And Flowers
It is also said that there are fountains, walkways and beautiful gardens everywhere, making the overall landscape look like one giant park, whether you are in the cities or the suburbs:
Each building in the city was extremely large and perfectly integrated with all the others. The entire city gave the impression of being one garden of flowers, one grove of shady trees, one gallery of sculptures, and one sea of fountains. All of these together with the buildings, formed an unbroken expanse of sumptuous architecture set in a surrounding landscape of matching beauty. This was then overarched by a colored sky that bathed every object in its incredible and ever-changing shades. (Davis, Nine Days In Heaven, P.26)
Look where I would, I saw, half-hidden by the trees, elegant and beautiful houses of strangely attractive architecture... I caught glimpses of sparkling fountains in many directions, and close to my retreat flowed a river with water clear as crystal. The walks that ran in many directions through the grounds appeared to me to be, and I afterward found were, of pearl, spotless and pure, bordered on either side by narrow streams of water running over stones of gold. The one thought that fastened itself upon me was "Purity, purity!"... The grass and flowers looked as though fresh-washed by summer showers, and not a single blade was any color but the brightest green. The air was soft and balmy though invigorating; and instead of sunlight there was a golden and rosy glory everywhere, something like the afterglow of a Southern sunset in midsummer. (Springer, My Dream Of Heaven, P.7-8)
There is no death in Heaven, so not even plants nor trees nor grass can die:
I also looked at the trees we passed. The leaves swayed back and forth, dancing and praising as we passed. You would have thought a great wind was blowing through the land. The grass was green, the very essence of green, and very soft. After we passed, the footprints in the grass sprang back into perfection, immediately erasing any footprints. Many men will be happy to know that you never have to mow the lawn in Heaven! The grass is always the same length, and if a leaf falls it disappears. There is no rotten fruit on the trees, because death and decay have no part in Heaven. (Lairdon, I Saw Heaven, P.32)
As we walked along, we came to a path of flowers. Their fragrance and beauty were beyond human reasoning. At first, I didn't want to step on them, but the angel said, "Walk on them." So I did. I was amazed that the flowers were not crushed as we stepped on them, but I realized there is no death in Heaven. Instead, each blossom popped back up and seemed to turn towards us as we passed, so that we could always see their beauty. I noticed there were no brown leaves on any plants. (Duplantis, Heaven: Close Encounters Of The God Kind, P.79-80)
It is also reported that along with mansions, each person has a garden all their own, where the Lord can meet with them personally; a garden distinctly their own, where only the types of trees, plants, flowers and herbs that they like best grow. As Anna Rountree recorded in her account:
I stood facing the three-tiered fountain in the center of the garden. Cool, clear water flowed from its top and gently pooled in its widely-rimmed basin. The large flowering apricot tree arched over the fountain, with the bench for two at its base. I let my eyes rest upon the colors and varieties of the plantings within the walled area. All sorts of scented herbs grew among the jonquils, tulips and daffodils. The fruit-bearing trees and vines were heavy with flowers, but they also had leaves and the rudiments of both summer and fall fruit. As with the trees and the vines, the flowers of spring, summer and fall were all blooming at the same time within the beds. A slight breeze blew across the garden, stirring the aromas. The fragrance was unique. On earth we do not experience the three growing seasons together. I was reminded of Aaron's staff, that sprouted, blossomed and bore fruit at the same time. (Rountree, The Priestly Bride, P.19-20)
Many Kinds Of Fruit Grow In Heaven
Then there are the fruit trees, which bear incredibly delicious fruit of many different kinds all year round. This is reported by virtually every account:
The man gave me a large fruit to eat that looked something like an apple, and it was very delicious... Eating in Heaven is something people seem to have a problem with believing. Yet the apostle John wrote about the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:19). Also, John wrote of seeing the Tree of Life, which has twelve kinds of fruit that it yields every month (Revelation 22:2). (Lairdon, I Saw Heaven, P.30-31)
Frank and Rebeca then traversed a marble terrace, and a staircase that wound down to the lawn. Tree branches filled with ripe fruit hung close to the terrace. Some of the fruits seemed to resemble those on earth, only with a far superior consistency and flavor. Although she bit into a fruit similar to a pear and its juice ran off her hands and down her dress, there were no stains left on her clothing and her hands were as clean as if she had washed them. Frank explained that no impurity could remain in Heaven's environment. Rebecca realized that this was the explanation for why no [dead] fruit lay under the trees. (Lairdon, We Saw Heaven, P.104)
The fruit-laden branches of the trees hung within easy reach of the terrace, and I noticed as I stood there that morning seven varieties. One kind resembled our fine Bartlett pair, only much larger and infinitely more delicious to the taste, as I soon found out. Another variety was in clusters, the fruit also pair-shaped, but smaller than the former and of a consistency and flavor similar to the finest frozen cream. A third, something like a banana in shape, they called "bread-fruit." It was not unlike our dainty finger-rolls to the taste... food for the elegant repast was here provided without labor or care. My brother gathered some of the different varieties and bade me try them... The rich juice from the pearl-like fruit ran out profusely over my hands and the front of my dress. "Oh!" I cried, "I have ruined my dress, I fear!" My brother laughed genially, as he said, "Show me the stains." To my amazement, not a spot could I find. (Springer, My Dream Of Heaven, P.27-28)
I ate this fruit. It was a copper-colored type of fruit. It was sweet-tasting, and very juicy. I bit into it and it went down my face. I was embarrassed. I went like [motioning that he bent down and tried to clean his face]. But he said, "It's alright," and that it would give me strength. (Duplantis, Close Encounters Of The God Kind DVD, Chapter 14)
(Part 2 will follow shortly)
