Editing Openai/6832f0af-8c5c-8008-9d41-f372934c76ec (section)

=== Assistant: Based on the entire sweep of the Bible, God intends for us to experience “heaven” not just as a place we go when we die… ===
Based on the entire sweep of the Bible, God intends for us to experience “heaven” not just as a place we go when we die, but as a restored relationship with Him, leading ultimately to eternal life in a renewed creation—''a heaven-on-earth union''.

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From Genesis to Revelation, heaven is not merely a place—it’s where God is.
* Genesis 3: Humanity walked with God in the garden—direct communion.
* Exodus 40, 1 Kings 8: God's presence dwelt in the tabernacle and temple.
* John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us”—Jesus brought heaven to earth.
* Revelation 21:3: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.”

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==== - Luke 17:21: Jesus says, “the kingdom of God is in your midst.” ====
* John 14:23: “If anyone loves me… my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
* Ephesians 2:6: Believers are spiritually “seated with [Christ] in the heavenly places.”

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==== - Revelation 21–22: A new heaven and new earth. No more death, crying, or pain. The curse is reversed. ====
* 1 Corinthians 15: We will receive imperishable, resurrected bodies.
* Isaiah 65:17–25: A vibrant, joyful existence with meaningful work, peace, and presence of God.

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==== - We’re not meant to experience heaven as mere escape or personal paradise. ====
* Rather, it’s union with: - God (Revelation 22:4 – “They will see his face”) - Others (Hebrews 12:22–24 – “a great assembly”) - All creation (Romans 8:19–21 – creation itself longs to be set free)

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==== God’s intent is that we experience heaven as: ====
* A restored relationship with Him through Jesus
* A present, spiritual reality we can begin to taste now
* A future, physical reality in a new heaven and new earth
* An eternal life of worship, joy, purpose, and perfect peace with Him and one another

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Let me know if you’d like this reframed for kids, skeptics, leaders, or a teaching series.