Heavenly Growth

Like most Christians, I have pondered the mysteries of Heaven and what it means to live there. Most of us have heard stories of people who have visited Heaven. While some may not be credible, it would be be unwise based on scripture to totally discount the testimonies of those who claimed to make a heavenly visit and return to tell of it. In nearly every one of these accounts, there are children in Heaven - doing what kids do. This is certainly one of the mysteries I'm talking about. If Heaven is outside of time, then what constitutes growth in Heaven?

I believe the Spirit has given me the answer to this one. It is the very same thing that facilitates spiritual growth here, and it has nothing to do with time. It has everything to do with investment from spiritual fathers and mothers.

Am I saying that there is a lack of spiritual nourishment in Heaven? No, naturally not. But at the same time, while time here on earth creates physical growth (whether we like it or not), God in His infinite kindness and wisdom might choose to preserve the honor for a child in His realm to be raised by the child's parents who may not yet be present. Conjecture... yes... but comforting at the same time. Nevertheless, it is easy to see why we have so many spiritual infants here on earth who biologically are in their late adult years. It isn't a matter of time or physical maturity - it's a matter of spiritual parenting and submission on our part, as children.

Divine Captivity

Joh 21:18 LITV
(18) Truly, truly, I say to you, When you were younger, you girded yourself, and you walked where you desired. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you, and will carry you where you do not desire.

Jesus broke this oar over Peter's head on the day He restored fellowship with him. Peter had gone back to fishing, and Jesus came along, made him lunch, and asked Peter if he still loved Him, to which Peter replied, "Lord, you know I still love you." Jesus then says, "Then feed my sheep." After this statement, Jesus tells Peter how he will die - by stretching out his hands in crucifixion. This is seemingly out of place.

In the verse after, Jesus simply says, "Follow me."

"Lord, you know I love you."
"Peter, feed my sheep. You used to have a choice, but now you won't. Just follow me."

People often wonder about the angels and the choice they had to follow God. Was grace presented to them? What was their decision process like? How was it presented? We don't know, but we now know that they no longer have a choice.

There comes a time in a believer's life when the Holy Spirit girds him and carries him 'where he would not otherwise be inclined to go'. This is the meaning of the phrase in the Greek. It's like divine captivity - truly it is just that. Thank God certain things are no longer options in my life. I have no doubt that as I mature in the spirit, other things will no longer be options, either.

So in heaven, will we no longer have free will? Yes, absolutely! But some things will not be an option. If this makes no sense, good! That's how we know it's true.