Part 3 Common objections - Are we Going Up or Is God Moving In?

Written version: https://scripture-elevated.com/2018/10/11/part-3-common-objections-heaven-or-earth-are-we-going-up-or-is-god-moving-in/

What are the common objections today in support of a belief in a heaven destination for faithful believers? Do these objections have a solid foundation strong enough to hold the whole structure? Can they be resolved or are they simply not worth engaging? What does the Bible have to say to these objections?

Major scriptures:

The 1st objection John 14:1-3

Rebuttal: Isaiah 56:4-8, Jeremiah 7:11, John 2:16 – Temple is house of God

Temple chambers – 1 Kings 6:5-7 and 1 Chronicles 9:26-27.

New priesthood – Matthew 21:33-44, Isaiah 5:1-7 and Revelation 20:6

2nd Objection - ‘kingdom of Heaven’ means kingdom in heaven

Rebuttal: Matthew 19:23-24 Kingdom of heaven and Kingdom of God interchangeable

Matthew 5:3,5 – The meek shall inherit the earth

Matthew 6:10 – Let thy Kingdom come and thy will be done on earth

3rd objection Matthew 6:19-21

Rebuttal: Revelation 22:12, Isaiah 40:10-11, 62:11-12 and Matthew 16:27 - Christ will bring those rewards

4th objection - the new Jerusalem. Revelation 21:1-3

Rebuttal: See Part 2 Jerusalem redeemed and married with Children

5th objection - the thief on the cross. Luke 23:42-43

Rebuttal: Paradise literally garden - Genesis 2:9, Isaiah 51:3, Rev 2:7

7th objection – Martyrs under the altar. Revelation 6:9-11

Rebuttal: Gen. 9:3-4 – Blood = soul

Lev. 17:10-14, Deut 12:23-25 – Blood/soul for atonement

Lev. 4:7, 18, 25, 30, 34; 5:9; 8:9; 9:9 – Blood poured at base of altar

Gen. 4:10-11, Luke 11:50-51 – cry for justice