Chapter 11 - What is Real?
What is real? This may be considered an odd question in any discussion, not alone in a discussion about sin. The Bible describes a minimum of two…well for the time being, we’ll just call them ‘existences’. One being the physical world, that of which humans can relate to, and the other being the spiritual world, which is invisible to most humans. We always assume that God created the physical universe in Genesis, but since we have no detailed description of the world before being cursed by God (see Genesis 3), the original creation could have been very different, especially since God said it was ‘good’. When we look at the world today, the word ‘good’ probably would be low on our list of words to describe what we see. Many have speculated as to what the pre-cursed universe was like.
Undoubtedly the biggest difference is the introduction of death. We are surrounded by death, one might call it a cycle of death. Plants, animals and humans reproduce and die, then insects and bacteria consume the dead, they reproduce and die, a strange but effective cycle. All evidence that we live in a fallen world that was not meant to be permanent. All life, including human life is temporary, we can only live a limited time. William Shakespeare is believed to have once said, “Life is too short, so live your life to the fullest.” That is good advice, of course that will depend on your definition of ‘fullest’. For a Christian to live for Jesus would be to the fullest possible lifestyle.
Here is preposterous notion, what if this universe is not real? Okay, perhaps I am crazy, but hear me out. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35, see also Psalm 102:6; Isaiah 51:6; Matthew 5:18; 2 Peter 3:10) The universe is temporary, everything we see today on earth and everything in space was created and set into motion for our benefit and will one day be replaced. Yes, it is hard to believe, but never limit God. The universe is small in comparison to Him.
The world we currently relate to is not the world God intended for humanity, but due to sin all of creation was cursed and made temporary. One could ask whether this reality is actually real. From our perspective it certainly looks, feels, smells, sounds and tastes real, but perhaps this reality is only a simulation. Why do I say that? Because as we serve Jesus, we see that life is all about Him and telling others about the gospel message. Why is the gospel message so important? To help non-believers hear the truth and become believers themselves so that they can spend eternity with Jesus too. The old earth then ;passes away.
Heaven is the real destination. According to the Bible, heaven is beyond description and it is durable, able to last forever. No pain, no suffering, no problems, as sin is also no longer an issue. Heaven is real, heaven is what God intended for humanity, available only through Jesus.
To answer the question, God is real and heaven is real.