The Italian Memorandum

“The heavens are the Lord’s heavens,

but the earth he has given to the children of man”

(Psalm 115:16)

“…he has put eternity into man’s heart…”

(Ecclesiastes 3:11)

The Old Testament provides the biblical background for the Christian doctrine of heaven. It is through the Old Testament writings that we read about shamayim, translated “heaven.” A close synonym of shamayim is raqia (Psalm 148:4); raqia, being the more specific term, and shamayim the more comprehensive terminology.

In our presentation (06-08-08), we made three points about heaven:

1. Your deepest reality is that you were meant for heaven and are known as eternal in God’s eyes (2 Cor. 5:1-8).

2. Heaven is expressed in symbolism in the Scriptures (Jn. 3:12,13; Rev. 1:1-2;4:1-2). Crowns; harps, and gold (Rev. 2:10; 14:2; 21:18,21) mean something beyond themselves: victory; joy; festivity (1 Cor. 9:25,27); calming, infinity, ecstasy (1 Sam. 16:14-23); preciousness and timelessness.

3. Revelation 4 and 5 express the relevance of heaven in creation and redemption, respectively.

-Robert M. Housby

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for
those who are called according to his purpose”

(Romans 8:28)

I read recently, “Living on earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year.” There can be no doubt about it, we are in motion, as we speak. The only question is—will your travels through this pilgrim place be meaningful? When the apostle Paul described the Christian life in Romans 8, he included a wonderful statement about “his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Notice some observations about this biblical text:

1. Christian conviction stems from absolute Christian knowledge— “And we know…” (8:28).

2. Personal meaning is possible only through His Divine purpose— “according to his purpose” (8:28).

3. Such a meaningful existence, as this, can even influence life’s lowest moments of human weakness and suffering (8:18,23,26; 31,37-39).

4. But, this insight of terrific purpose is qualified—“for those who love God…and are called” (8:28).

Chrysostom reminds us that the “all” of 8:28 means “all” in the context of serving God, not mere arbitrary history. Will you serve in 2006? Won’t you put meaning in motion today!

-Robert M. Housby

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me
together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

(Psalm 139:13,14)

The Bible emphasizes “you” (both in the singular and plural forms). You are important to God; for you were created by God (Ps. 139:13-16). The English poet, Alexander Pope wrote, “Know then thyself, presume not God to scan / The proper study of mankind is man…” (An Essay on Man, Ep. ii). But, this is precisely where all the humanists of our own day bow at the altar of atheism—by forgetting their Creator (Eccl. 12:1)! This raises a profound question—Who defines what man is, or what he should do? Consider these options:

a. Man is defined by what contemporary psychologists say he is.

b. Man is defined by what the American Supreme Court says he is.

c. Man is defined by what human church creeds say he is.

Will you let Washington D.C. determine who you are? What about a university chemist; or, a medical journal? If the universe has a Lord at all, he is Lord of all. And, if he is not Lord of all, he is not Lord at all. “You”—what an amazing three letter word! The Bible says, “Peace to all of you who are in Christ” (1 Peter 5:14). Yes, “you” are important to God—by virtue of creation, and now by redemption. The fact that he made you is tremendous. But, the fact that he loves you is stupendous! “You” can never be the same again—for “you” were meant for God!

-Robert M. Housby