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Vision of Heaven (Paradise and the River of Life).


The following is a vision of Heaven that was shown to me when I first dedicated my life to God. I have been a believer in God now for about 20 years. I accepted God's gift of salvation and I turned from my evil ways and accepted that Jesus Christ is the only true way to God. God then started speaking to me powerfully through visions, dreams and miraculous circumstances in my life. The most powerful vision I received was a vision of Heaven this happened only a few months after my initial commitment to serve God.

In this vision I seemed to be in my spirit and I seemed to be floating high above a very beautiful place. I could see a river flowing in a curved zig zag fashion, like the letter "S" continuous. I then descended into this place.
The first thing that I saw was a very beautiful park and this river that I had seen from above, was now before me and I crossed a bridge near by. By now I had noticed something very different and unusual. I started to sense this incredible love and it became intensly strong. Words cannot adequately describe this love. It filled my whole being and for the first time I felt totally and utterly satisfied deep down in my heart and soul. I didn't know that love like this existed and I remember feeling that this awesome love didn't freak me out or feel strange at all, but rather I knew that this was the way that life should be and it was my life on earth that seemed strange.

My existance before this vision seemed incomplete and very cold in comparison to what I was seeing, feeling and knowing. In fact it became obvious that the love of God is the most awesome experience that a person can have. It seemed easy to understand that it was possible to live forever in his love and never get bored or feel like yawning or getting tired. I knew I was being shown the answer to Life.

The next thing that I noticed was this amazing feeling of being alive. I felt incredibly aware, my life on earth felt like death in comparison. The best way to describe it would be to say that if life was a substance then I was getting a full dose and on earth I was only getting the crumbs. This incredible life also made me feel complete. I knew then what it is like to be perfect and complete and lacking nothing.
I also noticed that Gods glory was everywhere and everything was very beautiful and new looking, this observation or thought came later. I was more interested in God's love and life.

I continued on walking and I came to the river again as it crossed my path, and again there was a bridge so I crossed it. I repeatedly crossed the river and each time I could feel Gods love more and more. It seemed that I was going higher and higher in God or his love was getting stronger and everything around me seemed to be more glorious. Eventually I arrived in a place of activity and people. Their presence was awesome. The atmosphere they created by just talking to each other created the most wonderful feeling of acceptance and unity. We seemed to become one yet individuality was not lost. The Glory of God was intense and the sensation and revelation of being with these Holy Ones was a very rich experience of communication. I didn't hear any words for some reason, but I did experience the atmosphere that was created from their presence and communication. It was like wave upon wave of joy, love and truth, with the most beautiful imagery entering my mind as they conversed. I seemed to be taken up in this experience to new heights in God as I observed what they were saying. Human words are an inadequate way to describe such revelations, and I now cannot even comprehend what I saw, yet at the time I understood it all perfectly. All I can remember was that this communication was rich in love, life and colour with multi dimensional ways of expressing them.

Next thing I saw was another vision within the vision. I saw the members of my family. God said to me that he wanted to see them all in this place. After this, the vision ended. I then opened my eyes and regretted doing so immediately, because it signified the end of the vision. I spent the next half hour staring at the wall, and trying my best to go back, but after a while I knew I couldn't, and I had to accept that the vision had finished. I looked around me with sadness that I was back on earth in my sinful body. I felt a real coldness about my existence here, but I was also very excited because God gave me a vision, and I had felt his wonderful love, which was far better than anything I could of imagined. I then woke my brother up and told him all that had happened to me.

After this I tried to understand where I had been, because I was a new believer I didn't know my Bible very well. I first thought that I saw Heaven but in my ignorance I reasoned that it may not be, because I saw grass and a river and beautiful landscapes. I just thought that Heaven wouldn't have these things. I then thought maybe it was the Garden of Eden, it sure looked like it but it was obvious that the Garden of Eden was destroyed because Mankind had disobeyed God and I was fully aware that man was cast out of paradise and that God had cursed this earth. For many days I tried to figure out where I had been. When I had the experience, I remember thinking I must be in Heaven, but afterwards my intellect started me doubting this because of the natural landscapes I had seen.

During this time I went to see a preacher who was holding a meeting in a school near where I lived. The Preacher started talking about PARADISE, and he explained how many believers in the Lord had seen Paradise because they were either shown in a vision or they had a death experience. He went on to explain about a Man called Doctor Eby, who had died and seen Paradise and then was brought back to this life. (He wrote a book about his experience called "Tell them I'm coming"). The Preacher continued by saying In Paradise, which is part of Heaven, there is a river that flows from the throne of God, and on each side of the river is the tree of life. He also said that chapter 22 of the Book of Revelations (The last book in the Bible) explains this. So I quickly turned my bible to this chapter and read "The Angel showed me a river filled with the water of Life, as clear as crystal. It was flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb. Between the street of the city and the river there was a Tree of Life visible from both sides.........
I knew then that the river I had seen was the River of Life and that I was priveledged to see and experience Paradise.

In Revelation 2:7 it says "Let the person who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the Churches. I will give the privilege of eating from the tree of life , which stands in the Paradise of God, to everyone who wins the victory.

I have since learned that in Heaven there is a city called Heavenly Jerusalem. The city is the location for the throne room and this is where Jesus rules all of creation. Jesus is seated on the highest throne and the River of Life proceeds from his throne. This is why Jesus said he is the life. The river flows down the streets of the city, and out into Paradise, the part of Heaven outside the great city, where there is the most beautiful landscapes and it is also the place for dwellings or mansions. Contrary to how we think now, Man can live in perfect harmony with nature. See John 14:2 + Isaiah 11:6-8 + Isaiah 65:25. I have also learned from my experience and others that the closer to the source of the river you are, the greater the life and the glory of God. This why there are creatures who worship at the throne day and night forever and ever (see Revelation 4:8), because they are at the very source of all life, and Gods Glory is the greatest here because the closer to the Lord the greater the glory/life.

The earth before the fall was made in the image of heaven. The Garden of Eden was made in the image of Paradise, and this is why Eden was also called paradise. On earth all life is sustained by water and rivers are the source for much of this life. This too is a reflection of the River of Life in heaven. My vision only encompasses a very small part of Paradise, but many others have had visions of the city, (there are a number of books available) including the Book of Revelation chapter 22 (the last book in the bible) written about 2000 years ago by the Apostle John, who was/is one of Jesus original disciples

Luke 23:39-43. records an invitation to Paradise from Jesus Christ:
One of the criminals hanging there insulted Jesus by saying
So you are really the Messiah, are you ? Well save yourself and us.
But the other criminal scolded him, Don't you fear God at all ? Can't you see that you are condemned in the same way that he is ? Our punishment is fair. We're getting what we deserve. But this man hasn't done anything wrong.
Then he said, Jesus remember me when you enter your Kingdom.
Jesus said to him, I can guarantee this truth today you will be with me in Paradise
"


How to enter Heaven

If you want to be assured of going to Paradise/Heaven when you die then here is a simple guideline on what you should do.

  1. You need to acknowledge that God exists and is a rewarder of those who seek him. (See Hebrews 11:6)
  2. You must also acknowledge that you are a sinner. (See Romans 3:23)
  3. Next you need to ask God for forgiveness of your sins and promise Him that you will serve Him and stop sinning. You are required to ask God for forgiveness of your sins from now on and make an effort not to continue sinning. (Please Note that everyone sins, but what is required from you is the effort to not practice a sinful life). (See Matthew 4:17)
  4. You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died in your place for your sins that you may go free. (See John 11:25-28 & )
  5. You are required to be obedient to God from now on. This is easy if you really love God. Being obedient includes Jesus command to be baptised in water. If you live in God's will then you will have the victory over this wicked world and you will live forever. (See 1 John 2:17) You will also experience God's love and fellowship here on this earth, and as you mature spiritually you will get to know his voice.
  6. It is advisable for you to fellowship with other believers as they will encourage you. Remember we become like the people we socialise with the most. This will be good for your spiritual growth and there is less danger of temptation when you mix with the right people. (See 2 Corinthians 6:14)
  7. It is important to pray everyday and learn to seek God and love him more each day. In fact we are suppose to love him more than anything else, even more than your own family. (See Luke 14:26)


God will bless you richly according to His Will when you submit to Him.

Note: When you give your life to God, you must be prepared to endure a measure persecution. It is an honour to suffer persecution for God and all those who suffer because of their faith in God will be richly rewarded, (See 1 Peter 3:14). I personally encourage you to give your life to God as He is the only one you can trust, and He knows you better than you know yourself.
He loves you far beyond anything you can understand. He really wants you to be his Son or Daughter and spend eternity with Him in his Kingdom.

If you do not know God at all, then you are probably separated from him because of your sin. If you are willing to turn from your sin and serve the Almighty God then just Do It. It will be the wisest decision you will ever make and it really is simple.
You can Start by praying to the Heavenly Father in your own words and make sure you cover the points mentioned above, or you could pray the prayer below.

Dear Heavenly Father.
I come to you in the name of Jesus.
I ask you to forgive me from my sin as I forgive everyone who has sinned against me.
I believe Jesus is the Son of God and He died for my sins.
I declare to you that I will serve you and obey you for the rest of my life and I ask for your strength right now so I will not fall back into my old life.
I will serve you Lord starting from now and I pray that you would help me to hear your voice, so I can be lead by your Spirit.
Please save me from temptation and deliver me from all evil.
I ask you Lord for the strength to love you more than anything else.
I also ask you Lord that you help me to meet the right people that will help me and encourage me to love and serve you more.
Amen


This prayer is just the beginning of your committment in God, (i.e., if you truly believe what you just prayed). You have exercised your free will and allowed God to become your master. Remember that God is love, and he has started a good work in you and he will complete it until perfection if you continue to allow him. Your responsibility is to seek him each day and to do his will. The scriptures tell us that we will remain forever, if we do the will of God.

It is clear from scripture that you should be baptized (in the name of Jesus) in water to confirm your faith in God and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. God's Spirit will guide you through the remainder of your life here on earth and deliver you to the loving arms of our Father when you die.

If you didn't want to pray to God, then it may be because you can see that excepting Gods free gift of Salvation come at a high price, ie you have to give your life to serve him. But what you are really giving up is your freedom to sin and it is sin that is the root of all problems in this world and everyones life. God is offering you eternal life in his glorious presence and all He asks of you is your love and obedience. If you are truly wise you will see that this really is a gift.
How much time and energy would you give to have a beautiful home in an idyllic tropical island, with untolled wealth. Well Gods Kingdom makes that look pretty poor in comparison.

I hope you make the right choice my friend as we cannot run from the truth but the truth will find us out in the end. It is better to face the truth now while we are alive than to die in your sins and find out the truth when it is to late.

There are only 2 paths that we can travel down in life.

  1. The straight and narrow way that leads to life and
  2. The wide path that leads to destruction.

And ultimately there are only 2 Lords that we can serve
  1. Jesus the King of Kings and the one that loves you. He came that we may have life and to have it more abundantly.
  2. Satan the Father of all Lies also called the Deceiver. He has come to rob, kill and destroy.

Satan was once a beautiful Angel who served God, but he became vain and therefore he became self centred. This vanity corrupted his once perfect wisdom and he became filled with violence. (See Ezekiel 28:11-19). He eventually became known as the Accuser because he made false accusations against God and Gods chosen. One third of Gods Angels joined Satan in his rebellion. He also deceived Mankind which enabled him to become the god of this age and that is why there is so much sin and suffering. He is a cruel master and he loves no one but himself. Satan is still arguing with God and proposing doctrines that are being played out by willing humans, but ultimately he has already lost and he has already been judged. He is just corrupting as much as God's creation as possible before his inevitiable sentence. If you reject God in this life, then that leaves Satan as your master. If you reject Gods offer of eternal life with him then you can be assured of a place in HELL when you die.

Some people think hell is a big party place, because they reason that if this is where sinners go, then there must be heaps of sinful activities that one can indulge in. But what you have to realise is that enjoyment is a gift from God and in Hell you cannot enjoy anything, not even sin. Just to set the record straight I would like to tell you about Hell as God gave me a vision of Hell about 2 months after my vision of Heaven. In this vision I was in my spirit again and totally aware that this vision was happening and able to interact with it. Like virtual reality except it was reality.


Vision of Hell

In the vision I saw a light above me and in the corner of my eye I noticed something moving. I quickly focused on what was moving and realised that it was darkness starting to eclipse the light. EclipseI started to say to myself "the darkness is eclipsing the light" and I expected it to totally block out the light. But when the darkness covered half of the light it stopped. So I was faced with darkness on my right and light on my left. I then said to myself "I know what you are saying to me God, You're saying that I have a choice I can either choose the Light or the Darkness". So I thought to myself which one shall I choose. I then said to God "You have shown me Heaven and I have seen your light before, I wonder what the darkness is like?"

All of a sudden I was in the darkness and there was no light to be seen anywhere. I was shocked to be here and I said to God "I only thought about coming here and now I am here" I was instantly transported there just by thinking about it, no time to change my mind. I then thought to myself that Oh well I'm here now so I might as well find out what it is all about. As I said before it was pitch black and I could not see any light. I stood in the darkness for about 5 seconds and couldn't see anything or feel anything. It was a little bit frightening but I did not feel any pain. I then thought to myself maybe I should leave as there is nothing here.

Then all of a sudden I saw something. So I focused as hard as I could to see what it was. I then saw the form of a person and I focused on the face of this person. I started to think to myself is this a person in hell? I kept focusing on this persons face and then I saw the persons eyes. All of a sudden I had the most horrible and frightening experience in my life. When I looked into this persons eyes I saw and felt the horror of Hell in an instant. I was so shocked that I said "I am leaving" and with that I was faced once again by light on my left hand side and darkness on my right. I stood motionless as I got myself together and tried to understand what happened. I said to myself "What was that horror that I experienced". I know it was terrible beyond words yet almost straight away I started to forget how bad it was and I said " I am going back inside and I am going to face this fear and this time I will overcome it for God is with me." Again I saw this person suffering for his sins in hell. Again I looked into the persons eyes and the horror happened again. It was like there was an invisible river of pure evil flowing through this persons being and he was in an absolute state of horror himself. He was in torment.

The only way I can explain this punishment is to say this. Imagine the words good, love, wisdom, friendship, peace, joy, and harmony. Well these things did not exist in this place, not even an inch of these things existed. It was pure darkness, suffering and torment. After this I just wanted to get out and the vision came to an end.

In Revelation 2:11 it says "Let the person who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Everyone who wins the victory will never be hurt by the second death.
Death when translated means separation and physical death is when your soul is separated from your body. The second death is where your soul is separate from God and all his goodness, once seperated from the God of the Living, you .

You see my friend when you travel down the road of sin , your destination is torment then destruction. You will suffer, then be cast away from God and his Kingdom forever, never to be given life again.

This revelation satisfied my curiosity about the Darkness and Evil and I am totally convinced that it is not the way to go.
Yet I see people every day living sinful lives and not caring about eternal things. How sorry those people will be if they do not turn from their sins.

Years later I regret not choosing the Light when I saw it the second time in this vision, I believe I would have seen much more of the wonderful glories of Heaven. But this chance never happened again. I do however feel very fortunate to have experienced both sides and I believe that God showed me Heaven and Hell because I really desired to know the truth and as Matthew 7:7 says "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.


Summary

EarthThe day after my vision of Hell I started to see that in this world we have hope and there are good things to enjoy like love. We can eat nice food and enjoy a measure of good things. But the best thing we have is the ability to ask God for forgiveness for our sins. It is not to late for us. Once we die and your life is over then there is nothing more you can do and the book that records your life is finished. But you are in a very good position today because you can change the course of your life right now.

After thinking about my vision of Heaven and my vision of Hell I reasoned that on earth we seem to experience both bad and good things to varying degrees. But there has been untolled suffering on earth, especially when I think about the injustices of war. In many parts of the world now it is not safe to even walk down the street and in other parts there is severe suffering in the form of starvation etc. Everyone who has ever lived on earth suffers to varying degrees. On the other hand many people enjoy being a part of a beautiful family or they may live in a beautiful house. Some people know what it is like to be loved and to love as they have someone special in their life.

But at the end of life's journey there is a separation of good and bad. Light and darkness. Love and Wrath. Righteousness and Wickedness. Where do you think you will be then. Face the truth this moment, it is common knowledge that we all have to die. If you are wise then you will do something about it now. Life is the most precious thing that you have at the moment. It is more precious than your new car or your career. Without life how can you even enjoy these lesser things. The Bible says in (See Matthew 16:26) "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul. Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul."
The Bible also says "Today if you hear his voice do not harden your heart". Hell is full of people who said I will give my life to God later. Then they died a sudden death and they weren't ready. You can be ready now!. Its up to you. You have the power to choose life or death.

Remember that God the Creator of all good cannot fellowship with sin. Your sins must be dealt with. God sent his only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die in your place that you may go free. The price for the penalty of your sin has been paid. There is no need for you to suffer that fate. God is reaching out his loving hand to you now.
Please take it.


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