by Arthur J Licursi 

It is a joy to know the grace believer’s eternal destiny in heaven is much more than harp playing on a cloud. 

First, we will define the word “world” as found in the Bible 186 times, being is transliterated from the Greek ‘kosmos,’ which has following varied meanings as determined by the context of its use.

Have you ever considered carefully the opening words of the Bible? “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Why doesn’t it simply say that God created the Universe? Why the heaven and the earth?

This is a very common question and we turn to the Word of God to see what He has to say about this most personal issue.

Have you ever considered carefully the opening words of the Bible? “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Why doesn’t it simply say that God created the Universe? Why the heaven and the earth?

As we go on reading we find the answer to this question. The Bible clearly teaches that God has a two-fold purpose; one having to do with the earth and the other with heaven.

Let's consider why it is that humans die and, what then is the hope of mankind?

Consider that the Bible tells us for 2,500 years "death reigned from Adam to Moses"(Rom.5:14). That means death existed before the Law was given to Israel, so its not of God's judgment. There's another cause of man's death entirely.

None of us knows our future but we know God holds our future and us in his loving hands. Death is no different, no Christian is taken by the enemy in death, only unbelievers are. If we have been rebirthed by Christ's "Spirit of life" then all of our names, as well as our days are written down in "the Lamb's book of life."

Most genuine believers know by "the signs of the times" and an inward sense that we are in "the last days" and the end of the age is drawing near.

We can rejoice even in these troubled days because we, those of us who have trusted in Christ for our salvation, have a glorious eternal prospect.