Stephanie Anderson

That’s a fascinating question to ponder. Randy has said this about technology on the New Earth: “Some people expect the New Earth to be a return to Eden, with no technology or the accomplishments of civilization. But that doesn’t fit the biblical picture of the great city, the New Jerusalem.”

I would encourage you to exercise caution when it comes to Emanuel Swedenborg’s religious writings. 

Far more than our perceived need for communication with our departed loved ones, we need Jesus. In His time and way, we will be reunited with those who have gone before us to Heaven. In the meantime, over and over again in His word, God promises to be with us, to never forsake us, to comfort and lead and guide us.

Those who were single on Earth (like the Apostle Paul or Amy Carmichael) are certainly not second class to those who were married on Earth, both now and for eternity. The promises of God, of being part of His bride, of being fully satisfied in Him, are enough for all of us. 

When Randy is talking about raising a “standard of living,” he’s talking about those who are already very rich by global standards. 

I’m sorry to hear about the hurts you have experienced (and it sounds like, are experiencing). Every church is made up of people just like us—messy and imperfect, forgiven but still sinners this side of Heaven.

This is a great and important response to a reader who sent us a question about my novels, concerned about some of the language I chose to include in character dialogue.

The feedback you shared reflects a typical dispensational view that turns New Earth passages into millennial passages. For instance, you referenced Isaiah 65 and the Millennium, yet Isaiah 65 specifically says it’s talking about the New Earth.

On the one hand, the genetic abnormalities that people experience are a result of the Curse, which we know will be reversed forever on the New Earth, after the resurrection. On the other hand, it’s absolutely true that Down Syndrome people are precious and there is something that often shines through in them that is very special.