Today marks an infinitely important day in history. Jesus was raised from the dead. My faith is not futile. Jesus is the Christ and is able to pay the price for my sins.
Sunday also marks the release of “Heaven is For Real” the fictitious account of a four year old boy who went to Heaven and back.
To my brothers and sisters, be careful. It’s an awfully cute story. A toddler growing up in a dinky little rural town recovers from a burst appendix to testify he went to Heaven and back. But let’s recuperate through the clouds of emotionalism and ask the all-important question: Is Burpo’s account consistent with God’s Word?
No.
There is simply no Biblical basis for someone–today–to return to Heaven and back.
Scripture is sufficient. If you want to know that Heaven is for real, then look no further than the historical, logical, archaeological, and prophetically credible words of the Old and New Testament. Just FYI, the cult that is the “church” of Latter-Day-Saints was inaugurated on the testimony of a 12-year-old boy named Joseph Smith.
Scripture testifies of four people who got a glimpse of Heaven: Ezekiel, Isaiah, Paul, and John. Glimpses! Not all-inclusive trips like the one the Burpo’s testify of. These were prophetic visions–not near death experiences. And these prophets didn’t speak of cute features like sitting on Jesus’ lap; they were utterly awestruck by the Glory of God, which is the supreme reality of Heaven.
Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know! (Proverbs 30:4)
No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. (John 3:13)
Because here is the issue: If what Todd Burpo says is true, then he is claiming divine authority that has been granted to him. Since it is a new revelation of God! This is much more than a heart-warming story, friends! This involves the credibility of the Bible! Putting words into God’s mouth that he didn’t say.
Heaven is For Real is representative of a dangerous sway in the American church toward subjective, esoteric, mystical experience. Emotions are important–essential to human expression, but any narrative that stimulates emotionalism-based decision-making rather than standing upon the objective truth of God’s Word, should be avoided.
Personally, I find the book of Revelation much more fascinating. It’s so much better than having wings and seeing old relatives. No more death. No more darkness. No more ferry disasters in my home country. Satan defeated. Martyrs redeemed. And best of all: I will see Jesus face-to-face.
Have discernment, my friends. There is a terrible amount of false teaching out there.
Your friend, D.Kim
Acts 20:24
FTM
Derek Kunhee Kim (김건희 金健熙) 