Our Gender Identity in Heaven?

Will We Still Be The Same Gender In Heaven?

Q. When we are in Heaven, will we still be the gender we were here on earth? I understand that there will be no need for procreation in Heaven, therefore, no sexual relations and no need for elimination of waste products, but will we still be man or woman? I assume that Jesus arose as a man and He said we would have bodies like His but what does that mean, will we ALL be men? My wife is already there and I wonder if she will still be a woman as she was here on earth?

A. The Bible doesn’t give us any clear information on this, but there are some clues. For example, when John wrote that what we’ll be has not been made known, but when He appears we’ll be like Him (1 John 3:2) I believe he meant we’ll retain our human form, just as He has. Since there are two types of human form, I think it makes sense to assume we’ll also retain our gender identity.

In 1 Cor. 15:49, Paul wrote that just as we’ve born the likeness of the earthly man (Adam) so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven (Jesus). When he said we’ve born the likeness of Adam, he didn’t mean all humans are male, so there’s no reason to believe he was saying we’ll all be males in heaven.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Resurrection Evidence?

Evidence Of A Resurrection

Q. Do you believe that when the bodies from the graves are resurrected at the rapture it will be evident to those left behind? Will there be disturbed ground at the cemeteries and empty urns? Or will there be no physical evidence indicating that the rapture has taken place?

A. All we know about the physical evidence of a resurrection of the dead is what Matthew 27:52-53 says.

“The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.”

According to this description, it appears there was evidence at the grave sites that the people buried there had left the premises. If it happened then, it should happen now.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

What is the "White Stone" that Jesus spoke about?

The White Stone

Q. I was reading C.S.Lewis this week and in one of his books he said that the white stone we will be given by Jesus when we reach heaven will be the only possession we will have in heaven. Private ownership evidently will not exist. God will (and does) own everything except that white stone with a new name on it which only yourself and Jesus will know. It must be a very precious thing Do you have any comments or teaching on this White Stone?

A. You’re referring to the last part of Rev. 2:17. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it , known only to him who receives it.

In Biblical times, the white stone was a sign of trust. When an important businessman had to complete a transaction in a distant city, he didn’t travel there himself. It was too dangerous. Instead he sent a trusted servant empowered to act on his behalf. The servant carried a coin-like form of identification made of baked white clay. The seal of the businessman being represented was pressed into the clay as was a secret name, known only to the other party in the transaction. By the presentation of the white stone, the servant authenticated himself as being entitled to all the rights and privileges due his master. This symbolizes the way our Lord Jesus will identify us as being entitled to all the rights and privileges due Him, when we enter into the Presence of our Father in Heaven.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com

Easter Resurrection Sunday!

Question: "What is Easter Sunday?"

Answer: There is a lot of confusion regarding what Easter Sunday is all about. For some, Easter Sunday is about the Easter Bunny, colorfully decorated Easter eggs, and Easter egg hunts. Most people understand that Easter Sunday has something to do with the resurrection of Jesus, but are confused as to how the resurrection is related to the Easter eggs and the Easter bunny.

Biblically speaking, there is absolutely no connection between the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the common modern traditions related to Easter Sunday. As a background, please read our article on the origins of Easter. Essentially, what occurred is that in order to make Christianity more attractive to non-Christians, the ancient Roman Catholic Church mixed the celebration of Jesus' resurrection with celebrations that involved spring fertility rituals. These spring fertility rituals are the source of the egg and bunny traditions.

The Bible makes it clear that Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week, Sunday (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2,9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1,19). Jesus' resurrection is most worthy of being celebrated (see 1 Corinthians 15). While it is appropriate for Jesus' resurrection to be celebrated on a Sunday, the day on which Jesus' resurrection is celebrated should not be referred to as Easter. Easter has nothing to do with Jesus' resurrection on a Sunday.

As a result, many Christians feel strongly that the day on which we celebrate Jesus' resurrection should not be referred to as "Easter Sunday." Rather, something like "Resurrection Sunday" would be far more appropriate and biblical. For the Christian, it is unthinkable that we would allow the silliness of Easter eggs and the Easter bunny to be the focus of the day instead of Jesus' resurrection.

By all means, celebrate Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday. Christ's resurrection is something that should be celebrated every day, not just once a year. At the same time, if we choose to celebrate Easter Sunday, we should not allow the fun and games to distract our attention from what the day should truly be all about—the fact that Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and that His resurrection demonstrates that we can indeed be promised an eternal home in Heaven by receiving Jesus as our Savior.

To learn more about how Jesus' death and resurrection provided for our salvation, please read the following article: What does it mean to accept Jesus as your personal Savior?

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Recommended Resource: The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus by Gary Habermas.

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You may find the following Easter-related articles helpful:

Why should I believe in Christ’s resurrection?

Where was Jesus for the three days between His death and resurrection?

Did Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection?

On what day was Jesus crucified? How is the date for Easter determined?

What are the origins of Easter?

Is the resurrection of Jesus Christ true?

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Website: www.GotQuestions.org

Three days during Jesus Death!

What Happened During Those 3 Days?

Q. I would like to know what Jesus did those 3 days when he died on the cross prior to resurrection. Was there a battle? If so, what was it for exactly? I have had some interpretation on it but not much scripture.

A. Some teach that when the Lord went into the grave it was to endure 3 more days of torment at the hands of the devil, but I don’t buy it, primarily because His last words were “It is finished.” (John 19:30) Remember, the Greek word John used there was very familiar to his early readers. It was a legal term that meant “Paid In Full”. Jesus couldn’t have said that if His torment wasn’t finished yet.

But there are also 2 verses in Peter’s first letter that speak of his time there. 1 Peter 3:19 says that He preached to the imprisoned spirits of those who had disobeyed in the days of Noah. 1 Peter 4:6 says that He also confirmed the gospel to those who had died believing in a coming redeemer. In effect He said that their faith had been justified, and they should get ready to accompany Him to Heaven. He couldn’t have done these things while being tortured as Satan’s captive.

Website: www.gracethrufaith.com