AboutThurman C. Petty, Jr. Expertise I`ve been a Pastor and Bible teacher for 40 years.
Experience I`m a writer--author of 18 Bible-based books and over 200 journal articles. Web site: www.PettyPress.com where a lot of my books and writings are posted. I've been married to the same lovely lady for 49 years. We're more in love now than when we married. My wife and I were missionaries to Pitcairn Island, in the South Pacific, from 1982-1984.
Organizations I've been a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church since the age of 9.
Publications Books: Pacific Press Publishing Association; Review & Herald Publishing Association; PettyPress. Number of titles published: 16.
Journal Articles: Adventist Review; Signs of the Times; Guide Magazine; Ministry: A Journal for Clergy; Sabbath School Leadership; The Youth's Instructor; Student Movement; Cord, and others. Total Journal articles: over 200.
Web Site: www.PettyPress.com. Contents: 18 of my books; 41 Bible study guides; over 30 sermons; Stories; poems; links to other sites, etc.
E-mail address: PettyPress@gmail.com
Education/Credentials I have a BA and a Master`s degree--both degrees are in Biblical studies.
Awards and Honors I was awarded the "Golden Cord" from my Alma Mater, Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, for my foreign mission service.
Question QUESTION: Per an expert answer paraphrases here, we are going to heaven. But nowhere in the Bible that I have read does it say we go to heaven. Earth is the place as the 'new' heaven comes to Earth. Christ said to the effect, only He who came from Heaven returns to Heaven. Also, the Beatitudes the Earth is our inheritance. So am I wrong or was the expert expressing their 'sect' belief and not what the Bible states?
ANSWER: Dear Robert,
By 'heaven' the expert may have meant 'paradise'--the place where God lives. He may or may not have been expressing his own views, but we must remember that the Bible tells us that we need to check out everything to make sure it is according to God's Word.
When Jesus comes He will take us to be with Him where He is. John 14:1-3. Jesus went back to sit with God on His throne. Rev. 3:19-21. According to Rev. 20:4, the redeemed will be in heaven judging during the l000 years that Satan is confined to the bottomless pit. After the resurrection of the wicked, verses 7-15, the final judgment takes place and the earth with all the wicked will be burned up. After that, Rev. 21:1-4, God will create a new heaven and a new earth. He will come to earth to live with all the righteous, and time will be no more. We--you, me, and whoever else believes in Jesus--will live forever in happiness and joy. (see 1 Cor. 15:51-53)
Always be ready for Jesus to come,
Thurman C. Petty, Jr.
pettypress@gmail.com
I suggest you read my book WHEN THE DEVIL GOES TO JAIL which you will find on my website www.PettyPress.com. In the book I discuss this subject in detail .
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QUESTION: But Christ has already returned by Rev 20:4, so we will be with him on earth, Mt. Sion perhaps or Jerusalem, not judging as Christ is the only one given this righteous task, but assisting Him in teaching those who remain to follow the Commandments and Laws of God fully. As Isaiah said, 'this is the Way, walk in it.' No one goes to heaven except He who came from Heaven and returns. Earth is the future Headquarters of God, His Son Jesus, and His new family - all brand new and ready for the new works of His Will. The other expert was a devout Catholic so he was giving me his teachings answer. A very nice man.
Answer Robert,
I've been moving from Burleson TX to Thompson Falls, MT. We have been on the road for 7 days, pulling our 5th wheel trailer. We just got in yesterday (Mon.). I don't have my regular computer up yet and my Bible and notes are on that one. I could answer your question now, but I'll do a better job when I get it up and running. We're living in our trailer for the next month or two while we try to find a house.
All that said, I want to answer this question, so please be patient with me. I'll be able to do it in a day or two.
In the mean time, I believe you'll find all you need in my book WHEN THE DEVIL GOES TO JAIL which is posted on my web site www.PettyPress.com. I would suggest you read it while your waiting for me to get things together and answer you question.
If you want to know more about me, read my bio. on Allexperts.com. We could communicate more rapidly however with less work, if you would write me on my personal email address. But that's your choice.
