Expert: Phillip Senn - 5/31/2008

Question
I have a few questions.
Is there two heavens or heaven spilt?  one for "i raised my hand believers" and one for the "walking it out believers"?
The Bible says the thief on the cross "will be with me in paradise today"  but also says if you ignore the "least of these,part from me for I never knew you".
Does it mean that if you are a "christian" but don't take care of the "least of these" that you do not go to heaven?

Can you point me in the direction that I can look these up or where I can research info on this.  Thank you very much.
Jennifer

Answer
Jennifer,

There are three heavens. One is the atmosphere... that is the first heaven. The second is known as the universe, which is the area that we can see with our eyes that encompasses everything outside our atmosphere. The third is the place called Heaven, or paradise, which the Bible describes as God's throne. It is the place where all believers go when they die.

There are different levels of rewards for believers. Jesus points this out when he says "great is your reward". It is further explained by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3. Rewards are based on levels of service. Going to Heaven is the result of a gracious God redeeming a man/woman/boy/girl when they trust in His SOn Jesus Christ.

The passage you referred to about depart from me, is not written about believers that failed to perform properly. It is for those to whom He will say, "I NEVER knew you". It is not saying to believers that they have reason to fear Hell, but that there are those that NEVER had a relationship with Him, even though they were doing what some might call, "good works".

The "good works" are a measuring tool of service. They can never produce salvation. Scripture says that the election is "not of works, lest any man should boast".

I hope this helps.

With Love in Christ,
Phillip Senn