I'm hoping to not go to heaven

...heaven is like a stopover, the final destination is the new heaven & new earth. Offering hope, not offering heaven. Therefore, "I'll go straight into the new creation!"....this was what we had to think through during doctrine session on Resurrection by CA. Sort of shocked our systems when he said "I'm hoping to not go to heaven". =)

It's strange, but the session confirmed some stuff I was thinking about before...about how the new heaven & new earth coming down out of heaven.

Act I (God creates it)
- there was harmony of Heaven & Earth
- God created, everything was good
- governed by human beings, delegated to Adam & Eve
- but it doesn't last long in the bible

Act II (Devil messes it up)
- schism between Heaven & Earth
- instead of harmony, separation of Heaven & Earth, everything divided
- Heaven = God's space, not location, it's above our space / distinct from our space
- Earth = our space

How do we know there's an Act III?
Not that we'll be air-lifted to heaven, but this place will be transformed, radical change.
If it's "beam me up to heaven", it'll suggests immorality & irresponsibility, because there's no need to do anything while we're here.
But, if it's a new creation, suggests more engagement, responsibility & morality, because everything done is in view / looking to new creation.

Act III (God remakes it)
- reunion of Heaven & Earth: continuity and discontinuity

1. It is the same Creation
2. Heaven and Earth are reunited at the Cross
3. It is ruled by Christ's people
4. It is purged of all rebellion
5. It is deeply transformed

"Going to heaven" avoid it >> "Going to new creation"

It's not me & my destiny, but it's all about God & his purposes & his glory

Romans 8
18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.