So You Think You've Been to Heaven? Part 2

In the Biblical command to "Test the Spirit to see if they are of God," I find that most of the claims of going to the "Third Heaven" can be tested with a little Scriptural detective work on our part.  After all, we are called to be Bereans from time to time. A little scrutiny didn't offend the Apostle Paul, so it shouldn't bother those who make heavenly claims either.

The phrase "Third Heaven" is considered by ancient scholars to be an idiom for another dimension.  The Hebrew Old Testament speaks of Shamayim, and Jewish scholars put forth there are seven heavens.  But again, these are idioms that the finite mind of man must use to explain an infinite concept.  It's important to remember that each iteration of the "writings" from the original scrolls, to the Greek Septuigent, to the Latin Vulgate (the first to be compiled into an actual book); to the various and ever-changing English translations over the centuries have altered these idioms to relate to contemporary cultures.  Beware of the bias of the translators!

The usual justification for personal visits to the "third heaven" comes from 2nd Corinthians chapter 12.  Apostle Paul refers to a man whom he knew was got caught up to the "third heaven."  Although the passage never says that Paul is this man, the prevailing belief  is that it is indeed Paul. Beware of the bias of the Seminarians!  But the passage has been altered from its original form in that the suggestion of an out-of-body experience (usually enclosed in brackets) was added in later translations. And thus the reader is then "influenced" to believe that astral travel is God-ordained and only adds fuel to the idea that we can all go to the "third heaven." 

But the real test lies in how Paul handles this whole event.  He says the one caught up to this "third heaven" heard "unspeakable words, which are not permissible for man to utter."  He goes on to emphasize that he would be a fool to glory in the matter and relate what was seen.  If all of these reports of going to the "glory realm" and visiting the "third heaven" or the "throne room" were viable, then all of these are bringing glory to themselves by uttering that which was not to be uttered.  If true, these experiences are not to be broadcast, reprinted, televised and sold to the highest bidder at the bookstores.

"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies ...  and in their greed, they will exploit you with false words ..."   ~ 2nd Peter 2



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