Throughout the Bible, there are remarkable examples of people being brought back to life.
The widow of Zarephath’s son was raised from the dead by the Prophet Elijah
(1 Kings 17:17-24)
The Shunammite woman’s son was raised from the dead by the Prophet Elisha
(2 Kings 4:18-37)
Jairus’ daughter was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ
(Mark 5:21-43)
The widow of Nain’s son was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ
(Luke 7:11-17)
Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ
(John 11:1-44)
Tabitha was raised from the dead by the Apostle Peter
(Acts 9:36-42 )
Eutychus was raised from the dead by the Apostle Paul
(Acts 20:7-12)
These are all remarkable miracles and the Bible states that there were many more individuals who were raised from the dead but their names and precise circumstances were not recorded. I always wondered, why doesn’t the Bible record what these fortunate individuals saw and experienced when they were in Heaven? Wouldn’t they be gushing about the wondrous paradise that awaits us? Wouldn’t God want us to know? The Apostle Paul gives us a possible answer.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.
2 Corinthians 12:2-4 (ESV)
Many Bible scholars speculate that the Apostle Paul was referring to himself when writing this passage, referencing the time when he was stoned in the city of Lystra (Acts 14:19). Paul did acknowledge that he witnessed the “surpassing greatness of the revelations” but was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to share any greater details (2 Corinthians 12:7). Why?
The glorious answer is one does not have to wonder what Paul or anyone else who was raised from the dead ever saw in Heaven because we have the testimony of the most reliable witness to this glorious afterlife. Jesus Christ died on the Cross and three days later, He was resurrected from the dead and walked amongst the living for forty days. He was with God the Father from the beginning of Creation. He came to earth, born a man. He ascended and returned to Heaven where He now reigns. All of the other people who were raised from the dead eventually died again. Only Jesus Christ conquered death for all eternity and in Heaven, never to die again. He is ready to welcome all who confess and repent of their sins and placed their trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
John 14:2 (ESV)
Jesus is preparing for all believers in Him, an eternity of peace, joy, comfort, and love, forever in the presence of God. We may not know all the details but we know the promise…because He did tell us!
Yes! God does want us to know!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 