Strange as it may seem, although mankind has read the...

Harry L. Rhodes, Committee on Publication for the State of Kansas,—Coffeyville

Daily Journal

Strange as it may seem, although mankind has read the Bible for years it yet holds to the theory that heaven is a place or locality and that death helps the attainment of the kingdom of heaven. Such a theory is not supported by even the letter of Scripture. John the Baptist cried out to all men, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." In other words, he knew that it was necessary for them to transform their concept of God in order to gain the kingdom of heaven, the reign and rule of Love and Truth which is now within reach of all. We find that Jesus repeated the same words, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." This practical repentance, which enables one to do the will of God, is the establishment of heaven on earth.

Again, Christ Jesus said, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." This controverts our critic's belief that heaven is a locality or future state of bliss attainable by death, showing that it is here and now; is "within you." What was the mission of the Saviour if it were not to establish the kingdom of heaven on earth? Why did he instruct his disciples to go, preach, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand"? He even prayed: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth."

Paul wrote to the Romans, "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." "Righteousness, and peace, and joy" are mental qualities which unfold to us as we gain the understanding of God. Some of the definitions of heaven, according to Webster, are: "The dwelling place of the Deity." "Any place of supreme happiness . . .; bliss; a sublime or exalted condition." Now we know that God is everywhere, and where God is, heaven is; therefore heaven is here and everywhere.

Jesus said to his disciples, "It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven." Although mystery usually implies something beyond the comprehension of the human mind, Jesus tells us that we are "to know the mysteries;" and when a mystery is known it ceases to be mystery. Therefore heaven must be a present condition of spiritually enlightened thought. Are we not, therefore, entitled to reject the belief that heaven is a far-away place, beyond the reach of the living? Many years ago Mrs. Eddy discovered the "pearl of great price," the scientific knowledge of God or spiritual understanding which ushers one into and keeps him in the kingdom of heaven.

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