There have been many instances in which saints of God have died momentarily, or have had a near-death experience, and then have been revived to live several additional years. During the period of "death" they have been able to see people and circumstances that ordinarily are hidden from our eyes.

The author has read many of these accounts and, with one or two exceptions, is convinced they are genuine revelations of life after death. It may be noted, however, that such visions seldom or never emphasize the primary revelation of the Scriptures—that Christ is being formed in us and is preparing His throne in us. The dreams and visions deal only with an external paradise, presenting Christ as being with us but not in us.

Also, the near-death revelations do not portray life after the resurrection of the dead—only what happens to the saint after he or she dies and prior to the Day of resurrection.

Combining the visions, we (the author) have read, and our own perception of the spirit realm, we would suggest the illusory environment in which we live at present will be continued for a season, at least for the righteous, until we are able to enter the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.

Now, what do we mean by stating we are living in an illusory environment and that this will be continued?

If we have some knowledge of science, we understand the present world of molecules and atoms has no "real," lasting form. What we see and feel result from the properties of molecules we perceive by electrical impulses interpreted by our brain. If our eyes were powerful enough we would "see" physical phenomena instead of people and houses. Yet, we could not "see," we could only perceive in terms of our brain.

There is a real world, a world that actually can be seen by eternal, spiritual eyes. But it is not the physical world.

The physical world is a temporary device that God has constructed for the purpose of testing spirits. If we are faithful in the present world, which is least in significance, we will be entrusted in the future with the spiritual realities, which are very great in significance.

Because of God's goodness it may happen that when we die, God will continue, for a season, to construct an environment in the spirit realm that will represent "Heaven" to us, such as might be experienced in an instructional dream or vision. This tailored environment will comfort us greatly and teach us spiritual realities. Also, we may for the first time contact some of the reality of the spirit realm.

It is highly likely that our misunderstandings of doctrine will continue after we are in the spirit realm. Dying and passing into the spirit realm will not clear up the mysteries of God. We will not understand "as we are understood" until that which is perfect comes, that is, until we are filled with the Presence of the Father in the Son through the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

To be continued.