When is a Church Plant Now a Fully Established Church?
September 7, 2023
As human beings, we crave information about what we can expect after death. We want to know: Is there a heaven? Will I be there? Will I see loved ones? Will I continue to exist? What will happen to me? One of the biggest ways Christians and non-Christians alike are deceived is in the area of extra-biblical revelation of heaven—from the personal accounts of those who have clinically died and lived to tell about it. This is the danger of man-made evidence of heaven.
The main method through which this man-made evidence is collected is anecdotal near-death accounts and clinical experiences. One heart surgeon estimated that of his patients undergoing major surgery, 25% of them report some sort of near-death experience. Many of these stories could have natural explanations such as oxygen deprivation or hallucination, but none of this can account for the undeniably supernatural nature characterizing these experiences.
Sadly, Christians often get more excited about man’s accounts about heaven and the afterlife than they do about Scripture. This is a serious trend and shows a lack of Scriptural knowledge. Thirst for extra-biblical revelation is a malignant disease that plagues the church. It reveals a church not taking the time and effort to explore the endless excellencies of revelation found in Scripture itself. Instead of searching for unreliable and deceptive accounts from individuals, look to the endless details of Heaven found in the only inspired source of information, the Word of God.
Learn more about this related resource by Steve Swartz
Dr. Swartz serves as Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Bakersfield, California and is a guest instructor at John MacArthur’s Grace Advance Academy, a church-planting training program. Dr. Swartz is the author of numerous books, including Strength in the River, Joyful Generosity, Shattered Shepherds, and The Essential Church.
