by Octavius Winslow
in ePub. .mobi & .pdf formats
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” - Rev. 21:4
"The Negative Attractions of Heaven" by Octavius Winslow is a deeply reflective and spiritually enriching exploration of the characteristics of heaven, not through its presence but its absence of certain earthly elements. This profound treatise embarks on a journey through scripture and personal reflection to unveil the glory of heaven by delineating what will not be found there, thereby painting a vivid picture of its divine splendor and purity.
Winslow artfully uses the metaphor of Pisgah's peak, where Moses viewed the Promised Land without entering, as a vantage point for believers to catch glimpses of their heavenly home. The absence of the curse, night, sea, hunger and thirst, pain, tears, death, and even a temple, are not discussed merely as the cessation of earthly woes but as doorways to understanding the fulness of joy, eternal light, boundless fellowship, and direct communion with God that define heaven.
Each chapter delicately unfolds the scripture's promises, offering comfort and hope. For instance, the absence of "no more curse" speaks of the removal of all that separates us from the love and presence of God. The concept of "no more night" beautifully symbolizes the unending light of God that illuminates heaven, signifying perpetual joy and knowledge without the hindrance of darkness or sorrow.
"No more sea" metaphorically portrays the removal of barriers that separate, indicating unbroken fellowship and harmony among the redeemed. The eradication of hunger, thirst, pain, tears, and death underscore the complete satisfaction, comfort, peace, and eternal life that heaven offers, free from the afflictions and separations experienced on earth.
The absence of a temple in heaven is especially poignant, signifying that God Himself, in His unveiled glory, will be the direct object of worship and the source of all light, making any intermediary place of worship unnecessary.
Winslow's work invites the reader to ponder deeply on the beauty and perfection of heaven, not by adding to our understanding of its glory but by subtracting the familiar trials and limitations of earthly existence. This approach not only enriches the Christian's anticipation of heaven but also offers immediate comfort: in understanding what heaven lacks, we gain a deeper appreciation of what it is—a place of perfect peace, divine fellowship, and eternal joy in the presence of God.
In "The Negative Attractions of Heaven," Winslow masterfully transforms the absence of earthly elements into a canvas on which the splendor of heaven is vividly painted, encouraging believers to lift their eyes above their temporal struggles and fix them on the eternal joys that await them in their heavenly home.
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Table of Contents
Preface
No More Curse
No More Night
No More Sea
No More Hunger and Thirst
No More Pain
No More Tears
No More Death
No Temple