Popular Theology vs. Bible.
PROUD orthodoxy brings to view,
"Beyond the bounds of time and space,"
The saints' secure and blest abode,
An immaterial, heavenly place.
A triune God of three in one,
Yet immaterial they own,
Within an immaterial Heaven,
Upon an immaterial throne. This mystery I cannot solve:
How such a Heaven can be attained;
For when long years have passed away,
Their viewless goal they have not gained.
And if perchance they could arrive,
Beyond the bounds of time and space;
What kind of Heaven would greet their eyes,
Since 'tis an immaterial place? An immaterial Godhead too,
Devoid of form and parts they say,
Dispensed his universe all through—
To such a being wherefore pray?
Consistency! oh jewel rare!
Scarce to be found except in name;
The Scriptures plainly do declare
There is a God of heavenly frame. They tell us of a city too,
Built not indeed by human hands;
Whose walls with precious stones are laid;
And in the midst God's throne doth stand.
Its gates are pearl, its streets are gold;
Life's tree doth ever flourish there;
And there the saved securely dwell,
And in its matchless glories share. 'Tis at the resurrection morn,
The saints' reward is to be given;
And not at death as some declare,
That they acquire the bliss of Heaven.
The second resurrection comes,
And brings the doomed their dread reward;
For in the lake of fire they burn,
Both root and branch as saith the Lord. A God of love and mercy too,
Whose justice plainly here is seen;
"The soul that sinneth it shall die."
"They'll be as though they had not been."
A conscious and immortal soul,
Is but the famous artful lie,
First unto Eve in Eden told,
"God knows ye shall not surely die."