Scripture indicates that heaven is not distant but rather... heaven is near in another realm.

God created man for fellowship... The fall of man ruined that and Paradise that is, the garden of Eden was lost, but on the new earth paradise will be regained and God will again fellowship with mankind in a unique sense.

As a believer is changed, receiving a glorified body, so similarly, the earth is changed into a new earth, unstained by sin.

While we look forward to a new heaven, let's first consider the new earth, for the new earth will indeed be like heaven on earth. We will live on a restored earth.

When we see one another in heaven, we will have beautiful bodies that will far surpass the beauty of our bodies on this earth.

God prevented Adam & Even from ETERNAL SINFULNESS by giving them the gift of death, the ability to exit this life & arrive safely in the wondrous life to come. Death, though it would appear to be man's greatest enemy, would in the end, prove to be his greatest friend. Only through can we go to God.

Existence continues at death for the believer in a fuller, more fulfilling way. Death should hold no fear for the believer.