QUESTION: Do we have to die to be in Heaven?

ANSWER:  I am surprised at how many books on “Near Death Experiences” I have read recently and to then have this question posed to me about dying and Heaven.   Do we have to die to be in Heaven?

You see, I have, for many years been a fan of Dr. Raymond Moody (who actually coined the term Near Death Experience or NDE with his 1975 book “Life after Life”). The books I have read lately of Dr. Moody’s work are “Glimpses of Eternity”, which talks about “Shared Death Experiences” and his new one “Paranormal”, which goes into his extended research. Additionally,  I love Rev. Don Piper’s book “90 Minutes in Heaven” and my favorite is “Embraced by The Light” by Betty Edie which helped me so much while going through my father’s cancer episode and finally his passing. 

It’s funny to note that after I gave many copies of this book to friends 20 years ago, just a month ago, a friend (Reja) gave me her extra copy for my wife as she is sorting out the passing of her, all too young, brother.  Now, with the review of Anita Moorjani’s  wonderful story and the many others, the question of “Life after death?”  for me…well…has been evidenced enough for my inquiring mind.  I’m a Believer (Funny how I always think of the” Monkey’s”, although the “Smash Mouth” version from Shrek rocks)…I mean “I’m in…I believe in life after death”

Now, the question “Do we have to die to be in Heaven?” twists the thought a bit.  In fact, I really like the contemplation of Heaven (see my definition of Heaven bolded below) without dying.  I’m certain that Heaven is awesome. I’ve read the accounts.  But, can we possibly achieve that  “We are wholly accepted, completely at peace, wrapped in light, totally loved as a Son or Daughter, One with our Father, God” (Heaven) while we are here in living color?  I like it!  What does the Course say about this concept?

Text Chapter 2 paragraph 21 - "When the will of the Sonship and the Father are one, their perfect accord is Heaven."

Ok, here we go with “will”.  Am I willing? Are we willing? Sonship, oh, that’s everyone.  I’ll read it again, “When the will of the Sonship and the Father are one, their perfect accord is Heaven. “ Everything about this looks awesome except “will of the Sonship”.  I have bills to pay. I will that.  I guess Heaven sounds good though.  “My will being in accord with the Father?” That hits the spot.  I will that for sure.  But, how in the “confounding, illusory, election year, self-serving, government fraud, money grubbing Wall Street Bankers” (Hell) can I invite the Sonship (everyone) to “will this concept of accord with the Father”?  Anything in the Course?

Lesson 157 – “Today it will be given you to gain a touch of Heaven….From this day forth, our ministry takes on a genuine devotion and a glow that travels from your fingertips to those you touch, and blesses those you look upon. A vision reaches everyone you meet, and everyone you think of, or who thinks of you. For your experience today will so transform your mind that it becomes the touchstone for the holy Thoughts of God…..Into Christ's Presence will you enter now”