‘If Everyone Goes to Heaven, Then it Won’t Be Heaven’

‘If Everyone Goes to Heaven, Then it Won’t Be Heaven’: The Multifaceted Meaning of Heaven’s Exclusivity

The saying, ‘If everyone goes to Heaven, then it won’t be Heaven,’ evokes complex and thought-provoking interpretations in the context of the belief in many levels of Heaven. This concept, explored in various religious and philosophical traditions, presents a nuanced understanding of the afterlife, where souls are believed to progress through different realms based on their spiritual evolution.

The Hierarchical Structure of Heaven

According to many belief systems, Heaven is not a single, monolithic entity but rather a multi-tiered dwelling place for departed souls. Each level or plane of Heaven corresponds to a specific degree of spiritual development, with higher levels reserved for those who have attained greater enlightenment and compassion. This hierarchical structure suggests that not all souls are destined for the same level of heavenly bliss.

The Exclusion of Less-Evolved Souls

The exclusivity implied in the saying suggests that not all souls may qualify for entry into Heaven. Those who have wilfully engaged in harmful actions, or failed to cultivate their spiritual nature may find themselves excluded from the higher realms. According to this perspective, Heaven is a sacred and pure abode that is reserved for those who have earned it through their virtuous deeds and spiritual growth.

The Exclusion of Anti-Social Individuals

The saying also raises questions about the fate of individuals who exhibit extreme anti-social behaviour, such as psychopaths. These individuals may lack the capacity for empathy, remorse, or moral reasoning, making it difficult for them to conform to the behavioural standards that are typically associated with heavenly realms. In some interpretations, such individuals may be excluded from Heaven due to their inability to experience the love, compassion, and harmony that characterise higher spiritual realms.

In this context, let’s recall Jesus’ words, in John 17.9, which were, ‘I pray not for the world, but for them whom Thou hast given Me, for they are Thine.’, which saying suggests that not everyone, but rather only a specific set of individuals were recognised by Jesus. And it might surprise some to learn, when thinking about the obviously anti-social individuals in the world, that it’s not those who merely claim to be ‘spiritual’ either who can count on salvation, but rather it’s those who live genuinely spiritual lives who gain entrance to the higher realms. Once more, Jesus understood this principle when he said, ‘Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.’ Matt 7.21-23. This suggests that many who claim to be Christian won’t actually receive preferential treatment, because of their church affiliation, but rather that it will be those who genuinely live spiritual lives that will gain admission to the higher realms.

What is the mark of a truly spiritual life? Matthew 7.12 provides the answer: ‘So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.’ The answer then, is that living a life of kindness represents the hallmark of authentic spirituality. This principle was also summed up as, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ In fact, along with loving the Divine God/dess, Jesus states that, ‘There is no commandment greater…’ than living life with love. This is the opposite of anti-social behaviour.

We might also briefly recall that Zoroastrian, Gnostic, Sant Mat and other spiritual belief systems, too, teach that the highest heaven is an exclusive place. The channelled book, Testimony of Light, by Helen Greaves, is helpful in this regard, as is Life After Death, by Neville Randall, both of which authors address the principle of ascending levels of heaven. The many well-documented accounts of the Near Death Experience (NDE) phenomenon also reveal that, along with the Purgatory realms, described in Testimony of Light, there exist ‘hellish’ realms too, into which some badly behaved individuals have sometimes found themselves transported, the result of which, due to the unpleasant nature of their experiences, has resulted in dramatic changes of behaviour in those who have told their harrowing stories, upon their return to life in this world.

A Call for Spiritual Striving

The exclusivity of Heaven can be seen as a motivation for spiritual progress. It encourages individuals to live virtuous lives, developing their compassion and empathy, whilst striving for enlightenment. By cultivating these qualities, they increase their chances of attaining higher levels of Heaven and experiencing its transformative joys.

The Importance of Individual Accountability

The concept of an exclusive Heaven also emphasises the importance of personal responsibility. Each soul is ultimately responsible for its own spiritual journey and actions. Those who choose to engage in harmful or unethical behaviour cannot simply expect to be welcomed into Heaven without facing the consequences of their choices.

The saying, ‘If everyone goes to Heaven, then it won’t be Heaven,’ offers a complex and multifaceted exploration of the nature of Heaven and the criteria for its attainment. Through the belief in many levels of Heaven, it suggests that spiritual evolution is an ongoing process and that not all souls are identified as equal in terms of their readiness for heavenly bliss. This concept reinforces the importance of personal accountability, spiritual striving, and the exclusion of those who exhibit extreme anti-social behaviour from the higher realms of Heaven.