Most people imagine Heaven through the lens of Earth. It’s natural—we base our ideas on what we already know. But here’s the problem: Earth is broken. It’s a fallen version of what God intended, distorted by time and the influence of Satan.

So when we picture Heaven as simply a “perfect Earth,” we miss the mark. Heaven isn’t just a cleaner, happier version of this world—it’s a realm ruled entirely by truth, light, unity, and divine order. And that truth confronts a sobering reality: much of what we call “normal” on Earth is a lie designed to separate us from God.

“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now…” Romans 8:22-23

The systems of this world—education, media, politics, even much of what’s considered “success”—are often dressed up to look good, but at their core, they rarely reflect Jesus. Satan has created a counterfeit reality, where facts often trump truth, and where feelings are elevated above faith. But as believers, we are called to something radically different.

Truth Isn’t What You See—It’s What God Said

We’ve grown used to trusting our five senses more than the Word of God. But God’s truth always surpasses the world’s facts. Facts change. Truth doesn’t.

Jesus made it clear: good trees produce good fruit. That means we can test anything—systems, ideas, even teachings—by what kind of spiritual fruit it produces. Does it reflect Christ? Does it bring life, peace, unity, and freedom? Or does it subtly glorify man and leave out the cross?

“For every tree is known by its own fruit…” Luke 6:43-45

The Spirit of God gives us discernment to recognize what is truly of Heaven and what isn’t. But that discernment only comes when we walk by the Spirit and renew our minds daily with the Word.

A Glimpse of Heaven: What I Saw, What I Learned

In Visiting Heaven, I describe a truth that overwhelmed me during my time there: knowledge as we know it on Earth didn’t matter much. In Heaven, truth is supreme. When something needed to be known, it was instantly and completely revealed—first to the heart, then to the mind.

Everything in Heaven flowed in perfect order, rooted in God’s will and sustained by His Word. Nothing was out of sync—not the light, not the music, not even the interactions between angels and people. Unity was everywhere. There was no division, no confusion, no competition.

And at the center of it all—the Cross.

The Cross was why I was there. It was the centerpiece of Heaven’s purpose and plan. Every person, every angel, every act of worship pointed back to Jesus’ sacrifice. It was never treated as a symbol or tradition, but as the powerful reason any of us could stand in the presence of God.

The Cross: Heaven’s Center, Earth’s Escape

Jesus wasn’t a victim of the Cross. He was in control the entire time—willingly embracing the suffering so that humanity could have a way back to God. His sacrifice was perfect, enough to cover every sin from Adam to the last soul born on Earth.

And yet today, many treat the Cross like a relic, rather than the lifeline it truly is.

If we want to walk in the power of Heaven here on Earth, we must do what Romans 12:2 commands: renew our minds. The world has been our teacher long enough. It’s time to let Heaven retrain our thoughts, our beliefs, and our responses.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed…” Romans 12:2

Let Heaven Influence You More Than the World

Heaven is not an imaginary escape. It’s our home. It’s real, and its influence should shape how we live here and now. The world may be loud, but the Spirit of God is clear—His Word is truth, His will is good, and His cross is the center of everything.

It’s time to let the influence of Heaven be stronger than the influence of Earth.

And remember, with God, nothing is impossible.

Capt. Dale Black