Luke 9:27 See the Kingdom of God

Did Peter, John and James see Heaven without dying? Jesus said they would see the kingdom of God. Is this the same as Heaven, or is there a difference?

KJV Luke 9:27

27. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

Some people think that this verse is saying that Jesus is telling the disciples that some of them will go to Heaven without dying. This verse illustrates one of the rules of Bible interrelation. You can view these rules at the following web site: http://hystar.wordpress.com/category/study-references/ This rule suggests that if the understanding of the verse is difficult, look further in that book of the Bible to see if there is an explanation.

It turns out there is an explanation immediately following.

KJV Luke 9:28-31

28. And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

29. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

30. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

31. Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

Peter and John and James went into a mountain to pray with Jesus where they experienced a vision. In that vision they saw Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah. This is what Jesus referred to as the kingdom of God. Both Moses and Elijah were taken to Heaven. We see the proof in the following text.

KJV Jude 1:9

9. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

KJV 2 Kings 2:11

11. And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Peter and John and James did not see Heaven but they were allowed to see Moses and Elijah. Moses represents all of those that will be risen from the dead to enter Heaven. Elijah represents all those that will go to Heaven while they are still alive.

KJV 1 Corinthians 15:51-54

51. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

KJV Romans 6:5

5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: