The Third Heaven

I was still aware of those around me

I could hear their cries and sense their grief

But was physically incapable

Of responding to them in any way

There was surprisingly no sensation of death

But without doubt, I knew I was dying

As my spirit and body naturally

And without effort began to separate

An entirely new dimension of reality unfolded

Like the slow opening of a rare flower

Celestial mysteries were revealed from beyond

The atmosphere was permeated

With the healing melody of an invisible choir

And I knew I had entered the domain of the living god

My eyes beheld a vast concourse of souls from every nation

Dressed in the spotless garments of the redeemed

With a loud voice they echoed praises to their king

I saw a mighty throne around which was seated

Four and twenty elders with crowns of glory

And like the sound of rushing waters they began to sing

Holy, holy, holy

They sang

Holy, holy, holy

I heard them say

Holy, holy, holy is the lord

They said

Holy, holy, holy

Holy, holy, holy

Holy, holy, holy is lord

The whole principle of living was different

Food and water wasn't needed to sustain life

There was no mental agony, tears

Source of tears or any physical pain

Light did not come from one source like the sun

But god's glory illuminated everything

So shadows did not exist, neither did elemental changes

Like snow, storms or even rain

Then, in all of it's pristine graduer, I saw the holy city

Suspended like a cube at the expanse of eternity

Fifteen hundred miles high and just as deep as it was wide

Indescribable colors were refracting everywhere

From the precious stones it was made of

With twelve angels guarding the gates

Fashioned from one solid pearl on each side

Then, from behind me, I could sense the presence

Of one whose virtue shot through the very fibers of my being

As I slowly turned, a glorious radiance consumed my eyes

His silhouette was backdropped by the immense sea of glass

And for the very first time

My eyes beheld one altogether lovely

The lily of the valley, the fairest of ten thousands

My lord, my saviour Jesus christ

I threw up my hands and cried

Holy, holy, holy

Holy, holy, holy

Holy, holy, holy is the lord

My soul said

Holy, holy, holy

Holy, holy, holy

Holy, holy, holy is the lord

His eyes were filled with tenderness

Encouragement, strength and love

His countenance proclaimed he knew everything

There was to know or ever worth knowing

Being with him was to have everything I ever wanted

Be everything I ever imagined

And arrive at everywhere I only dreamed of going

Then the same voice that spoke the worlds into existence

Spoke my name in affectionate tones

He said, "my beloved child, there are those left behind

Who are deeply grieved at your death

They've prayed I return you to your earthly life

And because of their faithfulness to me

I am willing to grant their request"

I said, "lord, if my loved ones only knew

The limitless wonders of heaven

If they could steal but one brief glimpse of glory

I know what they would do"

"Because they loved me, they'd never ask

That I return to the confines of my human body

Lord, I can't go back, please let me stay with you"

For you are the resurrection of the life

The son of the living god

You're the only one worthy of honor

And glory and power and praise

Master, only you make all things new

For you alone are lord and god, saviour and king

And forever and ever, throughout all eternity

I'll join the hosts of heaven

As they praise you day, after day, after day singing

Lord of all the earth

Forever he shall reign

Lord of glory, lamb of god

And holy is his name

My soul says

Lord of all the earth

Forever he shall reign

Lord of glory, lamb of god

And holy is his name

And holy is his name