Again, Akwa Ibom Tele-Evangelist, Apostle (Dr) John Okoriko, has enjoined Christians to refrain from the long held religious belief that heaven or hell are geographical locations where the spirit of those who died would eventually have their final rest.
Okoriko, who is the founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church made the assertion during the monthly Interactive Service on the theme, ” Heavenly Places In Christ “, part 4 held at Four Rivers Tabernacle, another branch of his Church in Ibeno Local Government Area of the State saying that, people should not expect another resurrection which had already occurred many decades ago.
While fielding questions from newsmen and Online callers, Okoriko debunked the long held belief that, when a man dies, he would go to heaven or hell.
He said this notion is prevalent among christians and other religious adherents adding that, there is no geographical location known as heaven or hell.
According to him, “If Heaven or Hell was found on earth or geographical locations, scientists would have discovered it as they uncover planets”.
Apostle Okoriko corroborated his teaching with the story of Lazarus in the scriptures, who was resurrected by Jesus when he was on earth, as well as the resurrection of Jesus himself saying that, there will be no other since Jesus is the resurrection and life himself.
“People in many parts of the world including the Jews were taught to believe and are still believing that man will resurrect on the last day, contrary to what Jesus said about resurrection as himself being the resurrection and life.
“There is no day of resurrection because it has taken place long time ago, when Lazarus was raised from the grave and Jesus himself resurrected with other dead persons who came out from the grave same day He resurrected.
“When I die , don’t expect my resurrection because I am already there in the resurrection.
“Many religions have confused their followers and adherents on the issue of resurrection. When you are in Christ, you are already resurrected, don’t expect another one”, disclosing that the teaching of Heavenly Places in Christ will enable believers to shun old beliefs as they will embrace manifestations of Christ in all sectors of life .
“Heavenly Places in Christ is taught and incorporate in our faith so that believers will take the concept of God’s manifestation in different aspects of human endeavours such as; politics, education, health and socio economic lives of the people.
“The teaching of Heavenly Places in Christ” will enable us to go beyond the ordinary as the three Hebrew youths surprised authorities in the ancient Babylonian empires, who shocked the king for not being burnt by the fiery furnace to the amazement of all.”
He assured the Church that heavenly places will begin to manifest in their market places, educational career, economy and other endeavours.
“Heavenly Places in Christ does not mean a geographical location but God’s intervention in the affairs of men”, he added.
