In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 KJV
‘Intra Muros’ by Rebecca Ruter Springer has been added to our online book selection. It is a description of Heaven that was written around 1898. Whether it was an actual vision or just a long dream, she does not really know. Ill, bed ridden, and away from home for many weeks, Ms. Springer received it as a great personal comfort. The only thing she knows and states, is that instead of the memory of the ‘dream’ dimming over the years, it had actually become more vivid. This book has stood the test of time and has a wide mainstream following. Many churches give this book to grieving family members, and Billy Graham wrote an introduction to one of the editions. Here is a beautiful excerpt from the book: (pages 10-12)
Start Reading My Dream of Heaven
He walked on with firm, swift steps, and I think I must have slept; for the next I knew, I was sitting in a sheltered nook, made by flowering shrubs, upon the softest and most beautiful turf of grass, thickly studded with fragrant flowers, many of them the flowers I had known and loved on earth. I remember noticing heliotrope, violets, lilies of the valley, and mignonette, with many others of like nature wholly unfamiliar to me. But even in that first moment I observed how perfect in its way was every plant and flower. For instance, the heliotrope, which with us often runs into long, ragged sprays, there grew upon short, smooth stems, and each leaf was perfect and smooth and glossy, instead of being rough and coarse-looking; and the flowers peeped up from the deep grass, so like velvet, with sweet, happy faces, as though inviting the admiration one could not withhold.
And what a scene was that on which I looked as I rested upon this soft, fragrant cushion, secluded and yet not hidden! Away, away, far beyond the limit of my vision, I well new, stretched this wonderful sward of perfect grass and flowers; and out of it grew equally wonderful trees, whose drooping branches were laden with exquisite blossoms and fruits of many kinds. I found myself thinking of St. John’s vision in the Isle of Patmos, and “the tree of life” that grew in the midst of the garden, bearing “twelve manner of fruits, and whose leaves were for the healing of the nations.”
Beneath the trees, in many happy groups, were little children, laughing and playing, running hither and thither in their joy, and catching in their tiny hands the bright-winged birds that flitted in and out among them, as though sharing in their sport, as they doubtless were. All through the grounds, older people were walking, sometimes in groups, sometimes by twos, sometimes alone, but all with an air of peacefulness and happiness that made itself felt by even me, a stranger. All were in spotless white, though many wore about them or carried in their hands clusters of beautiful flowers. As I looked upon their happy faces and their spotless robes, again I thought, “These are they who have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
True or not, the picture the book paints of Heaven is a wonderful encouragement. Something that registers with our heart. Personally, reading this book makes me homesick. Let us get busy today, so that when we reach those shores there will be no disappointment in our earthly efforts. This book has also been published under the titles – Into the Light, My Dream of Heaven, Within the Gates, Within Heaven’s Gates, and Within the Walls. (Photo is by Ansel Adams)
Comments
The problem that I have with this book is that it misquotes Hebrews 1:14, which is describing the angels as ministering spirits, not human beings who have entered the nearer Presence of God. It is entirely possible that this is inadvertent on the author’s part, because in the KJV you have to read the verse in the context of verse 13 to realise that it is angels who are referenced.
A friend recommended this book to me, saying that some of the things that I had said were similar, so I happened on your site after doing a search online. My experience differs from that described here, because what I wanted most was more of Jesus, and He took me, in His company, to see my loved ones who had died – but He remained present, and I was not permitted to speak with them unless He commanded me – the purpose of the dreams seemed to be to reassure me that they were well and happy, not to make contact. The dreams came unsought – I reached out to the Lord, and that was the particular thing He did on those occasions.
There was one occasion when He allowed me to see my mother entering Heaven. She was met by my grandmother, and by a woman who looked so similar to me that my mother called her by my name, in a perplexed voice, because she had just left me by her deathbed. The woman said “No, Susanna” (the name of the baby my mother had been forced to abort, whom she had mourned every day of her life) and held out her arms for the longest ever hug. That was all I saw, but it was lovely to know that they were together, because on the last Christmas Day of my mother’s life she burst into tears saying “It’s lovely to have all of you here (me, my sister and brother) but there should be four of you.”
I just lost my oldest son on December 31st 2018. I feel lost and broken. I have prayed to God to help me through this. But still feel lost. Maybe Im not praying correctly. Please some words of encouragement
I just lost my father this past 4th of July and it’s been the hardest thing I have ever gone threw. I prayed many times for God to heal him so he could come home from the hospital, I guess God had other plans. My father was a believer and I know he’s in heaven waiting for my family and I. I don’t know how to cope very well with the loss. I badly want to see him and know everything he’s doing in heaven. I asked God to let me see my father but I know that probably won’t happen. I’m sure everyone wants to see there loved ones in heaven.
I hope the grieving gets easier, I prayed to the Lord several times to help me and comfort me. I also asked the Lord over and over why he had to take my father. Why couldn’t he have came home to be with us for a little while longer. I’m glad I found this site it has been a great comfort and I’m sure the book will too. Thanks!
I have loss my wife on 34yrs in the winter of Dec 18,2016. How can you say good bye to a long time friend and high school sweetheart . I can’t and with this book and my faith in Jesus Christ I don’ t have to sure some days are better than others. I’m human but one thing I do know and that is this I will never tell people who is grieving to get over it!! Because you never will but just knowing and reading this book I look forward to seeing Jesus and than my wife!! the has really been a God send!!
Darryl – This life is only important in that it determines the quality of the next life. Your wife is good and she is waiting for you in a perfect place. And remember, the next life in God is forever. That means there is nothing after it.
However good these books on Heaven are, the real thing will be infinitely better. God bless. We love you. Rex
My name is Nelly I just lost my son on March 29,2017. He was thirty five years old. I’m in so much pain he was my first and I have a 31 year old boy and a 29 year old daughter. My son left three small kids. It is so hard for me that he is gone. OMG my heart is broken I love my son his name is Hector. Beautiful son father nephew brother and son, thank you.
Nelly – I am so sorry for your loss. Be sure to read all of this book. It might make you feel better that he is in such a good place waiting for you. Believe in Christ and you will see him again. This is the one great hope of God. It will cover all the pain of this world for eternity. We love you. Rex
Finding “Hope – Faith – Prayer” was not only my Christmas gift, but many others that were caught in the valley of grief. Sincere, Loving, and Concerned individuals call with Words of Comfort; but no one with family visiting on Christmas Day really feels at ease dealing with the grief of others. We try to offer what words we think are appropriate because it is what is expected of well reared Christian People.
However; they find some excuse to hurry to get off the telephone because they really do not know what else to say after they have offered their condolences again and vowed to keep us in their prayers. Then we find your Email unexpectedly which we can read slowly and savor each soothing morsel. A sunbeam of light suddenly breaks through our grief and we can feel free again and not be guilty for not grieving even if it is only briefly.
Thank You for throwing us a lifeline to swim back to shore. I will continue to read your Posts as my Healing Therapy on my Road To Healing and Wholeness. Again, Thank You, it was meant for our Paths To Cross Just When They Did!!! Ms. Anita
Ms. Anita – I am so sorry that I just saw your comment. We love you and I hope that the word of God is still now comforting your heart. He is the only One Who can give the ‘peace that passes all understanding. Rex
I have read this book cover to cover several times…it is a very beautiful interpretation of Heaven. If you read the entire book the author states that she is not claiming the dream to be prophetic or even a vision…just what she calls it…a dream. But someimes Papa will encourage us to hold on and be steadfast through the hard times through someone else and their dreams. I had been having trouble connecting or feeling a longing for a place that had streets of gold…but this depiction left me with an understanding that all of this “stuff” we go through here on earth is actually worth it! I long for my eternal home now whatever that may look like I now realize it is truly all worth it!!!!
wow, nice …
Greatings,
Not sure that this is true:), but thanks for a post.
Thank you
Hobosic