C.S. Lewis on Desiring Heaven (Part 2)
“But it is also said “To him that overcometh I will give a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” What can be more a man’s own that this new name which even in eternity remains a secret between God and him?... Why else were individuals created, but that God, loving all infinitely, should love each differently? And this difference, so far from impairing, floods with meaning the love of all blessed creatures for one another, the communion of the saints.”[1]
The Christian theodicy (argument for why God permits suffering) finds its fulfillment in the final resting place of heaven. Contrary to modern scoffing, heaven is not a place of eternal boredom. Rather, Lewis makes the case that heaven is where we will find our eternal longings satisfied. Our souls are shaped so that only the divine substance can fill and satisfy it.[2] This longing is satisfied in relationship with the Creator. In the Bible passage Lewis quotes above, God gives a unique name to each Overcomer in Christ. This new and secret name represents intimacy. It is like two best friends having nicknames for each other that only the other knows. Our relationship with the Father will move from a master/servant relationship to an intimate husband/bridge relationship, and the new name is one representation of what that new intimacy will look like. As believers, we look to heaven not to escape earth, but to one day rejoin the Great Romancer who will make all things new.
[1] C S Lewis, The Problem of Pain (New York, NY: HarperCollins, 2014). 154-155.
[2] Ibid. 152.
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