HI Cathi

my apologies...it wasn't Elisha, it was Elijah in II Kings, Chapter 2 the story is told, verse eleven..."Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." I'm forever getting those two men confused. Another story...either Elisha or Elijah...yet again my memory fails...was mocked by a group of children because he was bald, a bear came from the woods and consumed the children. In this, and other Bible stories, we see mocking is a *serious* offense...especially when directed toward God's people.

But on to my explanation ---

Elijah and one other Biblical prophet, never experienced death. Biblical scholars believe these two men are those referenced in Revelation of St. John the Divine, Chapter Eleven, as those who return to Earth to be "God's" witnesses.

That's what I meant by saying it's not always the case one has to experience death to enter Heaven. Overwhelming this is the case but there are "two" exceptions...*smile*.