The kingdom of heaven Jesus described is an image of unity on earth, a place where all things are working together in oneness and harmony. He never referred to "heaven or the kingdom of heaven" as an afterlife destination. The only time Jesus spoke of an afterlife was on the cross. Yet Christians continue to interpret Jesus's teachings about the kingdom of heaven in next world terms rather than as the ideal for life today. Many parables of Jesus that have been hard to understand become clear and make sense when understood in present day terms. God's will, design, and plan from the beginning of time has been perfect peace and harmony among all creation. The kingdom of heaven is real and open to everyone who works toward harmony and peace.