HEAVEN
Heaven, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a central motif in the narrative of God’s interaction with humanity. From its portrayal as the dwelling place of God and celestial beings to its significance in eschatological hope, the concept of heaven pervades the biblical text, offering profound insights into the nature of the divine realm.
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
( 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17 )
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Etymology
Hebrew:
The Hebrew word for “heaven” is “שָׁמַיִם ” ( shamayim ), as mentioned earlier. It appears frequently in the Old Testament ( Tanakh) and is used to refer to the sky, the celestial realm, and the dwelling place of God and celestial beings. The root “שָׁמַיִם ” ( shamayim ) is derived from the root “שמ” ( shin-mem ), which conveys the idea of height or elevation.
Greek:
The Greek word for “heaven” is “οὐρανός” (ouranos). In the New Testament, written in Greek, “οὐρανός” (ouranos) is used to denote both the physical sky and the realm of God’s dwelling. It shares similarities with the Hebrew concept of “shamayim” but also carries its own nuances within the Greek cultural and religious context.
Divine Realms: Hebrew Cosmology
In Hebrew cosmology, the concept of heaven transcends mere celestial bodies; it encompasses a multifaceted realm with profound theological significance. The Hebrews envisioned heaven as a complex landscape, including the abode of the dead, the dwelling place of God and His angels, and the source of elemental phenomena.
The Great Plain and Valley of the Dead
The Hebrews viewed the earth as a great plain, with a lower valley serving as the abode of the dead. This imagery reflects their understanding of the physical landscape as mirroring spiritual realities, where death occupies a distinct realm beneath the earth.
For a fire will be kindled by my wrath,
one that burns down to the realm of the dead below.
It will devour the earth and its harvests
and set afire the foundations of the mountains.
( Deuteronomy 32:22 )
24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent
to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
( Proverbs 15:24 )
Divine Dwelling on Earth
“God, along with His angels and the resurrected faithful, dwells in a realm situated higher than the earthly abode.” Hence, the earth is not only the abode of mortals but also a sacred space where divine presence manifests. This belief underscores the Hebrews’ profound connection to the land as the locus of divine interaction and revelation.
He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. ( Genesis 28:12 )
Look down from heaven, your holy dwelling place, and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us as you promised on oath to our ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey.” ( Deuteronomy 26:15 )
At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.
( Matthew 22:30 )
Pillars and Doors of the Sky
There are pillars that support the sky and doors through which heavenly phenomena pass. These vivid images convey the Hebrews’ conception of the sky as a tangible structure, upheld by divine architecture and imbued with symbolic significance. Such imagery highlights their reverence for the heavens as a realm of divine order and intervention.
The earth trembled and quaked,
the foundations of the heavensshook;
they trembled because he was angry.
( 2 Samuel 22:8 )Now the springs of the deep and the floodgates of the
heavens had been closed, and the rain had stopped falling from the
sky. ( Genesis 8:2 )
Elemental Phenomena from Heaven
Hebrew cosmology ascribes diverse natural occurrences to the heavens, such as rain, ice, lightning, thunder, and celestial bodies. The belief is that the heavens are the origin of elemental gifts and divine interventions. These phenomena underscore the Hebrews’ view of the heavens as intricately intertwined with the cycles of earthly existence.
7 But it was your own eyes that saw all these great things the LORD has done.
( Deuteronomy 11:7 )As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
( Isaiah 55:10 )Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from
heaven and consume you and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and
consumed the captain and his men.
( 2 Kings 1:10 )The LORD thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.
( 2 Samuel 22:14 )
PARADISE: THE THIRD HEAVEN
In Jewish cosmology, the notion of seven heavens has long been a subject of scholarly discussion and theological inquiry. Rooted in ancient Jewish texts and further elaborated upon by New Testament writers, the concept of multiple heavens reflects a complex understanding of the celestial realm.
The Concept of Seven Heavens
Scholars of Judaic tradition have posited the existence of seven heavens, each representing a distinct level or sphere within the celestial hierarchy. This notion finds support in various Jewish texts, including apocalyptic literature and mystical writings, which detail the structure and function of these heavenly realms. Paul’s reference to the “third heaven”, suggests familiarity with this cosmological framework, where the third heaven is commonly associated with paradise, the ultimate abode of the righteous.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. ( 2 Corinthians 12:2 )
The Third Heaven and Paradise
Paul’s description of being caught up to the “third heaven” aligns with Jewish tradition, which identifies the third heaven as synonymous with paradise. This heavenly realm represents the highest level of spiritual attainment, where the righteous experience eternal bliss in the presence of God. The association of the third heaven with paradise underscores the significance of this celestial realm in Jewish and Christian eschatology.
The Heavenly Abode of the Righteous
New Testament writers, including Jesus Himself, affirm the belief in the heavenly reward awaiting the righteous. Jesus speaks of preparing a place in His Father’s house for His followers, indicating a future dwelling in the heavenly realms.
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ( John 14:2 )
Similarly, passages such as Ephesians 3 and 1 Peter emphasize the inheritance reserved for believers in heaven, further reinforcing the idea of the heavenly abode as the ultimate destination for the faithful.
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father ( Ephesians 3: 12-14 )
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, ( 1 Peter 1:4 )
A DIVINE PALACE AND GOD’S THRONE
The heavens as a multi-tiered domain is likened to a royal palace where God reigns supreme from His celestial throne.
The Multilayered Heavens
The Hebrew belief in the existence of many heavens indicates a hierarchical structure within the celestial realm. This notion suggests that the heavens are not uniform but encompass diverse layers, each serving a unique purpose in the divine order. Such a conception reflects the depth of Hebrew cosmological thought, transcending mere physical observations to embrace spiritual and metaphysical dimensions.
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth
was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and
the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.
5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was
evening, and there was morning—the first day.
6 And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water
from water.”
7 So God made the vault and separated the water under the
vault from the water above it. And it was so.
8 God called the vault
“sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.
( Genesis 1:8 )14 To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the
earth and everything in it.
( Deuteronomy 10:14 )
The Heavenly Palace
The heavens as a majestic palace, with God seated upon His throne: “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven.” This imagery evokes the grandeur and sovereignty of God, portraying the heavens as His divine abode from which He governs the universe with wisdom and authority. The comparison to a temple underscores the sacredness of the celestial realm and the reverence with which the Hebrews regarded it.
The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them. ( Psalms 11:4 )
God’s Sovereign Rule
The image of God’s heavenly throne, depicting the heavens as the habitation of His holiness and glory: “Look down from heaven and see, from your holy and beautiful habitation.” Here, the heavens are portrayed as the locus of God’s divine presence, from which He observes and oversees the affairs of humanity. This portrayal emphasizes God’s sovereignty over creation and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people.
Look down from heaven and see,
from your lofty throne, holy and glorious.
Where are your zeal and your might?
Your tenderness and compassion are withheld from us.
( Isaiah 63:15 )
THE GLORIOUS REALMS OF HEAVEN
Heaven is a real place described in the Bible. The word “heaven” is found 276 times in the New Testament alone. Scripture refers to three heavens. The apostle Paul was “caught up to the third heaven,” but he was prohibited from revealing what he experienced there.
( 2 Corinthians 12: 1-9 )
If a third heaven exists, there must also be two other heavens.
- The first is most frequently referred to in the Old Testament as the “sky” or the “firmament.” This is the heaven that contains clouds, the area that birds fly through.
- The second heaven is interstellar/outer space, which is the abode of the
stars, planets, and other celestial objects
( Genesis 1: 14-18 ). - The third heaven, the location of which is not revealed, is the dwelling place of God. Jesus promised to prepare a place for true Christians in heaven.
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told
you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
( John 14: 2 )
Heaven is also the destination of Old Testament saints who died trusting God’s promise of the Redeemer.
This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
( Ephesians 4:8 ).
Whoever believes in Christ shall never perish but have eternal life
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
( John 3:16 ).The apostle John was privileged to see and report on the heavenly city
( Revelation 21: 10-27 )
John witnessed that heaven ( the new earth ) possesses the “glory of God”, the very presence of God.
It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious
jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
( Revelation 21:11 )
Because heaven has no night and the Lord Himself is the light, the sun and moon are no longer needed.
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of
the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
( Revelation 22:5 )
The city is filled with the brilliance of costly stones and crystal-clear jasper. Heaven has twelve gates and twelve foundations.
It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates.
On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
( Revelation 21:12 )
However eloquent John was in his description of heaven, the reality of heaven is beyond the ability of finite man to describe
However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
( 1 Corinthians 2:9 )
Heaven is a place of “no mores.” There will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow.
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’or mourning
or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
( Revelation 21:4 )
There will be no more separation because death will be conquered
6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second
death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and
will reign with him for a thousand years.
( Revelation 20:6 )
The best thing about heaven is the presence of our Lord and Savior.
Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we
will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we
will see him as he really is.
( 1 John 3:2 ).
We will be face to face with the Lamb of God who loved us and sacrificed Himself so that we can enjoy His presence in heaven for eternity.
WHO WILL GO TO HEAVEN?
People often hold various ideas about heaven, but it’s crucial to understand what the Bible teaches about who will ultimately enter its gates.
Criteria for Entry into Heaven
- Faith in Jesus Christ
Central to the biblical concept of salvation is faith in Jesus Christ. This entails acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God and placing trust in His sacrificial death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” ( Acts 16:31 )
Here, it emphasises eternal life is granted to those who believe in Jesus Christ.
- Repentance and Acceptance of Forgiveness
Repentance involves turning away from sin and self-centred living, accompanied by a humble acceptance of God’s forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ.
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing
may come from the Lord, ( Acts 3:19 )If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness. ( 1 John 1:9 )
It assures believers that God is faithful and just to forgive their sins when they confess them.
- Transformation of Life:
Genuine faith in Jesus Christ leads to a transformation of life, characterized by a commitment to follow Christ and live in obedience to His teachings.
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. ( James 2:26 )
It emphasizes that faith without works is dead, indicating that true faith is evidenced by transformed lives.
No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. ( 1 John 3: 9-10 )
Further highlights the transformative power of genuine faith in Christ.
- The grace of God:
Salvation is not earned through human effort but is a gift of God’s grace. It is solely based on the unmerited favour and love of God towards humanity.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. ( Ephesians 2: 8-9 )
It emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works so that no one can boast.
he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ( Titus 3:5 )
It reaffirms that salvation is not based on righteous deeds but according to God’s mercy.
Criteria for Entry into Heaven
The Bible tells us unequivocally that Heaven isn’t merely a concept—it’s a tangible place. Scripture describes it as God’s throne, where Jesus now sits at His right hand. Jesus Himself assured His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them in Heaven. He’s not only gone ahead of us but is actively ministering there as our high priest.
This is what the LORD says:
“Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?
( Isaiah 66:1 )“However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As
the prophet says:
49 “‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me?
says the Lord.
Or where will my resting place be?
( Acts 7: 48-49 )But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s
throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the
city of the Great King.
( Matthew 5: 34-35 )After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and
he sat at the right hand of God. ( Mark 16:19 )For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only
a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s
presence. ( Hebrews 9:24 ).
The promise of Heaven isn’t just a distant hope; it’s a concrete reality. Jesus spoke explicitly about the many rooms in His Father’s house and His eventual return to take believers there. So, yes, Heaven exists, and it’s more real than we can imagine.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” ( John 14: 1-4 )
Denying Heaven means rejecting not only God’s Word but also the deep longings of our own hearts. The Apostle Paul encouraged believers to keep their eyes fixed on the hope of Heaven, providing strength to endure life’s trials. Our earthly struggles are temporary, but the glory of Heaven is eternal.
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life ( 2 Corinthians 5: 1-4 )
Our yearning for Heaven isn’t just a random desire—it’s part of our nature, placed there by God Himself. However, sin has created a barrier between us and Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, the doors of Heaven are opened wide to all who believe and seek forgiveness.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
( John 14:6 ).