Lately, I have been reviewing different topics from the Bible. I have had a keen interest in the Prophets and their fate after death. My point of reference has been on Prophet Elisha, who succeeded Prophet Elijah, a great prophet of his times. Since Elijah was taken to heaven by God, I have been curious to know if the same happened to Elisha. So did Elisha go to heaven?
Several biblical scholars believe that Elisha went to heaven after his death. Despite dying of sickness, he was still a mighty prophet of God who had been used as a vessel to perform the great works of God. He was the Prophet who took over when a whirlwind powerfully carried Elijah to heaven. Since he was a righteous man of God, he is believed to go to heaven after his death.
In this article, I will explore some aspects of the life of Prophet Elisha and some arguments on why he could have gone to heaven. I will also discuss his relationship with Prophet Elijah and answer whether he was righteous in the eyes of God. Finally, I will discuss whether biblical scholars believe Elisha went to heaven. Read the article to find out.
Does the Bible say that Elisha went to heaven?
The Bible does not say that Elisha went to heaven. The Bible tells us that Elisha died of a sickness and was buried at one point. Despite giving such shallow information about the fate of Elisha, several Christians believe that he was taken to heaven, the same way God treated His other righteous prophets.
Several prophecies have depicted the likes of Moses and Elijah being in heaven. These righteous men of God played a crucial role in ensuring the people of God were well-informed and guided on earth. Some of them, like Moses, died but faced a transition to heaven since God highly favored him. Therefore, Christians assume that the same transition happened to Prophet Elisha, who was also highly favored by God.
Was Elisha righteous in the eyes of God?
It is believed that Elisha was a righteous man in the eyes of God. For him to be made the heir to Elijah suggests that he could have been righteous and had favor in the eyes of God. He also performed several miracles by the power of God, implying that he had the righteousness that God desired from His servants.
In 2nd Kings 4:1-7, he multiplied the widow’s oil, while in 2nd Kings 2:23-25, he declared a curse on the young men who had mocked him. In 2nd Kings 5, he performed the miracle of curing Naaman of leprosy while he made an axe head float in 2nd Kings 6:1-7. By performing these miracles using the power of God, Christians are convinced that Elisha was righteous in the eyes of God, who saw it fit to make him one of his crucial prophets.
What happened to Elisha in the Bible?
Elisha was a prophet of God who took over the mantle of delivering prophecies of God from Elijah, as quoted in 2nd Kings 2:1-18. He had been called the protégé of Prophet Elijah during his time as the main Prophet of God. By the time God decided to take Prophet Elijah to heaven, Elisha was ready to take the mantle and serve diligently as the next Prophet of God.
Elisha played his role well and had the power of God in him. He performed several miracles of God, including raising the dead. As recorded in the Bible, Elisha could sleep on the corpse twice, and they would be raised from the dead. Elisha died of a sickness and was buried. It is further recorded that long after his death, his bones were used to resurrect a particular man. Elisha was a true prophet of God who worked faithfully for God until his death.
What do Christians believe is the eternal destination of Elisha in the Bible?
Several Christians believe that the eternal destination of Elisha is heaven, where God the father, son, and Holy Spirit dwells. As a prophet of the Highest God, he was a righteous man who ensured he performed all the roles expected of him well.
The Bible has recorded several men of God as being in heaven. From Abraham to Moses and Elijah, there has been a mention of these great prophets of God being in heaven. In 2nd Kings 2:2, Elijah is taken to heaven in a chariot of fire and leaves Elisha with a double portion of his power. This power enabled him to perform several miracles before he finally died.
Some Christians, therefore, believe that the same fate that begot Elisha. As a good and faithful prophet of God, he also deserves space in the kingdom of God as great men like Elijah were given.
Do bible scholars believe Elisha went to heaven?
There have been limited writings by Bible scholars on whether they believe Elisha went to heaven. The only Prophet with a clear story is Elijah, who was carried by a chariot of fire to heaven. For Elisha, only assumptions are made based on him taking over from Elijah and how God transitioned him to heaven. The same is sometimes assumed of Elisha, who is ranked as one of the most remarkable men of God ever to grace this earth.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
