At theology school, I developed a keen interest in understanding Christian doctrines. I was especially intrigued by the Christian doctrines and the concept of Heaven. During my research, I read the entire Bible, both the Old and New Testament, and visited several Catholic and protestant churches where I learned all about Heaven from priests, pastors, and other leaders. Last week, my theology students asked for explanations about Heaven and why there seems to be more than one Heaven. Most were aware of one Heaven and wanted to know what it meant to talk about three heavens. Based on what the scriptures say and my research, I answered their questions comprehensively, straightening out all the misconceptions. So, what’s Heaven?
With over 582 mentions of the word in the Bible, Heaven is regarded as a real place where the hearts of people go to rest after death, but only if these individuals believed in God and trusted him – and that Jesus went ahead to Heaven to prepare this place for believers – John 14:1-3. It’s also defined as this real place that is God’s dwelling place, with a throne that God sits on while surrounded by angels and Jesus Christ, and where God reveals his glory and splendor entirely and uniquely. It’s a massive Godly kingdom that believers will rest in upon Christ’s Second Coming. Philippians 3:21.
I’ll share more insights on everything about Heaven in this post, and I’d like to take you on this learning journey with me. So, let’s dive in.
What is Heaven?
Heaven is one of the terms used commonly in the Bible, and it’s believed to refer to a celestial place above the Earth, in the Sky, and in the galaxies. It’s said to be the space that exists beyond the atmosphere and is the dwelling place of God, Jesus Christ, and the angels. But there is much more to learn about Heaven as a place and a concept.
Overview of Heaven
The meaning of the word Heaven is believed to have been derived from the Hebrew word. Samayim translates to Heaven. It’s depicted as a place that lies above the stars and the Sky. The Greeks use the word Ouronos which means Heaven and is described as above the Earth and the place of stars, moon, and the sun, which is also God’s dwelling place.
According to St. Paul, the Apostle, in Philippians 3:20, Heaven is defined as God’s dwelling place featuring a throne that He sits on, surrounded by angels. Jesus Christ also lives in Heaven, and all believers have their citizenship in Heaven. It’s described as a paradise where Jesus Christ mentioned he’d be going when he was crucified on the Cross alongside the thief. While he was in pain, his words in Luke 23:43 pointed to the fact that Heaven is a blissful place.
It’s also worth noting that Heaven is considered a real place and God’s dwelling place in Psalms 33:13. It’s also where Jesus Christ is; for most people, Heaven refers to the place where Christians who believe in God go after dying. Revelation 21 describes Heaven as this mystical place whose streets are paved with gold, walls made with precious jewels, and pearly gates.
That said, Heaven isn’t just this mystical place where people’s hearts and souls go for rest after death; it is also believed to be a place that is near us – Heaven is believed to exist in the stars and in the galaxy, with the clouds, birds, atmosphere, and the galaxy believed to represent Heaven.
Heaven is also a place of peace and joy, with no more pain, tears, or sorrow, as described in Revelation 21:4. There is also no death in Heaven because death is conquered in Heaven. Still, most importantly, Heaven will be filled with the Presence of God and Jesus Christ.
It’s worth noting that the ideas and beliefs around Heaven are deeply ingrained in cultures around the world, where Heaven is associated with the order of the universe. Heaven is believed to encompass the blueprints for all creation and the mandate that different groups/ nations are ruled by. Additionally, Heaven is deemed a state characterized by the absence of pain, thirst, hunger, deprivation, ignorance, disease, or strife. It’s a place of perfect joy, everlasting rest, perfect knowledge, communion with God, contentment, and peace. Heaven is deemed as the reward for living life well and fulfilling one’s deepest desires.
Biblical meanings of Heaven
According to the Bible, Heaven is a place created above the Earth, as mentioned in Genesis 1:1. Heaven is believed to circumscribe all of God’s creation of the universe. Still, it’s also worth noting that God doesn’t need a heaven to exist since God is infinite and self-existent. Heaven is also deemed God’s accommodation for all His finite creatures.
The Bible further designates Heaven as both a physical reality, a place above the Earth, and also the spiritual reality that’s God’s dwelling place. This place, high above, is a peaceful, restful place where God resides.
The Bible’s meanings of Heaven are as follows:
The Lord’s Dwelling Place
One of the Bible’s most important mentions of Heaven is that which points to the heavens as God’s dwelling place. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament refer to Heaven as God’s dwelling place and where God’s glory is expressed. Glory is also believed to be synonymous with Heaven, and God’s Glory is considered to exist above the heavens, as mentioned in Psalm 29:9, Psalm 113:4, and Psalm 148:13.
The heavens, the highest Heaven, and God’s lofty palace high in Heaven also represent the fact that God lives in Heaven – Amos 9:6, 1 Kings 8:27, or 2 Corinthians 12:2.
Most importantly, Christians are taught that Heaven is the Lord’s dwelling place through the bible teachings and the Lord’s Prayer, which states that God is in Heaven and that His name is to be praised – Matthew 6:9.
Witness to God’s Glory
With God using the celestial and atmospheric heavens to reveal himself to humans, the Bible regards Heaven as a place of God’s glorious existence and a place that sustains life abundantly – Romans 1:19-20, Psalm 19:1.
A way through which God reveals Himself to Humans
The Bible regards the heavens, specifically the atmospheric and the celestial heavens, as a way He reveals Himself to humanity. The self-revelation is considered true whenever God answered the Israelites’ prayers in the desert by providing manna or rains to provide food for the people. In this way, Heaven is also regarded as a physical witness to God’s existence and His Glory. There is also the fact that the changing patterns of the seasons and the provision of food from the heavens reflect God’s glory and greatness to all believers. Psalms 19:1.
Establishment of the promises that God gives to humankind
The Bible also regards Heaven as a sign through which God establishes His promises to humankind. This is believed to be the case whenever there is a rainbow in the Sky – the rainbow is considered a sign of God’s Mercy and His promise never to destroy the Earth through floods ever again – as suggested in Genesis 9:12-16. The stars in the Sky are also considered a sign of God’s promise and a sign of abundanc