In my years in theology school, I encountered numerous questions about Heaven’s existence. For this reason, I carried out a lot of research on the topic. On one of the holidays, I consulted different church leaders and theologians to get extensive information about the subject. I got clearer information, starting with where the concept of Heaven began. Last week, in my theology class, we discussed Heaven and hell, where each student gave their perspective on the two concepts. During the discussion, one student asked me whether Heaven is real. Having researched the existence of Heaven in details, I had a lot to share with the class. So, is Heaven real?
According to the scriptures, Heaven does exist. Various texts in the Bible acknowledge Heaven’s existence. Some are Mathew 5:34-35, Isaiah 66:1, and Acts 7:48-49. Also, the first book of the Bible, Genesis 1:1, documents that God created the heavens and Earth in the beginning.
Please join me in the write-up below as we delve into the intriguing topic of Heaven’s existence. There are several debates on whether Heaven exists. Some wonder where the concept of Heaven began and whether there is Biblical evidence to support the claim. Read on to find out about these and much more.
Where did the concept of Heaven begin?
The Bible mentions Heaven in Genesis 1:1 during the creation story. God created the Earth, where humans dwell, and the heavens, His kingdom. As you progress further in the scripture, it mentions Heaven severally, referencing it as God’s throne. Furthermore, Christians believe that Earth is only a temporary dwelling place and Heaven is the final destination.
St. Paul mentions his experience in Heaven in his letter to the Corinthians. According to Doug Archer, St. Augustine progressed the concept of Heaven got more in the fifth Century. He argued that Heaven was where Christians would reunite with their loved ones and physically see God. Over time, Christian teachings encouraged the concept of Heaven as God’s dwelling place.
Is there any Biblical evidence that supports the concept of Heaven?
Several verses in the Bible support the concept of Heaven. In Mathew 5:34-35, the scripture mentions that we should not swear by the heavens since its God’s dwelling place.
In Acts 7:48-49 and Isaiah 66:1, the Bible states that God’s dwelling place is not made from hands. It references Heaven as God’s throne and Earth as His footstool.
In Acts 7:55-56, the scripture recounts Stephen’s vision of Heaven as he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. We learn of Jesus’ position on the throne by God’s side.
In Hebrews 9:24, the scripture provides evidence of the concept of Heaven by mentioning that Christ has gone to Heaven. Also, it says that Christ is in the presence of God in Heaven. Therefore, it agrees with the idea that Heaven is God’s dwelling place which is not made with hands as the verse describes.
Is Heaven a reward for good deeds after death?
Christian teachings imply that the righteous and those living according to God’s Word will go to Heaven. In this regard, Heaven acts as a reward for good deeds, as those in Heaven will be in the presence of our heavenly Father.
According to Christian teachings, those who go against God’s Word will go to hell, where they will be under unending fire. Of the two, hell implies a destination of punishment, whereas Heaven is a reward for acting under the teachings of the scripture.
Christian teachings promise that those going to Heaven will meet with their loved ones. Also, the teachings imply it is a place of no worries but happiness and singing praises to the most high. With all these descriptions, one will without doubt picture Heaven as a gift for living according to God’s Way.
Do Jesus’ teachings assure us of Heaven and the Afterlife?
Jesus’s teachings assure his followers of Heaven and an afterlife. In John 14:1-4, Jesus speaks of Heaven. He promises his followers a place in His Father’s house where he will come to take them. In this context, He promises an afterlife in Heaven. Through His Words, we learn that Heaven is an actual place.
In the book of Mathew, Jesus mentions Heaven as where God stays; for instance, in Mathew 6:9, Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, and the first lines acknowledged God’s presence in Heaven. In Luke 23:43, as Jesus was on the cross, he promised one of the thieves that they would be in paradise, which refers to Heaven.
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.
