As a theologian, I take a strong interest in the concept of open heaven. Specifically, I have taken a particular interest in the mystery of open heavens and what happens when the heavens open. To learn more about the topic, I visited the nearest Catholic, Anglican, and protestant churches and learned all about open heavens from the catholic father, Anglican deacon, and the protestant’s reverend. Last week, my theology students asked me to explain what happens when heaven opens. They were confused about whether the concept was used literally or metaphorically with a hidden meaning. Based on my vast research as a theologian and what the scriptures say, I answered this question comprehensively and put to rest the confusion surrounding the topic. So, what happens when heaven opens?
Scholars and ministers of the word suggest that people experience God’s presence and blessings when heaven opens. People obtain God’s divine intervention when the heavens are opened.
I invite you to join me in this article as we delve into the topic of open heaven and answer questions such as what it means when the heavens open, what the mystery of open heaven is and whether the concept of open heaven is literal or metaphorical. Keep reading to find answers to these and more questions.
What is the mystery of open heavens?
Ministers of the word of God suggest that the mystery of open heavens refers to the continuous favor with God and His creation. It is a situation where you, as a child of God, get whatever you need when you need it. Open heavens enable us to have otherwise challenging breakthroughs easily, and if you operate under an open heaven, others will look up to you as highly favored and blessed. The mystery of open heaven also means that God has opened a door of divine relevance in our lives.
What does it mean when the heavens open?
Scholars suggest that when the heavens open, God’s presence is poured over our lives. Times of open heavens are marked by manifestation of God’s power, outpouring favor and blessings and revival. The Bible also implies that when the heavens open, you get the power to hear from God and gain His blessings. In Luke 3:21-22, Jesus was being baptized, and when he began praying, heaven was open. God sent the Holy Spirit upon him in the form of a dove, and Jesus heard God’s voice acknowledging him as His son. God had to open the heavens and approve Jesus before he could begin his ministry on earth.
Humility is one of the secrets of permanent open heavens. Jesus, the son of God, had to humble himself on earth before he got an open heaven that allowed him to start his ministry. When the heavens are closed in your life, you experience suffering from lack, stagnancy, and lack of blessings.
Is the concept of open heavens literal or metaphorical?
Scholars and ministers of the word imply that the concept of open heaven is metaphorical. According to open heavens proponents, the concept refers to a time of blessings with bountiful revelation. During this season of open heavens, God’s people experience His presence which lives among us, and the church and its followers get an influx of financial wealth.
Those teaching the open heaven concept point to different verses from the Bible in which they say a time of open heaven happened. For instance, Deuteronomy 28:12 talks about God opening the heavens, which is viewed as the storehouse of His bounty, and release rain to His people. Another scripture where open heaven occurred is Act 16:25-26 when Paul and Silas were singing hymns and praying to God in prison, and suddenly an earthquake was felt, and the prison doors opened, and their chains were released.
However, the Bible also demonstrates that the concept of open heavens could be literal. In Luke 3:21-22, the Bible says that heaven opened when Jesus was baptized, and he heard a voice from God acknowledging him as His son, whom He was pleased with. In Ezekiel 1:1, Ezekiel states that the heavens were opened in Kebar River when he was among the exiles, and he saw God’s visions. In John 1:50-51, Jesus told Nathanael that he would see heaven open, and angels would descend on Jesus.
What makes God open the gates of heaven?
Scholars suggest that choosing God’s will makes Him open the gates of heaven. When we choose God’s will over our will, God is pleased, and the gates of heaven are opened. God loves to bless his people, and His desire is for all His creation to know him. God sent his son Jesus Christ to the earth to preach the gospel, and He has given us a similar job. God has also equipped us for the mission, and all spiritual blessings in heaven are ours to use, as stipulated in Ephesians 1:3. But we cannot enjoy God’s presence or use his power if we do not choose His will. Thus, we must turn our hearts entirely to God and choose His will for Him to open the gates of heaven.
Where in the Bible does it talk about opening heavens?
Several verses talk about opening heavens in the Bible. Genesis 7:11 talks of the floodgates of heaven opening during Noah’s time. Deuteronomy 28:12 states that God will open the heavens to send rain to His people. In 2 Kings 7:2 and 2 Kings 7:19, an officer of the King asked Elisha about God opening the floodgates of the heavens. Matthew 3:16 and Luke 3:21 talk about Jesus’ baptism, where heaven opened and the voice of God was heard. Acts 7:56 and Acts 10:11 talk about Stephen and Peter seeing the heaven open. Revelation 4:1 and Revelation 19:11 outline John’s visions where he saw heaven standing open.
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.
