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What is Heaven in the Bible? – Viral Believer
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What is Heaven in the Bible?

Introduction

Heaven is a central theme in Christianity, and the Bible provides us with numerous insights into this eternal and glorious place. Throughout the ages, people have wondered about the nature of heaven, what it looks like, and what awaits those who are called into God’s presence.

The concept of heaven not only offers a source of hope and inspiration for believers but also serves as an essential aspect of the Christian faith.

The Bible refers to heaven in various ways, depicting it as the dwelling place of God, the location of His throne, and a place of unimaginable beauty and splendor.

Heaven is also described as a paradise where there will be no pain, suffering, or death, and where believers will live in perfect harmony with one another and with God.

This article will delve into what the Bible says about heaven, focusing on the New King James Version (NKJV), to help us understand this eternal destination more deeply.

As we explore the biblical concept of heaven, it is crucial to acknowledge that our human understanding and language are limited in fully grasping the magnificence and grandeur of this heavenly realm.

Nevertheless, the Bible provides us with glimpses into the nature and characteristics of heaven that can help us anticipate and long for our eternal home with greater hope and joy.

heaven in the Bible

Heaven: The Dwelling Place of God

One of the primary ways the Bible depicts heaven is as the dwelling place of God.

In 1 Kings 8:30, King Solomon prays to the Lord, saying, “And may You hear the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear in heaven Your dwelling place; and when You hear, forgive.”

This verse shows that heaven is where God resides and listens to the prayers of His people.

Jesus also makes reference to heaven as God’s dwelling place in the Lord’s Prayer, stating, “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). This indicates that God’s presence, power, and holiness are intimately associated with heaven.

The Throne of God

Another significant aspect of heaven is that it is the location of God’s throne. In Isaiah 66:1, God says, “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool.” The throne of God symbolizes His authority, sovereignty, and majesty over all creation.

The Apostle John also describes his vision of God’s throne in heaven in the book of Revelation: “Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne” (Revelation 4:2).

Moreover, heaven is not only the location of God’s throne but also the place where Jesus, the Son of God, sits at the right hand of the Father. In Mark 16:19, we read, “So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.”

This highlights the exalted position of Jesus in heaven as He shares the authority and glory of God the Father.

The Beauty and Splendor of Heaven

The Bible also provides us with glimpses of the breathtaking beauty and splendor of heaven. The Apostle John describes the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, in Revelation 21:10-11:

“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.”

John further details the incredible dimensions, materials, and adornments of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16-21. The city is made of pure gold, with walls of jasper and foundations adorned with various precious stones.

The twelve gates of the city are made of pearl, and the streets are paved with transparent gold. These descriptions evoke a sense of awe and wonder at the unimaginable beauty and grandeur of heaven.

Heaven: A Place of Perfect Harmony and Joy

In addition to its beauty and splendor, heaven is characterized by perfect harmony, joy, and the absence of pain, suffering, and death.

In Revelation 21:4, John writes, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

The Bible also describes heaven as a place where believers will live in perfect harmony with one another and with God. Jesus said in John 14:2-3,

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

This reveals that Jesus is preparing a special place for believers in heaven, where they will dwell with Him eternally.

Eternal Life in Heaven

Heaven is not only a place of beauty and harmony, but it is also where believers will experience eternal life. In John 3:16, Jesus says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

This everlasting life is a gift from God, made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Believers will not only experience eternal life in heaven, but they will also be transformed into their glorified bodies, free from sin and corruption.

In 1 Corinthians 15:51-53, the Apostle Paul writes,

“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible paints a vivid picture of heaven as the dwelling place of God, the location of His throne, and a realm of unimaginable beauty, splendor, and harmony. Heaven is where believers will experience eternal life in the presence of God, free from pain, suffering, and death.

Although our finite human understanding cannot fully comprehend the magnificence of heaven, the glimpses provided in Scripture can inspire us to long for our eternal home and to live our lives in a manner that reflects our heavenly citizenship.

As we anticipate the glorious reality of heaven, let us be reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:20-21,

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”

May the hope of heaven fill our hearts with joy and gratitude as we seek to live lives that honor and glorify God, eagerly awaiting the day when we will be united with Him in our eternal home.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.