Anyone remember that song by Belinda Carlisle? Probably not, it's kind of old. But has anyone ever wondered what Heaven would be like? What is heaven for?
Considering that the average born again Christian believes that he or she will be spending an eternity in heaven, it is surprising how relatively little is known about heaven. The term "heaven" itself is used in 3 different ways in the bible. The first of which is cosmological, where the expression "heaven and earth" is used to describe all creation. The second is used as a synonym for God in such phrases as "the kingdom of heaven". Thirdly, it is used as describing the abode of God, and this third definition is the one that I will want to focus on.
"Road to heaven" by lightproofbox.com
Since heaven is where God is, it is also where believers will be for all eternity. We are told in the bible to make preparations for heaven (Matt 6:19-20). Heaven is essentially the presence of God and where believers will dwell with him (Rev 21:3). Even from the very beginning, God's intention was to have fellowship with the human race. Heaven is often depicted as a place where everything we have desired on earth is fulfilled to an ultimate degree.
"They say in heaven, love comes first" - Belinda Carlisle
The presence of a perfectly holy God also means that heaven is a place completely void of sin or evil. And since glory is of the very nature of God, heaven will be a place of great glory. There will be no need for any other source of light for the glory of God shall be the source that illuminates heaven (Rev 21:23).
"Since glory is the of the very nature of God, heaven will be a place of great glory"
Sounds good so far? Sure, but what does one do there? Well, besides being completely filled with joy (and feasting), we are told very little about the activities in heaven. For one, we know that there will be a rest. This rest is not to mean that we will be idle, but rather the rest of after having accomplished something; or reaching a goal. Heaven then, will be the completion of the Christian pilgrimage (Heb 4:9-11). Personally though, I can see how not doing anything can be pleasurable. Haha! Ok, next is something that is all to familiar to us. We also know that in heaven, there will be worship. A pretty good description is given us in the book of Revelations chapter 19 in the first few verses, as well as in other scripture passages too. And from these, it seems that praise and worship is something that we'll be doing a lot of too! So how about it? Are we getting enough practice now?
Considering that the average born again Christian believes that he or she will be spending an eternity in heaven, it is surprising how relatively little is known about heaven. The term "heaven" itself is used in 3 different ways in the bible. The first of which is cosmological, where the expression "heaven and earth" is used to describe all creation. The second is used as a synonym for God in such phrases as "the kingdom of heaven". Thirdly, it is used as describing the abode of God, and this third definition is the one that I will want to focus on.
"Road to heaven" by lightproofbox.comSince heaven is where God is, it is also where believers will be for all eternity. We are told in the bible to make preparations for heaven (Matt 6:19-20). Heaven is essentially the presence of God and where believers will dwell with him (Rev 21:3). Even from the very beginning, God's intention was to have fellowship with the human race. Heaven is often depicted as a place where everything we have desired on earth is fulfilled to an ultimate degree.
"They say in heaven, love comes first" - Belinda CarlisleThe presence of a perfectly holy God also means that heaven is a place completely void of sin or evil. And since glory is of the very nature of God, heaven will be a place of great glory. There will be no need for any other source of light for the glory of God shall be the source that illuminates heaven (Rev 21:23).
"Since glory is the of the very nature of God, heaven will be a place of great glory" Sounds good so far? Sure, but what does one do there? Well, besides being completely filled with joy (and feasting), we are told very little about the activities in heaven. For one, we know that there will be a rest. This rest is not to mean that we will be idle, but rather the rest of after having accomplished something; or reaching a goal. Heaven then, will be the completion of the Christian pilgrimage (Heb 4:9-11). Personally though, I can see how not doing anything can be pleasurable. Haha! Ok, next is something that is all to familiar to us. We also know that in heaven, there will be worship. A pretty good description is given us in the book of Revelations chapter 19 in the first few verses, as well as in other scripture passages too. And from these, it seems that praise and worship is something that we'll be doing a lot of too! So how about it? Are we getting enough practice now?
Based on Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson. Chapter 60: Final States
23 comments:
Dear Dohnie, Heaven is a place on earth is not just a song, it is a fact. If you read Rev. 21 carefully, although we are caught up at first with Christ, but the new heaven and new earth is going to descend "DOWN!" not "UP!" and God is going to dwell with us here on earth; hitherto "new" ones! Rejoice, rejoice, let that day come and come quickly before this earth really get corrupted!
Hhahaa! Okok, thanks Bro Jonathan! That's kinda cute! :)
dear dohnie, please can you share your view on the comment,'heaven is on earth'. GB
Hi Dohnie,
I'm doing the same topic as you. 'Heaven', it sound good, but I realized even something good may not be embrace by other.
I totally agreed with your comment about it, lets look forward to it and pray for those who seem not to belief and long to dwell for eternity.
Hi Donny,
Thanks for your beautiful illustrations of heaven with those pictures. Great job! It gives me alot of reflection in thoughts. By the way, can you consider paradise, heaven - 2 Cor.12:4? As mentioned by you heaven is about God; His glory; His sanctuary for worship and praise; a resting place for all pilgrims who completed their journey; a place we all believers of Christ will abode eternally. The what does it means by Paul, a place of paradise?
Ooooh... heaven is a place on earth... Ha ha, I remember that song well. It's a secular song though, but sounds quite nice. That song is released in 1988, if I'm not mistaken. That is the year I am born again. At that given moment, I really feel that heaven is in my heart. We are heaven bound when are born again. This is indeed a blessed hope. The Bible says we are born again 'from above.' We are citizens of heaven. The church is also referred to as a colony of heaven in the earth.
Dear Donny,
I don't really think we will not have much to do except Praise and Worship God in Heaven as you say. If you remember the parable of the talents which Jesus spoke of in MATHEW.25:20-23 you will find that the servants who made good use of their talents were given cities and things to rule over.Also the psalmist says in Psalm 16:11 at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.We certainly are going to be kept very busy in Heaven.
Dear Donny,
Very impressive illustration, Ilike it. Can you explain more on the crown and throne in Heaven as mentioned in Rev 4:4-11.
Dear Joe, Dohnie's post is on "heaven on earth" lah! it is clearly stated in Rev. 21:4 God shall dwell among men in the new heaven and new earth. It is not what some people say "heaven on earth." They mean life is so good for them they feel like in heaven that's all, different from Rev. 21, do you agree, Dohnie?
Hi Donny,
You must be very tired and busy. Still waiting for your reply-lah.
Hi Joe!
Actually, I was only quoting the lyrics of the song that "Heaven is a place on earth". I doubt if the song writer really had any theological intention in it.
As for Bro Jonathan's comment, maybe he'd like to clarify whether he thinks heaven is on earth? I'm aware that Rev 21 mentions a new heaven and a new earth, but I'm not sure if it is to be taken literally, or as symbolically in a vision.
Thanks Jerome for your comment! Yeah, let's look forward to it!
Bro Freddie,
Paradise is originally a Persian word that is generally identified with the Garden of Eden. It is also used as a Greek translation in the Septuagint for the Garden of Eden. The Greeks probably understood it as a Royal Garden that is beautiful and exclusive to the privileged. I'm guessing in Paul's case, he is also referring back to the uncorrupted and pure state of the original Garden.
Thanks to you too, Andrew for that comment! I like what you said. A colony of heaven on earth. That's something to think about! Hehee.
Hi Bro Raymond!
Thanks for your comment, but I did not say that we would not have much to do in heaven. May I know what gave you that impression please?
Heh, the verses you gave in Matthew 25 refers to the parable of the talents. I don't quite agree that they refer to heaven, but rather to how we use our giftings here ON EARTH. As for the verse in Psalms (altho bearing in mind that it is poetry), I honestly think that not having to do anything can be quite pleasurable! Haha! God bless!
Ps. I am NOT saying that we'll be doing nothing in heaven. *smile*
Hi Eunice!
Whoa! There are so many things happening there in those passages you mentioned! As I'm sure you're aware, this is a description of a vision, and is probably more symbolic than literal. I'm curious tho, why ask about the crown and throne?
Hey, Dohnie and Joe, Truly I believe the Bible really means "heaven is to be on earth" Remember in the olden days of the OT, God makes His presence felt by seating between the Cherubims of the Ark of Covenant in the Tabernacle,and I believe it is His desire to dwell among men, as revealed in Revelation. I used to sing the chorus, "heaven came down and glory filled my soul!"
Hi Dohnie... I like the idea when you said in Jerome's blog that in the earth now is where God prepares us to live with Him forever. Someone mentioned that our whole life on earth is one which is of 'training for reigning.' The idea is that Christ could have taken up His authority to rule over the earth right away after His resurrection. But He chose to give to us, His church, the privilege to rule and reign together with Him. So history was permitted to continue its course to prove and prepare those who are worthy to rule and reign with Him as sons and daughters of the Most High forever.
Wah! Amen!
Thanks Andrew for your comment! Haha!
Brother Jonathan, thanks for clarifying. But personally, I don't think heaven will be on earth, because in Rev 21 as you mentioned, the vision describes both a new heaven and a new earth descending. So at least, not on this current earth we're in.
Hi Donny,
Thanks for your reply. The scripture did not specifically declares paradise as garden of Eden. Like you said, it should be a place of peace and purity in description. Afterall, the scriturte did mentioned of heavens in plural. Well, Paul reference to paradise or third heaven as possibilty a place of holding similar to Sheol as mentioned by you before.
Hi Donny,
Heaven is a place on earth. if we don't know how to live and tolerate each other in earth how are we to live in heaven as neighbor? Hmm I just wonder!
Dear Dohnie,
Everyone is expected for the coming of Christ and caught up with Him in heaven. the Bible indeed give us a wonderful pictures of heaven. Personally for some who're living in persecution, suffering, war-torn country will not see that 'heaven is a place on earth', but Jesus indeed demonstrate to us that on earth they will be trials and tribulation.
How can we assure this people who're living a torrid time on earth there is heaven on earth.
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