Apr 17, 2016
Defining “Heaven” . . .
The apostle Paul makes mention of 3 levels of heaven: (2 Corinthians 12:1-4)
- The first heaven was considered to be the sky or firmament. (Gen. 1:6-8)
- The second heaven was the place of the stars, planets, and celestial (Genesis 1:14-18)
- The third heaven was a place Paul referred to as “paradise,” and heard things which wasbeyond what he could say or fully comprehend. (2 Corinthians 12:1-4)
Heaven Now . . .
- Every spirit/soul of every person who dies in Christ immediately enters into the presence of God.
“We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:6-8
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” Philippians 1:21-23
- The current heaven Scripture speaks of will pass away, along with the earth, but something greater is coming.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35
“ . . . for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” Revelation 21:1
Heaven To Come . . .(Revelation 21:1-8)
- God will make all things new.
- There will be a new heaven and a new earth.
- The new heaven and new earth will not be created from nothing, but will be resurrected and restored.
- There will be a new heaven and a new earth.
- We will have a resurrected, glorified body that is fit for our eternal home.
“ But our citizenship is in heaven . . .” Philippians 3:20a
- We will never again know the curse of sin.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall their be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
- God will forever dwell among us, and we will forever dwell with
Him. (Rev. 21:3)
- What makes Heaven so glorious is forever being in the presence of the One who, by His grace, created us for Himself and saved us to Himself.
Our Confident Hope . . .
To base your eternal destiny on an assumption rather than an assurance is to live in fear of what’s to come.