Chapter 16

Chapter 16
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT HEAVEN?

The Scriptures clearly teach that there is a place called Heaven for all who know and love our Lord Jesus Christ. Heaven is a place. The word is used in the Bible in three different ways. First of all, the region of the clouds is called heaven. Genesis 1:8. Then the area where the stars are located is known as heaven. Genesis 1:17. Finally, the word is used to describe God's dwelling place. Paul calls this the "third heaven" and "Paradise." II Corinthians 12:2-4.

Heaven is always mentioned as being "up." Satan said, in Isaiah 14:13-14, "I will ascend into heaven." We know that our Lord is in heaven today. After He was raised from the dead, He ascended in a body of flesh and bones. He carried glorified humanity into heaven. Luke 24:38- 39, 51; I Peter 3:22; Hebrews 1:3.

There is a great host of believers in heaven, for when the true Christian dies, he is "absent from the body-present with the Lord." II Corinthians 5:8. These believers are enjoying the presence of Christ, which is far better. Philippians 1:23.

What is heaven like? It is a place that God has prepared for all who come to Him. If the Creator of the Universe prepared it, it must be something wonderful. The writers of the Scriptures could not find language that would describe it. In Revelation 21:10-27, John tries to describe the foundations, wall, gates and street of the heavenly city. We know that there will be no sickness, sorrow, tears, pain or death in that fair place. Revelation 21:4. What we do know is that after the sorrow and suffering from the pains of life on this sin cursed earth, we will be “finally home.” But best of all, the Lord Jesus Christ will be there, and He will be the supreme delight of every believer's heart.