What Is Heaven?

 

The Bible's answer

The word "heaven" is used in three basic senses in the Bible: (1) the physical heavens; (2) the spirit realm; (3) A symbol of hight or exalted position.  In each case, the context helps determine the correct understanding. 

1. The phycical heavens. In this sense, "the heavens" refers to earth's atmosphere, wehre the winds blow. the birds fly, the clouds produce rain and snow, and the lightnig flashes.  (Psalm 78:26; Proverbs 30:19; Isaiah 55:10; Lukwe 17:24) It can also mean outer space, the location of "the sun, the moon, and the stars." - DEUTERONOMY 4:19; GENESIS 1:1.

2. The spirit realm.  The term "heavan" also refers to the spiritual heavens, or spirit realm, a level of existence higher than and outside of the physical universe. (1 Kings 8:27; John 6:38) These spiritual heavens are occupied by Jehovah God, who is "a Spirit," as well as by the angelic spirit beings whom he created. (John 4:24; Matthew 24:36) At times "the heavens" are personified to represent the faithful angels, "the congregation of the holy ones." - 89:5-7. 

The Bible also uses "heavens" to refer specifically to the portion of the spirit realm where Jehovah actually resides, his "dwelling place." (1 Kings 8:43, 49; Hebrews 9:24; Revelation 13:6) For example, the Bible foretold that Satan and hte demons would be thrown out of  heaven, no longer being allowed to enter Jehovah's presence.  However, they would remain in the spirit realm. - REVELATIONS 12:7-9, 12. 

3. A symbol of a high or exalted position. The Scriptures use "heaven" to represent an elevated position, usually in connection with ruling authority.  Such a position could occupied by: 

* Jehovah God himself as the almighty  Sovereign. - 2 CHRONICLES 32:20; Luke 5:21. 

* God's Kingdom, the government that will replace human rule. The Bible refers to that Kingdom as the "new heavens. " -  ISAIAH 65:17; 66:22;2 PETER 3:13.

* Christians who, while on eart. have the hope of going to heaven. - EPHESIANS 2:6.

* Human governments that have exalted themselves over their subjects. - ISAIAH 14:12-14; DANIEL 4:20-22; 2 PETER 3:7. 

* Wicked spirits who now rule over the world. - EPHESIANS 6:12; 1 JOHN 5:19.

Next time: What Is Heaven? - What is Heaven Like?

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