HEAVEN...
A word that expresses several distinct concepts in the Bible.
1. As used in a physical sense, heaven is the expanse over the earth <Gen. 1:8>. The tower of Babel reached upward to heaven <Gen. 11:4>. God is the possessor of heaven <Gen. 14:19>. Heaven is the location of the stars <Gen. 1:14; 26:4> as well as the source of dew <Gen. 27:28>.
2. Heaven is also the dwelling place of God <Gen. 28:17; Rev. 12:7-8>. It is the source of the new Jerusalem <Rev. 21:2,10>. Because of the work of Christ on the Cross, heaven is, in part, present with believers on earth as they obey God's commands <John 14:2,23>.
3. The word heaven is also used as a substitute for the name of God <Luke 15:18,21; John 3:27>. The kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven are often spoken of interchangeably <Matt. 4:17; Mark 1:15>.
At the end of time a new heaven will be created to surround the new earth. Thls new heaven will be the place of God's perfect presence <Is. 65:17; 66:22; Rev. 21:1>. Then there will be a literal fulfillment of heaven on earth.
HEAVEN IS WHERE GOD IS.....
Matt 6:9-13
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
(KJV) |
