By Isaiah White
Humanity was created to live forever. When God had created all beings, on the 6th day he created man (humanity) and breathed in him “the breath of life”, then man, different from animals and such like, became “a living soul”.
This meant “he could live eternally (Genesis 2:7, 9). Only when man sinned did a death sentence come upon humanity until this day. God, being loved, set a provision in the vicarious death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That victory established hope for Heaven as the new and eternal home for those whom the Grace of God saves through faith alone.
Questions on Heaven
In our day many people do not believe in any life after this life. Some believe that heaven is only a state of mind. On the other end of the spectrum, many believe that when we die, we go straight to heaven. They believe that their dead relatives are already in heaven and are looking down on them.
So, what is the correct biblical teaching about heaven? What do you think of when someone says, “Heaven”? Why do you believe in heaven? What evidence do you have for your beliefs? Do you want to go there? How much do you know about heaven? Do you wish you knew more?
Not so many of us, however, pay enough attention to understand the Biblical teaching about this hope, and that is why we need to understand what the word of God says Heaven is and why it should be our sure hope as believers.
Myths about Heaven
The idea of “heaven” features in my cultures and religions around the world. There are many stories and tales about the same; however, the understanding of what Heaven is varies widely across cultures and beliefs and is often surrounded by popular myths. It matters that we briefly look at some:
Buddhism = Higher planes of existence for beings with good karma (Deva Realms), but still impermanent and part of samsara (cycle of rebirth). Buddhists look at heaven as the ultimate goal, which they call: Nirvana. This means extinguishing suffering and rebirth. To the Buddhist, Heaven is not a “place” but an unconditioned state beyond all realms.
Islam = Muslims consider Heaven to be Jannah (Paradise). Janah is a garden of eternal bliss, with physical and spiritual pleasures. Ultimate joy is proximity to Allah.
Hinduism = To the Hindu, Heaven is a temporary paradise for virtuous souls (swarga), ruled by Indra. Enjoyed before rebirth. Hindus believe the ultimate goal of heaven to be what they call Moksha (liberation from rebirth), merging with Brahman (ultimate reality). This transcends “heaven” (Swarga), which is still part of the cycle.
All these beliefs about heaven communicate how important the idea of Heaven is to various people around the world.
The Old Testament
According to the Old Testament ‘Heaven’ is presented in three aspects according to the Hebrew term: שָׁמַיִם (Shamayim). The first aspect of heaven in the Old Testament is;
The Physical Sky/Atmospheric Heaven: Shamayim most frequently denotes the visible sky (Genesis 1:1, 8-9; Psalm 19:1; Isaiah 55:9-10). Home of birds (Genesis 1:20), clouds, rain, stars (Genesis 1:14-17), and the “windows” releasing the floodwaters (Genesis 7:11). This is the region of breathable air that hovers over the Earth (Troposphere). It is considered as the first heaven.
The second aspect in which we understand Heaven in the Old Testament which is considered as the second heaven is:
The Celestial Realm / Firmament (2nd Heaven): the Hebrew term: רָקִיעַ – raqia (firmament/expanse/dome – Genesis 1:6-8, 14-17; Psalm 19:1; Ezekiel 1:22-26). This celestial realm is often seen as shamayim in its celestial aspect.
Raqia represents God’s orderly arrangement of creation and His transcendence. It’s the “floor” of the highest heaven where His throne resides (Ezekiel 1:22-26). The final or even the third Heaven is what is known as מָרוֹם (Marom).
Dwelling Place: of God: מָרוֹם – marom is Shamayim used transcendentally. The meaning contextually would be, height/exalted place – Isaiah 57:15; Psalm 93:4), it is this same Heaven that the Old Testament calls; שְׁמֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם – shemei ha’shamayim (“heaven of heavens” – Deuteronomy 10:14; 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 148:4).
The locus of God’s sovereign rule, throne, and council (1 Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1; Psalm 11:4; 103:19; 115:3). Distinct from creation itself (1 King 8:27).
This level of Heaven emphasizes God’s utter transcendence, holiness, majesty, and kingship overall. Heaven is His “house” (Psalm 33:13-14). Access is primarily for divine beings (angels), not humans in this life.
The New Testament
Since the New Testament is translated from the Greek Text the term used is οὐρανός (Ouranos). Again according to the scripture, the New Testament is consistent with the Old Testament teaching. Ouranos is used to represent both the:
The Physical Sky & Celestial Realm (1st & 2nd Heavens): Ouranos retains meanings of the sky/atmosphere (Matthew 16:2-3; Acts 1:10-11) and the realm of celestial bodies (stars, sun, moon – Matthew 24:29; Revelation 6:13).
The Dwelling Place of God (3rd Heaven): Ouranos as God’s transcendent abode remains central (Matthew 5:34, 6:9; 7:21; Acts 7:49; Hebrews 8:1). ἐπουράνιος – epouranios (heavenly – 1 Corinthians 15:48-49; Ephesians 1:3, 20; 6:12) emphasises origin or nature related to this realm.
In the New Testament, we asked to address our issues to our Father who art in Heaven (Matthew 6:9). Christ ascended there (Acts 1:9-11), is seated at God’s right hand (Ephesians 1:20; Colosians 3:1), intercedes (Hebrews 9:24), and reigns (Ephesians 1:20-22). Believers’ citizenship is now there (Philippians 3:20). Angels and powers reside there (Ephesians 6:12; Revelation 12:7-9).
In the Pauline Epistles, Paul explicitly mentions the “third heaven” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4), synonymous with “Paradise,” confirming the layered understanding present in Judaism and hinted at in the Old Testament.
Believers’ Destiny
In the New Testament Ouranos is used to indicate the future dwelling place of the redeemed. It is in Heaven that believers are to store treasures (Matthew 6:20), receive an inheritance (1 Peter 1:4), and have a home/eternal dwelling (John 14:2-3; 2 Corinthians 5:1-2; Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:16; 1 Pet 1:4).
New Heaven & New Earth
According to both the Old and New Testaments; it is the first and second Heavens that were corrupted by sin. And it is these that the word of God recommends that they will vanish and the new heavens and new Earth will be created.
The Old Testament says: “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. (Isa. 65:17 RSV)
The New Testament says, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” (Rev. 21:1 RSV). The Greek says, καινὸς οὐρανὸς καὶ καινὴ γῆ – kainos ouranos kai kainē gē (New Heaven and New Earth – 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1). Kainos implies fresh, renewed quality, not merely temporal newness (neos).
The ultimate hope is not escape from creation but the redemption of all creation, which entails the first and second heaven (Rom 8:19-23). God’s dwelling descends to the renewed earth (Revelation 21:1-4, 22-27), fulfilling the promise of perfect communion between God and humanity in a transformed physical reality. The “New Jerusalem” comes down from heaven (Revelation 21:2, 10).
Facts about Heaven
In various verses of the Bible the issue of Heaven is summarised as follows:
1. Heaven is the dwelling place of God (Deuteronomy 26:15; Matthew 6:9).
2. Heaven is the dwelling place of God’s angels (Luke 2:15; Matthew 28:2; Hebrews 12:22).
3. Heaven is the dwelling place of God’s saints from earth who have died and now live there in his presence (Revelation 4-5; Luke 16:22, 25; Hebrews 12:23).
4. At death, the human spirit leaves the body (Ecclesiastes 12:2) and goes either to heaven or hell (Luke 16:22).
5. There is immediate conscious existence after death, both in Heaven and Hell Luke 16:22; Luke 23:3; Revelation 6:9-11; Philippians 1:13). There is no “soul sleep” or period of unconsciousness preceding heaven. (“Fallen asleep” in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 is a euphemism for death, describing the spirit’s departure from the body, ending our conscious existence on earth.)
6. Heaven is an actual place, to and from which Christ (John 1: 32; 6:33; Acts 1:2), angels (Matthew 28:2; Revelation 10:1) and in rare circumstances people, even before their deaths, have travelled (2. Kings 2:11; 2 Corinthians 12:2; Revelation 11:12).
7. Heaven is consistently referred to as “up” in location (Mark 6:41; Luke 9:51). We do not know whether it is a place “in the heavens” (the universe beyond the earth) or entirely outside the space/time continuum. We do know heaven is someplace, and presently that place isn’t earth.
8. Heaven is where Christ came from (John 6:42), where he returned after his resurrection (Acts 1:11), where he now is and from which he will physically return to earth again (Acts 1:11; Rev. 19:1-6).
9. Heaven is described as a city (Hebrews 11:16; 12:22; 13:14; Revelation 21:12). The normal understanding of a “city” is a place of many residences nearby, the inhabitants of which are subject to a common government. “City” may also connote varied and bustling activity.
10. Heaven contains for believers a permanent inheritance, an unperishing estate specifically reserved for us. (1 Peter 1:4).
11. Heaven is the Christian’s country of citizenship (Hebrews 11:16; Philippians 3:20). Christ is our King. We are his ambassadors, representing his agenda on earth (2 Corinthians 5:20). While on our brief stay here, we are aliens, strangers and pilgrims (Hebrews 11:3). Ambassadors, aliens and pilgrims identify themselves and plan their lives with a focus on their home country. Should they become too engrossed in the alien country where they temporarily reside, they can easily compromise their allegiances to their true King and country.
Heaven is our true eternal home.
By Isaiah White, A life coach and theologian contact: 0775822833, whitemwine@gmail.com
