CONCEPT
Heaven
Definitions. The phrase “heaven and earth” is used to indicate the whole universe (Gen. 1:1; Jer. 23:24; Acts 17:24). According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens,
(a) The firmament, as “fowls of the heaven” (Gen. 2:19; 7:3, 23; Ps. 8:8, etc.), “the eagles of heaven” (Lam. 4:19), etc.
(b) The starry heavens (Deut. 17:3; Jer. 8:2; Matt. 24:29).
(c) “The heaven of heavens,” or “the third heaven” (Deut. 10:14; 1 Kings 8:27; Ps. 115:16; 148:4; 2 Cor. 12:2). Meaning of words in the original,
(a) The usual Hebrew word for “heavens” is shamayim, a plural form meaning “heights,” “elevations” (Gen. 1:1; 2:1).
(b) The Hebrew word marom is also used (Ps. 68:18; 93:4; 102:19, etc.) as equivalent to shamayim, “high places,” “heights.”
(c) Heb. galgal, literally a “wheel,” is rendered “heaven” in Ps. 77:18 (R.V., “whirlwind”).
(d) Heb. shahak, rendered “sky” (Deut. 33:26; Job 37:18; Ps. 18:11), plural “clouds” (Job 35:5; 36:28; Ps. 68:34, marg. “heavens”), means probably the firmament.
(e) Heb. rakia is closely connected with (d), and is rendered “firmamentum” in the Vulgate, whence our “firmament” (Gen. 1:6; Deut. 33:26, etc.), regarded as a solid expanse. Metaphorical meaning of term. Isa. 14:13, 14; “doors of heaven” (Ps. 78:23); heaven “shut” (1 Kings 8:35); “opened” (Ezek. 1:1). (See 1 Chr. 21:16.) Spiritual meaning. The place of the everlasting blessedness of the righteous; the abode of departed spirits.
(a) Christ calls it his “Father’s house” (John 14:2).
(b) It is called “paradise” (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 12:4; Rev. 2:7).
(c) “The heavenly Jerusalem” (Gal. 4: 26; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 3:12).
(d) The “kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 25:1; James 2:5).
(e) The “eternal kingdom” (2 Pet. 1:11).
(f) The “eternal inheritance” (1 Pet. 1:4; Heb. 9:15).
(g) The “better country” (Heb. 11:14, 16).
(h) The blessed are said to “sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” and to be “in Abraham’s bosom” (Luke 16:22; Matt. 8:11); to “reign with Christ” (2 Tim. 2:12); and to enjoy “rest” (Heb. 4:10, 11).
In heaven the blessedness of the righteous consists in the possession of “life everlasting,” “an eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17), an exemption from all sufferings for ever, a deliverance from all evils (2 Cor. 5:1, 2) and from the society of the wicked (2 Tim. 4:18), bliss without termination, the “fulness of joy” for ever (Luke 20:36; 2 Cor. 4:16, 18; 1 Pet. 1:4; 5:10; 1 John 3:2). The believer’s heaven is not only a state of everlasting blessedness, but also a “place”, a place “prepared” for them (John 14:2).
▶Sermons
Audio
Homesick for HeavenAl Whittinghill · 1:03:57The sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing and cherishing the reality of heaven and our eternal destiny with the Lord, which gives us the freedom from fear of death and the glory of walking with Jesus.
Our Citizenship Is in HeavenAlan Redpath · 45:33Our citizenship is in heaven, and we must live in the light of Jesus' return, having an insatiable longing to be like him and giving our love to him.
K-473 Heaven, More HeavenArt Katz · 30:20We are called to live with an eternal perspective, deny earthly desires, and focus on the reward of faith, which is eternal life in God's kingdom.
(Audio Sermon Clip) Eternity Lasts ForeverBasilea Schlink · 3:31Basilea Schlink emphasizes the eternal glory and joy awaiting believers in heaven, encouraging them to set their minds on the eternal home beyond earthly suffering.
Joy EverlastingBasilea Schlink · 27:36Basilea Schlink passionately teaches that the joy of heaven is an everlasting assurance for all who love Jesus and faithfully follow Him through life's trials.
HeavenDavid Wilkerson · 41:13David Wilkerson's sermon on heaven emphasizes the joy, peace, and absence of suffering that await believers in the eternal presence of God.
Heaven Has No CemeteryE.A. Johnston · 8:41E.A. Johnston passionately portrays heaven as a glorious, eternal home without death, where Jesus reigns supreme and believers find everlasting life and joy.
More Friends in HeavenE.A. Johnston · 5:09E.A. Johnston emphasizes the comforting truth that believers have a multitude of faithful friends in heaven, including Jesus, and looks forward to the joyful reunion with them in eternity.
The Welcoming CommitteeE.A. Johnston · 4:50E.A. Johnston teaches that believers are encouraged to run their spiritual race with endurance, knowing a welcoming committee of faithful saints and Christ awaits them in heaven.
If Heaven Is YoursErlo Stegen · 1:00:23The sermon emphasizes the importance of waking up out of our spiritual sleep, casting off the works of darkness, and putting on the armor of light to live a life pleasing to God.
The Heavenly Wedding GarmentErlo Stegen · 50:18The sermon emphasizes the importance of accepting the invitation to the wedding feast, which represents salvation and eternal life, and the need to put on the wedding garment, which represents a heart that is right before God.
The Wedding Banquet - 1Jackie Pullinger · 40:11Jackie Pullinger's sermon emphasizes the joy of eternal life in Christ and the urgent call to share that joy with those who have not yet experienced it.
The Wedding Banquet - 2Jackie Pullinger · 39:47Jackie Pullinger emphasizes the importance of accepting God's invitation to the Wedding Banquet while addressing the excuses that prevent people from attending and the need to reach out to those in need.
A Snapshot of Heaven on Earth (Part 4)Jim Cymbala · 43:34Jim Cymbala's sermon explores the characteristics of the early church as a model for contemporary Christian community and practice.
The Heavenly CityJim Cymbala · 40:55Jim Cymbala's sermon explores the hope and glory of the new heaven and new earth as revealed in the Book of Revelation.
Jesus, the Ladder to HeavenMajor Ian Thomas · 40:36The sermon emphasizes the need for a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, and how this encounter is possible through faith in Jesus and his cross.
That You May Know You Have a Place in HeavenPeter Orasuk · 21:15Salvation is found in the person of Christ, and it is a real possession that can be received by trusting in Him.
Who Is Going to HeavenRolfe Barnard · 55:12Rolfe Barnard's sermon emphasizes the necessity of seeking God with a pure heart and clean hands to attain eternal life in heaven.
Heaven Undistracted Devotion to JesusSantosh Poonen · 43:13Santosh Poonen emphasizes living with undistracted devotion to Jesus by beholding His glory now through the Spirit, preparing for heaven and overcoming earthly distractions.
Aspects of the CityT. Austin-Sparks · 30:11The Lord is working in us to develop strength, beauty, and costliness, and to produce preciousness and spiritual value, through trials and sufferings.
The Marriage to ComeThaddeus Barnum · 23:55Marriage is a picture of God's relationship to us, and it's meant to show us the love of God, which is the foundation of a successful and holy marriage.
Homesick for HeavenWilliam MacDonald · 42:12William MacDonald explores the deep longing for God's presence and the hope of heaven in his sermon 'Homesick for Heaven'.
Text
Awaiting a Glorious DayDavid WilkersonJesus promises a permanent home in heaven, where we will live eternally with him.
We Will Behold JesusDavid WilkersonThe promise of heaven is at the core of the gospel, and we should make it our earnest desire to be with Jesus in eternal joy.
Heaven InhabitantsD.L. MoodyD.L. Moody's sermon emphasizes the joy of loved ones in heaven, the reality of eternal life, and the necessity of repentance for salvation.
Looking Down From HeavenD.L. MoodyThe sermon emphasizes the power of personal connection and prayer in sharing the Gospel and seeking others' salvation.
Over the RiverD.L. MoodyD.L. Moody encourages listeners to set their hearts on the other side of the river, focusing on heaven and the life to come through faith in Christ.
HeavenJ.C. RyleHeaven is a dwelling place provided by Jesus Christ for all His believing people, where there will be perfect knowledge, holiness, rest, and communion with God and the saints.
The Glorious State of the Saints in Heaven.John GillThe Bible teaches that there is a future state of happiness after death, where good men will be happy and wicked men will be miserable.
Neither Christ nor Heaven Can Be Hyperbolized!Thomas BrooksThe glory of heaven is beyond human comprehension, and we must be careful not to hyperbolize or diminish it.