Topical Encyclopedia Heaven, in Christian theology, is the eternal dwelling place of God, angels, and the redeemed. It is depicted as a place of perfect peace, joy, and communion with God. The Bible provides various descriptions and insights into the nature of Heaven, emphasizing its holiness and the presence of God.In the Old Testament, Heaven is often referred to as the "heavens," indicating the sky or the firmament. However, it also signifies the dwelling place of God. Psalm 11:4 states, "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne." This verse highlights the transcendence and sovereignty of God, who reigns from Heaven. The New Testament further elaborates on the concept of Heaven as the ultimate destination for believers. Jesus speaks of Heaven as His Father's house, where He prepares a place for His followers. In John 14:2-3, Jesus assures His disciples, "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also." The Apostle Paul describes Heaven as a place of indescribable glory and eternal life. In 2 Corinthians 5:1, he writes, "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." This metaphor emphasizes the permanence and divine origin of the heavenly dwelling. The Book of Revelation provides vivid imagery of Heaven, portraying it as the New Jerusalem, a city of pure gold and precious stones. Revelation 21:4 describes the absence of suffering and death, stating, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." Hell Hell, in Christian doctrine, is the place of eternal punishment and separation from God for the wicked and unrepentant. It is depicted as a realm of suffering, darkness, and despair, reserved for those who reject God's grace and salvation. The Old Testament uses the term "Sheol" to describe the abode of the dead, a place of shadowy existence. However, the concept of Hell as a place of punishment becomes more explicit in the New Testament. Jesus frequently warns of the reality of Hell, using the term "Gehenna" to describe a place of fiery torment. In Matthew 10:28, He cautions, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." The Apostle Paul speaks of the consequences of rejecting the gospel, emphasizing the eternal nature of the punishment. In 2 Thessalonians 1:9, he writes, "They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might." The Book of Revelation provides a graphic depiction of Hell as the "lake of fire," the final destination for Satan, his angels, and all who do not have their names written in the Book of Life. Revelation 20:15 states, "And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Hell is characterized by its complete separation from God, a place where the grace and mercy of God are absent. It is a realm of conscious suffering, as illustrated in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, where the rich man experiences torment and anguish. The doctrine of Hell underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. It serves as a solemn reminder of the eternal consequences of one's choices in this life. Topical Bible Verses Luke 23:43And Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you, To day shall you be with me in paradise. Topicalbible.org Revelation 21:1-27 John 14:2-3 Matthew 25:46 Matthew 25:41 Revelation 21:8 Revelation 20:10 Revelation 20:14 Luke 16:1-31 Library Heaven and Hell Song 11. Heaven and Hell. Song 11. Heaven and Hell. Whether Souls are Conveyed to Heaven or Hell Immediately after ... Heaven and Hell. May 15. The Disciple, -- Master, what are Heaven and Hell... Whether the Souls who are in Heaven or Hell are Able to Go from ... section v. Of the Ways, and of vices and virtues; and of the Rewards of ... At The Master's Feet Resources Eternity in Heaven ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgAre books such as 90 Minutes in Heaven, Heaven is for Real, and 23 Minutes in Hell biblically sound? | GotQuestions.org Where is heaven? What is the location of heaven? | GotQuestions.org Heaven: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Heaven is Called: A Heavenly Country Heaven is Called: The Father's House Heaven is Called: The Kingdom of Christ and of God Heaven: Christ is All-Powerful In Heaven: Christ: As Mediator, Entered Into Heaven: Enoch and Elijah Were Translated Into Heaven: Flesh and Blood Cannot Inherit Heaven: God: Answers his People From Heaven: God: Sends his Judgments From Heaven: Happiness of, Described Heaven: Names of Saints are Written Heaven: Physical Heavens, Creation of Heaven: Physical Heavens, Destruction of Heaven: Repentance Occasions Joy In Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: A Heavenly Country Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: A Rest Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: Called a Garner Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: Paradise Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: The Father's House Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: The Kingdom of Christ and of God Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: The Wicked Excluded From Heaven: The Wicked Excluded From Heaven: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |