Topical Bible: Heaven: God's Dwelling-Place

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Heaven, as depicted in the Bible, is the ultimate dwelling place of God, a realm of divine perfection and eternal glory. It is frequently described as the abode of God, angels, and the redeemed, serving as the ultimate destination for believers. The concept of heaven is woven throughout the Scriptures, offering a glimpse into the divine presence and the hope of eternal life.

Biblical Descriptions and Imagery

The Bible provides various descriptions and imagery of heaven, emphasizing its holiness and majesty. In Isaiah 66:1, the Lord declares, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool." This imagery underscores the transcendence and sovereignty of God, with heaven as His majestic throne room. Similarly, in Revelation 4:2-3, the Apostle John describes a vision of heaven, where he sees "a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it," surrounded by a rainbow resembling an emerald.

Heaven is also portrayed as a place of indescribable beauty and purity. Revelation 21:21 describes the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city, with "twelve gates, and twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, as pure as transparent glass." This imagery conveys the splendor and perfection of heaven, a place free from sin and corruption.

God's Presence and Worship

Central to the concept of heaven is the presence of God. In Revelation 21:3, it is proclaimed, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God." This passage highlights the intimate fellowship between God and His people, a relationship fully realized in heaven.

Worship is a significant aspect of heavenly life. The book of Revelation frequently depicts scenes of worship, where heavenly beings and the redeemed offer praise to God. Revelation 7:9-10 describes a great multitude from every nation, standing before the throne and crying out, "Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" This eternal worship reflects the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the joy of being in His presence.

The Hope of Believers

For believers, heaven represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the hope of eternal life. Jesus assures His followers of a place in heaven, saying in John 14:2-3, "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." This promise offers comfort and assurance of a future reunion with Christ.

The Apostle Paul speaks of the believer's heavenly citizenship in Philippians 3:20, stating, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." This perspective encourages believers to live with an eternal mindset, focusing on the heavenly inheritance that awaits them.

Heaven as a Place of Rest and Reward

Heaven is also depicted as a place of rest and reward for the faithful. In Hebrews 4:9-10, it is written, "There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His." This rest signifies the end of earthly struggles and the beginning of eternal peace.

Moreover, heaven is portrayed as a place of reward for those who have faithfully served God. In Matthew 5:12, Jesus encourages His followers, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." This reward is not earned by works but is a gracious gift from God, reflecting His justice and love.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of heaven as God's dwelling place offers a profound vision of divine glory, eternal worship, and the ultimate hope for believers. It is a realm where God's presence is fully realized, and His people experience everlasting joy and peace. Through the Scriptures, believers are encouraged to live with the anticipation of this heavenly inheritance, assured of the promises of God and the eternal life that awaits them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 8:30
And listen you to the supplication of your servant, and of your people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear you in heaven your dwelling place: and when you hear, forgive.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 6:9
After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The New Heaven on Earth
... out of heaven, all ready like a bride attired to meet her husband. I also heard
a loud voice from the throne which said: "Behold, God's dwelling-place is with ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the new heaven on earth.htm

He Argues against Adversaries Concerning the Heaven of Heavens.
... of all who are holy, whether angels or men, as being God's dwelling-place. ... the whole
spiritual intellectual nature; namely, this highest heaven, in which the ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xv he argues against adversaries.htm

Man's Greatness and God's Greatness.
... God's dwelling-place is that eternity which has neither past nor future ... exhibit to
us the greatness of God is that ... after mountain rears its snow to heaven in a ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xviii mans greatness and gods.htm

On the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist
... come to pass in this Abyss. This, truly, is much more God's Dwelling-place
than heaven or man. A man, who verily desires to enter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xi on the feast.htm

Of Divers Gifts of God's Chosen: and How Saints Come to Love in ...
... to God, he receives for meed that dwelling-place of heavenly ... be here perfectly healed,
but in heaven where the ... comforts his wits to behold God; and everlasting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vi of divers gifts.htm

The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5
... Heaven, we believe, is a place of glorious realities, and ... a tabernacle, and is commonly
spoken of as God's dwelling among men and of His dwelling place. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision in heaven .htm

'Many Mansions'
... There will be a great many occupants of the mansions in heaven that Christian ... and
make our abode with him.' Our mansion is in God; God's dwelling-place is in us ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/many mansions.htm

Whether Paradise was a Place Adapted to be the Abode of Man?
... to the nature of the soul; since the desire of heaven is implanted ... Therefore if it
were adapted as a dwelling-place for man, it seems that God made paradise ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether paradise was a place.htm

Scriptural Types.
... The Mosaic tabernacle was, as we have seen, God's visible earthly dwelling-place. ...
through Jesus Christ; secondly, in the glorified church in heaven. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Chapter xxviii
... he had been allowed to enter God's dwellingplace and meet Him. But to be at such
a place was practically equivalent to having found a gate leading to heaven. ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxviii.htm