Topical Encyclopedia Heaven, as depicted in the Bible, is the dwelling place of God, characterized by its holiness and purity. The concept of holiness in heaven is central to its nature and is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. Holiness, in the biblical sense, refers to being set apart, sacred, and free from sin. Heaven, as the abode of God, embodies these attributes perfectly.God's Holiness in Heaven The holiness of heaven is primarily derived from the presence of God, who is inherently holy. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This thrice-repeated declaration of God's holiness underscores the absolute purity and separateness of God from sin. In heaven, God's holiness is fully manifest, and His glory permeates the entire realm. Heavenly Beings and Holiness The inhabitants of heaven, including angels and redeemed saints, reflect the holiness of their environment. Angels, as ministering spirits, are often depicted as holy beings who serve God and execute His will. In Revelation 4:8, the four living creatures around the throne of God continually say, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!" This ceaseless worship highlights the reverence and awe that God's holiness inspires among heavenly beings. The Holiness of the Redeemed The redeemed, those who have been saved by faith in Jesus Christ, are also made holy and are promised a place in heaven. In Ephesians 1:4, Paul writes, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence." This verse emphasizes that believers are set apart for holiness and will ultimately dwell in the holy presence of God in heaven. Heaven as a Holy Sanctuary Heaven is often described as a sanctuary, a holy place where God's presence is fully realized. In Hebrews 8:1-2, it is written, "We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who ministers in the sanctuary and true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man." This passage highlights the heavenly sanctuary as the true and ultimate place of worship, contrasting it with earthly sanctuaries. The New Heaven and New Earth The holiness of heaven is also a key feature of the eschatological vision of the new heaven and new earth. In Revelation 21:1-3, John describes a vision of the new creation, where God will dwell with His people: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth... And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, '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 future reality emphasizes the ultimate fulfillment of God's holy presence with His people, free from sin and death. The Call to Holiness Believers are called to live in holiness as they anticipate their future home in heaven. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, it is exhorted, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness reflects the believer's identity as citizens of heaven and their desire to reflect the character of their holy God. In summary, heaven is depicted in the Bible as a place of unparalleled holiness, where God's presence is fully realized, and His glory is eternally celebrated. The holiness of heaven is reflected in its inhabitants and serves as the ultimate hope and aspiration for believers who seek to live in accordance with God's holy nature. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 26:15Look down from your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless your people Israel, and the land which you have given us, as you swore to our fathers, a land that flows with milk and honey. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 20:6 Isaiah 57:15 Greek 3742. hosiotes -- piety, holiness ... sanctions, ie what the Lord defines (ordains) as holy and just. See 3741 (). 3742 ("holiness") looks to the of what God defines as (ie as heaven's will works ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3742.htm - 7k Library Heaven Invisible and Holy, 1 Cor. 2 9 10 Rev. 21 27 Heaven Invisible and Holy. 1 Cor. 2:9,10; Rev. 21:27 Father of Heaven, who Hast Created All Bread of Heaven, on Thee we Feed Whether the Gifts of the Holy Ghost Remain in Heaven? How is the Kingdom of Heaven Opened and Shut by the Preaching of ... All I desire is God's Holy Will, and if in Heaven I could no ... Why the Holy Ghost Should have Been Mentioned after the Mention of ... Separated unto the Holy Ghost The Holy Catholic Church. 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 |