by Larry Buote
Many believe that heaven is a state of mind, and that the optimistic imaginary thinking of religious men has been written in the Bible. But heaven revelations came upon men at unexpected times, when they were not thinking about heaven, and came upon different men, who did not, nor could not copy each other.
Heaven was revealed to Isaiah over 3800 years ago, to Ezekiel over 2800 years ago, and to Paul and John near 1900 years ago. Paul saw a paradise, Ezekiel saw cherub-wheels, Isaiah saw the throne of God, and Stephen saw the glory of God. John saw a city with foundations of precious stones and gates of solid pearls. (Rev.21:15-21) He writes of a street of gold and of a river as clear as crystal. John was amazed with its brilliance, Isaiah with the holiness of the throne, and Ezekiel with astonishing rainbow colors. Reading these many differences makes it clear that there was no copy, and reading of similarities of circumstances makes it clear that the revelations were of divine origin.
Also, if heaven is only the wishful imagination of men, why would Paul not speak of what he heard? (2 Cor. 12) Why did Isaiah exclaim “woe is me?” (Is. 6) And why did John fell as a dead man before the Lord? (Rev. 1)
Prophets were taken to heaven and saw angels and angelic creatures. But the prophet Ezekiel saw the same creatures come to earth. And he tells us specifically where they came from. (From the north) if we compare Ezekiel 1, Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4, we see the identical heaven and the same creatures of heaven.
The writings of Daniel are more associated with the coming kingdom, however heaven is referred to thirty-two times in his book. He refers to the God or Lord of heaven seven times, he spoke of the host of heaven, the four winds of heaven and (as Ezekiel) of one “like the Son of man” coming with the clouds of heaven. Daniel refers to the Ancient of Days three times. John’s vision, which happened many years later, (Rev. 1) also writes of the Ancient of Days, telling us of the unchanging God of heaven. The Son of man coming to the Ancient of days, tells us of the Father and Son in heaven. (Dan. 7:9-13)
THE LARGE GARDEN
Eden was a place of beauty, peace and rest. But paradise existed before Eden. The abundant life offered to Adam, is being enjoyed now in the heavenly garden. The Garden of Eden was a specific place designed by God on earth. But paradise life existed before Eden. And was probably enjoyed in eternity past by the angels. There was a heavenly paradise, where spirits lived, and are now living. The heavenly garden is non-physical, made for spirits, which need no material items for their happiness. Eden was paradise made physical, for physical man to enjoy.
Paul writes of the third heaven, (2 Cor. 12:2) the first heaven being the clouds and all that relates to earth, the second being outer space where the demons and Satan now are, who were cast out of the third heaven because of sin. (Eze. 28:16) Paul thought it not “lawful” to describe his “heaven transport experience” but later writes of heaven to the Ephesian church. (Eph. 1:3; 2:6; 3:10) He states that all spiritual blessings are bestowed in heaven. That believers are counted as already raised up together, and are sitting together in heaven. That it will take ages to show the exceeding riches of the grace and kindness of God. So Moses wrote of the earthly paradise in Genesis 2, but Paul tells us of a Paradise above.
Greek instructed teachers have compared the word paradise, not to a back-yard garden, but to a national park. Our Lord also mentioned paradise in Revelation 2. After building a new world, it was logical that the creator make a paradise in the center of it.
We wonder why Jesus promised paradise to the converted thief, and not a mansion in the Father’s house. The garden of Gethsemane could be seen from the cross. Was this the reason Jesus spoke of paradise? The Lord told a dying man who was looking at a beautiful garden, of another garden in another world. Of a place of rest and peace until the kingdom would be established.The converted thief desired to reign with the Lord (Luke 23) but the Lord gave him a paradise rest until the reign.
So our Lord tells us of a man gone to paradise. Paul was “caught up” and tells us where paradise is. (2 Cor. 12) Also, the apostle tells us that the third heaven and the paradise are the same.
THE TREE ANDTHE RIVER
Trees are necessary for physical life, for oxygen, fruit and shade. Some trees are very large, others are very straight. The cedar and olive trees were much used for building, and we read of a special tree (Ge. 3:22-24) planted in Eden. The tree of life, in the midst of the paradise of God, is underlined by Moses, and John, many years later, saw a same tree in the New Jerusalem. (Rev. 22:2, 14) It seems clear that this tree is symbolic of eternal life, lost in Eden, but never will be lost in the heavenly city. (Rev. 2)
Was Solomon thinking of the Eden tree when writing of the qualities of life in Proverbs chapters 3, 11, 13 and 15? In chapter 3 he writes of wisdom, which gives true happiness to all who have and share it. He adds in chapter 11; he that wins souls is wise. Also in chapter 11; the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. A life displaying righteousness, like one manifesting genuine wisdom, yields wholesome spiritual fruit to all who come in contact with that life. Fulfilled Hope, is a tree of life in Proverbs 13. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” It is indeed rejuvenating when a hope comes true, especially after much prayer. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life in chapter 15. (v. 4) Wholesome is a medical term; to make others well with my words. Saints can become a veritable tree of life now. Indeed, these qualities should be seen in every believer.
The only man where seen perfectly was our Lord, but we should all desire these qualities to be seen in our lives on earth. It may be that spirit eyes are now looking at the tree of life. It is clear that true fruit of righteousness, genuine wisdom, wholesome speech and fulfilled hope are now presently in heaven. It is also clear that new body eyes will look upon the tree of life in the kingdom. There will be no ban as in the Garden of Eden, the tree will be literal and in the literal city. Rev. 22:1-11
Tree is the word used by Peter to describe the cross; “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree.” (1 Peter 2:24) And we wonder if the tree of life was on Peter’s mind when he wrote of Calvary in his epistle.
No blissful place can be complete without water; all happy places have or are near a pure river. To let us know, that in heaven there shall be no want of anything that can make the saints happy. Rivers are emblems of life: Of beauty, purity, activity, and fullness. The prophets write of rivers; Joel saw a fountain out of the house of the Lord. (Joel 3:18)
Zechariah spoke of living waters from Jerusalem. (Zec.14:8) Our Lord also tells of a river, (Rev. 2:7) and of the tree of life.
This theme begins in Eden (Ge. 2:10-14) continues through the scripture and into the millennial Jerusalem. (Eze. 47:1, 12; Zec. 14:8) Life from God will flow uninterrupted reminding the saints of life, ever enjoyed, ever fresh. Life in fullness, free from every taint of death, as the term, “pure crystal” seem to indicate.
There will be a literal river in the kingdom, not yet erected by the king, but we wonder if heaven is not now furnished with a tree and a river. Is there presently a ‘stream’ that gladdens the citizens of heaven?
THE CITY
It was divine choice that Palestine be the country of Jehovah’s people, and for Jerusalem to be its capital. Lying midway between the east and the west, placed between the great military monarchies, first of Egypt and Assyria, and then of Rome and the East, it naturally became the battlefield of nations and the highway of the world.
The Rabbis say: “The world is like an eye. The ocean surrounding the world is the white of the eye; its black is the Promised Land and the pupil of the eye is Jerusalem, and the image within the pupil is the sanctuary.”
“Beautiful and the joy of the whole earth is mount Zion, and the city of the Great King. Walk about Zion, go round about her: tell the towers thereof. Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces.” (Ps. 48:2, 12, 13) In the later books of the Old Testament Zion describes Jerusalem in general, (Ps. 87:2 149:2, Is. 33:14, Joel 2:1) Zion also describes God’s chosen Israel. (Ps. 51:18; 87:5) In the New Testament Zion, or Sion, is used to describe the Church of God. (Heb. 12:22 and also to describe the heavenly city. (Rev. 14:1)
Our Lord loved Jerusalem, and wept over it. He walked its streets and ate the Passover with His disciples in the upper room. He was seen in the Temple and His triumphant entry into the city had given hope to an enslaved people, but His death dashed their hopes and even true believers doubted the blessed promise of the prophesied King. But he will walk the streets of Jerusalem again, as we read in Psalm 24, and also in the second Psalm.
Its first mention is in the days of Melchisedek, who went out to meet Abraham. (Ge. 14:19) Melchisedek was the priest-king of the city, then known as Salem. Jerusalem is built on several hills. (Ps. 68:15,16; 125:2) which includes mount Moriah. Here Abraham offered up Isaac, but the angel stayed his hand. Years later another angel who came to judge the army of Israel was seen by David on the same mount. (2 Sam. 24:16)
Because of these memorable events, Solomon here built the temple, near was also built the palace of David, and on mount Ophel was a great tower, and the residence of the Levites. (Mi. 4:8)
Historians tell us that the name Jerusalem means “the foundation,” or the “inheritance of peace.” Ancient Rabbis have combined Jireh and Shalem, and say that Abraham called it “Jehovah-Jireh.” Others say that Shem had named it “Shalem”. Jirah was joined to make; “Jireh-Shalem”, or Jerusalem.
A most blessed period of Israel’s past is the scene of a moving people who, with their hymns of praise, came to Jerusalem on the eve of their harvest festivals. From whatever side the traveler approached, his first impression of Jerusalem would be heart-moving. But for all who traveled the well-known road over the Mount of Olives, or coming from the east, the city, which was completely hid from view, would appear suddenly. From Mount Olivet the whole city of Jerusalem could be seen, with its walls, towers, streets, and its magnificent temple. The city was about four miles in circumference, and was home to 600,000 Jews, but according to Jewish historians, 2 million were often counted at the time of the Passover. Every house in Jerusalem was open to the travelers who came to worship.
A renewed earthly Jerusalem will also be the center of attraction in the kingdom age. Our Lord spoke of a large number who will come into that earthly Kingdom. (Luke 13) Jerusalem will become a seaport and all nations will come up yearly to worship. (Zec. 14:5, 16; Eze. 47:10)
Jesus will enter Jerusalem again and the city will become the seat of His Kingdom. Ezekiel writes of the future Jerusalem, and called the name of the city; “Jehovah Shahmmah”, the Lord is there, (Eze. 48:35) Isiah writes that many people will say; Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem. (Is. 2:3) indeed, Jesus will walk the streets of Jerusalem again, as we read in David. Psalm 2, and Psalm 24.
(Kingdom reflections on this web site)
But Abraham looked for another city. The twelve foundations was not told him, nor names on the foundations. John is later told of its foundations, gates and dimensions. (Rev. 21) Approximately 2000 kilometers long, wide and high. A four-square city, declaring the culmination or the perfect completion of God’s labor with humanity. It is the home of the bride, and of repentant Israel. The salvation of both was foreordained and designed to fit into the city, and not the city made to fit the redeemed. The foreknowledge of God is perfect and the scriptures tell us that the church and Israel were in the mind of God even before one soul was saved, so the New Jerusalem was built before the sons of Jacob or the twelve Apostles were born, or even before the world was created. (Eph. 1:4)
The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
The opened pearl gates tell us of movement between heaven and earth. While the city will be the permanent abode of saints, service on earth will be the occupation of the church and Israel. Also planets and the vast universe will be open to all with eternal resurrection bodies. We will go forth and visit other worlds, and study the works of God in all parts of his dominion.
John writes of twelve gates, of twelve angels, twenty-four names and twelve tribes. We remember the Lord’s words; “Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Mt. 19:28
The number twelve is associated with government. The more than one hundred times found in the Old Testament give us this assurance. Most of which are associated with Israel. The number twelve is found sixty times in the New Testament, ten of which are in the book of the Revelation. So it seems clear that heaven’s government is aligned around the number twelve.
Heaven’s Government includes God’s responsibility and care toward His people. Aaron’s ephod and breastplate was Jehovah’s spiritual provision to His people. (Ex. 28:9) Our High Priest intercedes for us, our names are on His shoulders, He wears our names on His heart. The tree of life, which bares twelve manners of fruits in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 22:2) is again a figure of our Lord’s provision. The twelve fountains of water at Elim, (Numbers 33) and the fragments that remained in twelve baskets are figurative of Jehovah’s unrelenting faithfulness and responsibility fulfilled toward His earthly people. (Mt. 14:20)
We note also that the woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood, was sick twelve years. (Mt. 9:20) And the damsel who was raised was of the age of twelve. (Mark 5:42) Again, both referring, in type, to Israel.
The Lord’s words in Matthew 26; “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Mt. 26:53) is probably also associated with the ranks and government of angels.
The city moving to earth will be the answer to the Lord’s taught prayer. The will of God will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Jacob’s ladder and the mount of transfiguration are illustrations of this coming kingdom age, where there will be direct communication between heaven and earth. The order of nations is illustrated in the transfiguration mount scene. We remember Solomon’s reign, and the queen of Sheba who marveled at the order of the temple and Solomon’s servants. These Scriptures remind us, figuratively, of the nations who will travel to Jerusalem in the kingdom age. Our Lord told of this day in Luke 13. Also, in Revelation 3, tells of security and eternal citizenship, for the name of God and the name of the city will be written on the overcomer.
CITIZENS OF THE CITY
John saw souls in heaven. (Rev. 6:9; 20:4) A large part of Israel is now there. They will have a major part in the future kingdom, as typified in the mount of transfiguration scene. The city will be the home of the bride, and also the home of resurrected Israel. As the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles indicate. These will be the Old Testament saints, as Abraham, Moses, David, Sarah, Deborah, Ruth, the prophets, with many others. This large number will be in resurrection bodies and have their place in the Golden city. As Abraham’s seed they will, as Abraham, find the city with foundations.
Others will include believing Jews or Israelites of the Church Age, Israelites by birth, and part of the Church by choice. They are associated with the Lamb and will be God’s spiritual or heavenly people. Admitting their sins and receiving Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour brought them into a personal relationship with Christ, and made them members of the Church.
They later became one with all Jews and Gentiles who would be born again. They are among the larger assembly, and mansions are prepared for them in the city.
Someone said; the martyr is there but not because he suffered and was killed for the cause of the gospel. Paul is there but not because he preached. The sinner thief is there, but without his sins. Religious Nicodemus is there, but without his religion. The child is there but not because he was innocent. They are in heaven because of the free gift of eternal life, procured by the Saviour at the cross.
The Father takes pleasure in events and persons. He delights in His creation, and is occupied with it every day. (John 5:17) He takes pleasure in upholding all things by the word of his power. But in His presence is “fullness of Joy”, because of the Son, who is anointed, glorified and exalted. (Ph. 2:9, Heb. 1:9) The Father delights in His Son, who is “the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His Person” before whom He was always rejoicing, even before any creature existed. (Pr. 8:30)
There is contentment and satisfaction in the Father’s house. “Glory and honor are in His presence; strength and gladness are in his place.” (1 Ch. 16:27)
A remnant of Israel or tribulation believers will be a physical people on earth after the church is taken to heaven. They will receive the messiah and enter into His reign while still in their physical bodies. 144000 marked Israelites together with a large assembly of non-Israelite nations, will be saved, as Nineveh of old, they will respond to the kingdom preaching and believe. (Revelation 7) this assembly will be the sheep who will survive the tribulation and will honor the Lord’s chosen earthly people. (Mt. 24) they also will enter into the kingdom in their physical bodies, unlike the church and many Jews who will be in glorified resurrection bodies. They will believe the Gospel and will be preserved through the 42 months of the great tribulation period.
Enoch, Abel, Seth, Adam and Eve, Noah, his three sons and their wives, Job and others who were before Israel, and not of the church, will also be in resurrection bodies. So will be in the heavenly city, for it seems fitting that all in resurrection bodies will be in the city and all physical-bodied believers will live on earth.
Another large assembly will be individuals who will come to faith in the Son during the Millennial Kingdom. They will walk in the light of the city. For the New Jerusalem will come down from God, and will pause over the earth for 1000 years. We read of the purity of the city, its brightness underlined. (Rev. 21:23) Late scientific discoveries reveal that the sun, moon and stars are composed of a molten matter, surrounded by a luminous atmosphere from which light is magnified. We remember that the light is mentioned on the first day, (Ge. 1:3) while the sun and moon were created on the fourth day. The sun and moon being only reflectors of divine Light, (Ge. 1:19) will not be necessary in the eternal city, for our Lord Himself will be its light. We cannot comprehend a world without the light of the sun. But there was a light in heaven before the sun was created. The similar light will be in the city four-square. So people of the earth will walk in the light of the city during millennium days, for 1000 years they will enjoy its light, and will be under its government. John’s vision closes with an echo of before written scripture. Isaiah tells of ‘No Night’ (Is. 60:19) The uncreated beams of radiance, now present around the throne, is the light of the city. (Rev. 21:23) And the children of light will be in the city and in the Father’s house.
The Jewish poet has written; “the world to come will be, all day, mystically and figuratively, there will be no night of spiritual darkness and desertion, of drowsiness, sleepiness, and inactivity, of error and heresy, or of calamity and distress of any kind.” Which is oft signified by night in Scripture. (Song of Solomon 3:1; Is. 26:9)
The Lord’s favor upon David is expressed in Psalm 23. He concludes that the goodness and mercy which had followed him in life would continue in eternity. The house of the Lord, (Ps. 23:6) was maybe the tabernacle, for the temple was not yet built, but we wonder if David is thinking of God’s house in heaven. He was assured of the constant enjoyment and blessed privilege of worshipping and enjoying God in his sanctuary. David did not know the words of John 14, but a room in the house of the Lord was revealed to him. So heaven is designed for the church, also for David and all Old Testament saints.
The house is in the center of the perfect order. The bride is the center of our Lord’s affections and will be in the center of God’s structured heaven. The house is also where the throne or government of God is forever established and where the agents of fire are covering their faces. (Is. 6) The house is where the Son lived before He came to earth. In the house is where our home is found, where our name is written, and inside our mansion is where our treasure is gathered.
It would seem that the throne of God is at the top of the city. Gabriel told Mary of the power of the Highest, and Isaiah writes of the Most High God, the high and lofty One. (Is. 57:15) El-ion appeared to Abraham in Genesis 14, which Name also has that meaning. And Christ is called: “The Son of the Highest.” (Luke 1:32)
Isaiah wrote of heaven and was overwhelmed with the holiness of the throne of Jehovah. It is significant that Isaiah, as Moses, writes of three divine Persons in his vision, which is the reason for the thrice holy description in verse 3. And that the same three divine Persons are found in the book of Revelation chapters 1 to 4. Where John heard the equivalent expression when he was transported to heaven.
Seraphim’s are noted by Isaiah, (Is.6:6) and are the same creatures of fire described in Hebrews 1:7. Reference to these holy creatures are found several more time in scripture. Seraphim, cherubim, guardian angels, soldier angels, and messenger angels make up the family of created spirits in heaven.
We wonder why no temple will be found in the city. It seems that a physical temple, with a confined place for the presence of God, will not be the order in the city. Is the specific mention of no temple, to underline this fact? Also there will a temple on earth during the millennium years.
John writes; “…they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” (Rev. 22) To see God’s face is to have access to him and to enjoy his favor. (Ps. 17:15 27:8) The light of God’s countenance is his favor. (Ps. 44:3, Dan. 9:17) Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake. (Ps. 31:16) Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. Psalms 80:19. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. (Ps. 119:135)
The meaning of the word showbread is the showing of the face, and we believe that the priests were reminded of the face of God when they ministered in the holy place.
Adam and Eve hid from the face of the Lord. (Ge. 3:8) and we note that His Face is also associated with anger, justice, and severity. (Ge. 16:6; Ex. 2:15; Ps. 68:1; Re 6:16; 20:11) To “provoke God to his face” (Is. 65:3) is to sin against Him openly.
Impossible even to Moses while in his physical body. (Ex. 33:20) Now Moses is without sin and can see His face, it is the delight of all in heaven to see the face of Jesus, and to be reminded of Isaiah’s words: “…His visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men. (Is. 52:14) Paul reminds us of the face of Jesus; For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:6)
The tears which God will wipe away from the blessed remind us of pain now endured. All earthly sorrow will be wiped away. What the saints have suffered in their earthly life will no longer be in the New Jerusalem. And all who were previously hungry and thirsty will be satisfied.
The Father’s house is the home of pure love, which was displayed to us, even while we were yet sinners. He quickened us when we were dead in trespasses and in sins; He looked upon us in all our unlovable condition, and gave us life. (Eph. 2:4, Titus 3:3-5) Therefore we are sure that heaven is a place of unchanging love.
Abraham’s bosom was the place of security and affection for every Hebrew, our Lord taught that angels took the beggar there, as written in Luke 16. If Abraham has found the long- sought-for city, the beggar must now be in the city four-square. The extremely poor man is now extremely rich, for he is walking on gold.
The Bible refers to heaven as the Father’s bosom, (John 1:18) and the coming kingdom as the bosom of Christ. (Is. 40:11) and The Lord spoke of heaven as Abraham’s bosom, (Luke 16:23)
Jesus referred to heaven as a place of record, (Luke 10:20) Are we presumptuous to add that our names are registered in the Father’s house? Maybe on the door of our mansion, the date of our birth is maybe also registered, and the date of our salvation. We have a treasure, as our Lord taught in Matthew 5. The prayers of the martyrs, recorded in Revelation 8, would suggest that all prayers are recorded in heaven. Is the date of our death also written? It may be so for some, but not for all, because the Lord will come and many will not die.
Moses and Elias, seen by Peter, James and John, (Mt. 17) confirms the truth of living Persons now in heaven in their unclothed state. They will all receive incorruptible and immortal bodies at the resurrection, and will be “clothed upon”, becoming a completed and glorified new creation. (2 Cor. 5) now they are spirits, as the angels, and as God Himself.
At this moment every child who died while young, every unborn child, and the born mentally deficient are conscious beings in heaven.
Every converted sinner is in heaven, as religious Lydia, and the non-religious Jailer. (Acts 16) Both heard the Gospel and were saved. The unnamed thief who believed the Lord’s promise is still in paradise and is still waiting for the kingdom. He is still enjoying the rest and peace of the heavenly garden. For him it was not long ago that he heard the Lord’s words, for there is no time in heaven. If “a day is as a thousand years”, (2 Pe. 3:8) it is not yet 2 days since the Lord welcomed him in Paradise.
Paul assured the Thessalonians (1 Th. 4) that the believers who died before the establishment of the kingdom would not miss the glorious reign of Christ. These words would have been of little consolation to the Thessalonians if they would not recognize their loved ones in heaven. Moses and Elias were recognized on the mount of transfiguration, telling us that we will not only know our earthly acquaintances in heaven but will know all believers. Mr. H. A. Ironside writes: “I will know others and will know all mysteries, even as God knows me now and has known me all down through the years.”
We read of singing and praise in heaven. John 4 tells of praise that is being fulfilled in our day. The Father has found worshipers; collective and private prayers are a great joy to the Father. All are recorded in heaven. (Mt. 6;20; John 5:17)
In Luke 15 Jesus refers to three rejoicing Persons in heaven. For the father, the shepherd, and the sweeping woman in the parable, surely remind us of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The parable does not exclude the joy of angels, for angels’ rejoice in the salvation of souls, presently happening every hour on earth.
Another present activity is the death of saints. What is sadness on earth is joy when the soul enters heaven. Angels also must rejoice in this, for they cared for individual saints until their death, and now rejoice to see them in heaven. Also, angels and men are now both spirits, another cause for joy. Indeed, all saints in heaven do welcome the believer who exits his earthly body, all in heaven are partakers of this alike joy.
There is joy in heaven now, and will be more when the bride is united and when the espousal is made visible to all. (Rev. 19:7) The bride is, and will be his delight, and crown of rejoicing, when we shall be brought into his presence, and before the Father. There will be “exceeding joy.” (Jude 1:24)
CHANGES IN HEAVEN
Sin by Satan and by angels has changed heaven. Heaven is the home of Gabriel, Michael, the seraphim’s, cherubim’s, and millions of angels. It was the home of Lucifer, he was a seraphim, or a mighty cherub.
Jehovah leaving heaven to dwell with Israel, the Son leaving heaven to die, Holy Spirit, the third Person, coming to dwell in an earth temple, in the church and in the individual believer, also changed heaven.When the Lord ascended up from Olivet, the disciples did not realize that a permanent change had taken place in heaven. Unlike Enoch and Elijah our Lord ascended in glorified-body power. The Father received the first of many more who will yet be received at the resurrection. “Where I am there ye may be also” (John 14) is the promise to the complete saved person, not only to the soul. Death is a fearful experience for every lost soul, but for the believer it can be compared to breaking out of an eggshell. Our body is a prison, which keeps us away from true life. As the bird leaves his eggshell, which will be buried in the earth, so the believer leaves the body at death. Unlike the bird that will never see his eggshell again, the believer’s body will be raised. Souls are now fully conscious spirits, but man was originally designed to have an eternal body.
Perfect life will begin at the resurrection. A life with a new tangible-without-limitations body. Our body is now a vehicle. But is also a prison. Our new bodies will still be a vehicle, but will no longer be a prison. We can now enjoy many aspects of life, but there is a time limit. There will be no time limit when we receive our new bodies. Our minds are now a dictionary of knowledge, but there is failure, as to understanding, and as to recollection. There will be no failure or recollection limit in our perfect bodies.
The variety and individuality of bodies is taught figuratively in 1 Corinthian 15. As there are different grains there will be individuality in bodies. Some seed resemble the grain, some do not. So it will be at the resurrection. Believers who died in youth will be young. Believers who died at old age will also be young.
Some future events will also change heaven. Paul tells of spoiled principalities and powers being overcome. Jesus making a show of them openly, triumphing over them. (Col. 2:15) Through death our Lord destroyed him that had the power of death. (Heb. 2:14) Satan and demons have been disarmed, but not yet dethroned. There is a marked future time, when all rule, (or principality) all authority and power will be put down. (1 Cor.15:24) We cannot imagine the encounter of Rev. 12, when the hierarchy of evil will meet the original hierarchy of angels. Michael the worrier angel will face his arch enemy, Lucifer. Isaiah wrote of this day; and it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth. Is. 24:21
The Lord’s coming, will be with a loud thunderous arc-angel shout. Later, Michael will shout his army into rank, in preparation of this military campaign.
After 1000 years the heavenly city will come to the new earth. Gabriel told Mary that her Son’s reign will be without end. But there was more revelation, and now we know that there will be an interval after 1000 years. During that interruption there will be the Judgement of Satan and his free-will followers. The destruction of this earth, and the G. W. T. judgement.
Presently there is an individual, intelligent choosing of the Son, in view of that reign. Many will be in heaven who made no choice; angels and children. But it was the will of the Father to give a willing bride to His Son. John writes of a life that was hid with the Father, and that the cross was not an inferior blessing, which came after the “failure” of the kingdom. The Son brought this life to us, and the Spirit brought us to it. The Spirit is the earnest or guarantee of that life.
So the Christian hope is the rapture of the church, when every saint who died in Christ, and is presently in heaven, will be united to their bodies again. Every believer who is still in their mortal bodies will be changed at this time, and will join the resurrected believers in the air. (1 Thess. 4:16, 1 Cor. 15:52) Souls in heaven are now conscious spirits, but all were originally designed to have an eternal body. This is the “abundant life’ of which the Lord described in John 10:10. It will be a life superior to any that God has previously made. Superior to angels, for angels will never possess eternal spirit-bodies, will never be joint-heirs, or be part of the Bride.
The apostles would wonder why the establishment of the kingdom could not be immediately after His resurrection. (Acts 1) Why the Lord spoke of the Holy Spirit who would come and divine power given to preach the Gospel. The church age, apart from Israel, became clear to them and today the ingathering of the church is ongoing.
It also became clear that the resurrection of pass Israel saints must happen before the kingdom, for the reign will not be with spirits. The resurrection of the just is shown in three parts in scripture; first our Lord, than the church, and the last part will be Israel and the martyred saints who will be raised immediately before the kingdom reign. (Rev. 20:4)
The millennium will see immortal people, for all the saved will be raised prior to the kingdom rule. These saints will include a large part of Israel, a large number saved from the Gentile nations, and all of the church. As mentioned, we assume that the home of these immortals will not be on the earth, which is made for mortal men. Their home will be in the city above the earth.
The question has been asked; what is God presently doing? We remember the Lord’s words in John 5; “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work”. This work includes his Shepard care for all saints, and the care of all creation. The heaven of heavens is where all decisions are made and where all order and power resides. The eternal authority and preeminence of Jehovah-Elohim, holds every atom of life together. “By him all things consist.” (Col. 1:17) He raises up men and powers to fulfill His purposes, He records the falling sparrow, and is interested in the little children. (Luke 9:48) The third heaven is where the Divine Administrator lives. It is where His agents are at His command. It is where the Son lived before Nazareth, and is where the Son is now, and millions of spirits with Him. (Heb. 12:23) He now occupies the throne, which is a throne of grace. He will soon rise up, (Luke 13:25) and grace will end for this world.
The twenty-four seats or thrones (Rev. 4:4) tell us of this administration. And reveal the order and the legislative concept of God’s present governmental rule. Chaos and upheaval are the result of sin and have destroyed divine government on earth, but only partially. The Lord’s work is still evident, seen both in the physical salvation of Israel and in the building of the church.
Some figures of heaven.
“The Footprints of the Saviour” by J. Flanigan aptly describes Bethany as a figure of heaven. Today it is called El Azariyah, the town of Lazarus. Not far from Jerusalem, our Lord walked its stony path many times. Bethany has been called the house of poverty, and we remember our Lord’s teaching: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” (Mt. 5:3) God resisted the proud and our Lord taught; “He that is least among you shall be the greatest.” Bethany was a special place while away from the Father’s house. He delighted to dwell with friends. They showed Him hospitality, and He enjoyed the warmth of their love. The house at Bethany was for Him a “heaven” in a world that had cast Him out.
Martha, Mary, and Lazarus sat with Him. What will it be to sit with Jesus? To enjoy His company and to hear His words. Mary broke her alabaster box of precious sweetness. It was “very costly” reminding us of the richness of the worship of heaven. In a home non-glorified by the leaders of Israel, the Lord spoke of glory to Martha; “Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40) Jews and gentiles of the day would go to the temple to see the glory of God, but the glory of the Son of God was in a humble home outside of the temple and outside of Jerusalem.
The temple in Solomon’s day had the Ark of the Covenant, which was in the oracle or most holy part of the temple. The temple was in the beautiful city of Jerusalem, which was in the land promised to Abraham and to Israel. These were figurative of the golden city, the father’s house and the throne of God. Also, the tabernacle, with its outer court, the holy place and the most holy were shadow of heavenly things. (Heb. 8:5)
There are 2 Father’s houses in our Lord’s teaching. He called Herod’s temple “my father’s house” in John 2:16, and spoke of the heavenly Father’s house in John 14. The Lord compared His Father’s house to the temple, and told his disciples that unlike the chambers of the temple, the dwellings or mansions in heaven were many. (John 14:2) There are also the earthly and heavenly.Jerusalem, and the Lord tells us of the earthly and heavenly paradise.
The lesson of treasures is also taken from the temple. It is written that Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the Lord. (1 Ki. 7:51) And the Lord spoke of laying or storing up spiritual treasures in heaven. (Mt. 6:20)
The furnishings of the temple, the altar of Incense, (1 Ki. 6:20-22) the lamp-stands of pure gold, (1 Ki. 7:48-50) and the tables for the twelve loaves (2 Ch. 4:8) also tell us of the light, worship and communion of heaven. The blue, purple, and crimson colored curtains decorated with cherubim’s, (2 Ch. 3:14) illustrate the holiness and the beauties of heaven.
Gethsemane was an olive garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives. (Luke 22:39, Mark 14:32, John 18:1) It was a sheltered place near Bethany, which probably reminded our Lord of the Garden of Eden. We remember it was our Lord who designed the many kinds of trees and the many kinds of flowers. To this shady retreat many would come from Jerusalem to meditate. Today the supposed garden of Gethsemane is surrounded by a wall, and contains 8 old olive-trees, but the exact site of the garden is maybe unknown.
Heaven, and matters of heaven is also symbolized by mountains in the Bible. “Many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.” (Is. 2:3)
The Lord’s association with mountains, while on earth, is significant. “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night.” (Luke 6:12; Mt. 14:23) “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him.” (Mt. 5:1; Mark 3:13) “The eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.” (Mt. 28:16)
The first mountain of God in Scripture is Moriah, (Ge. 22:14) Mount Horeb is called the mountain of God because of its association with the Divine law, (Ex. 3:1. 20:3) and Isaiah writes of the future mount of the Lord. (Is. 2:3; 11:9; 66:20) Satan was on the holy mountain of God before his sin. (Eze. 28:14)
These and other scriptures confirm that scripture links earthly mountains to heaven. As Jerusalem is compared to the New Jerusalem, the paradise in heaven is compared to the earthly paradise, and we read that it was God Himself who planted the Garden of Eden. It is not unexpected therefore, to read of our Lord’s frequent visits to the garden of Gethsemane.
So earthly places are used in scripture to instruct us concerning heaven: Gardens develop our conception of heaven as a paradise.
In Conclusion.
Millions are now in heaven. Many of which were children, who died before the age of accountability, as in Noah’s day, when millions of children were saved from the same life of sin as their parents. There are many souls in heaven who were saved through the Old Testament sacrifices, and many more who were saved since Calvary. The Gospel of free grace was believed and they are maybe telling their story of conversion in heaven.
Our Lord and angels are presently rejoicing in the beauty of the saved. In all His workmanship, the works of His hands, the Father is glorified, and rejoices. (Eph. 2:10) The guilty and defiled now have the virtues of His Son. The Lord is presently rejoicing and beholding the beauty on his saved people on earth. “The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” (Ps. 147:11)
Jesus spoke of heaven opened, of angels ascending and descending from heaven, of the Son of man who is in heaven, of reward in heaven, of names written in heaven, of joy in heaven, of treasures in heaven, of a voice from heaven, of the authority of heaven, and of signs from heaven. And He called His Father the Lord of heaven. Mt. 3:17, 5:12; 6:9,20;11:25; 23:9;28:2. Mark 1:10; 10:21; 11:30. Luke 3:21; 6:23; 10:21; 12:33; 15:7; 18:22; 20:4; 21:11,25; 28:18. John 1:51; 3:13.
The Lord compared His Father’s house to the temple, and told his disciples that unlike the chambers of the temple, the dwellings or mansions in heaven were many. (John 14:2)
Our Lord also spoke of sinning against heaven, of judgement from heaven. (Luke 9:54; 17:29) He called heaven, God’s throne: (Mt. 5:34) He spoke of manna coming from heaven, and that He was the bread from heaven. (John 6:41) Jesus also said that there are no marriages in heaven. (Mark 12:25)
Paul was looking forward to heaven. “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. … For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.” (Ph. 1:21-23)He was not sure if he had before died, but was sure that he had already been there. (2 Cor. 12)
We noted Moses who was revealed heaven by the tabernacle. Ezekiel also, who writes of cherubs and the Son of Man coming to earth; reminding us of the old hymn; “Heaven came down, and glory filled my soul” Isaiah was probably in the temple on earth, and thinking of the Day of Atonement, but was revealed the house, or temple in heaven.
Heaven was revealed to Isaiah is days of departure. Heaven was revealed to John on the Lord’s Day. From Isaiah’s day to John’s day there is no change. (Three holies) The holiness of God cannot change. Three divine Persons can be found in Isaiah 6, and also in Revelation chapters 1-4.
Jesus revealed heaven as a paradise, (Rev. 2) the city of my God, (Rev. 3) and the Father’s house. (John 14)Is the New Jerusalem situated in the paradise? Is the house located in the city, and the throne in the house? Would it be too speculative to assume that this is the order of heaven?
Sources and other recommended readings:
Body of Divinity by John Gill.
First Epistle to the Corinthians by H. A. Ironside.
Newberry notes.