Did you know that there are 3 different heavens listed in the Bible?
The first heaven is our sky or atmosphere, which contains things such as the birds, clouds, and the air we breathe. "And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven." Genesis 1:20.
The second heaven is the universe, which contains things such as the planets, the stars, the moon and sun, and all the galaxies. "For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light..." Isaiah 13:10
The third heaven, or Paradise, is the place where God's home is: "The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven..." (Psalm 11:4) God gives us a glimpse of His home in His Word, which we'll examine in this article a little closer.
Heaven is Beautiful in its Architecture
The Bible says that the New Jerusalem, a city within heaven, stretches 1,500 miles long, 1,500 miles wide, and 1,500 miles tall. Additionally, Revelation 21 tells us that the city and its street is made out of pure gold. (v. 18, 21) Consider just for a second that if this heavenly street were 1,500 miles long (the length of the city), and 12 feet wide, and 2 inches thick of gold, to build the street would require 37,171,200,000 ounces of gold. At the current gold price, that's $167,463,690,240,000 dollars! Though an incredible cost - this serves an important point: what God has prepared for us is far above what anyone could ever imagine.
Another beautiful part of the city is its foundation, which is made from precious stones like sapphire, emerald, and amethyst, to name just a few. (Revelation 21:19-21).
Further, Jesus tells us that in heaven there are many mansions reserved for Christians throughout the ages, saying,"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)"
Heaven is Beautiful in its Absences
The Bible says in Revelation 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." It's comforting to know there's no more death, sorrow, tears, crying, or pain in heaven. There will be no cancer centers, funeral homes, or hospitals; and there will be no mental illness, depression, anxiety, or any other thing that causes us to suffer!
Additionally, the cause of all suffering, sin, won't be in heaven, either! the Bible says "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." (Revelation 21:27). There will be no more bullying, stealing, lying, cheating, abuse, divorce, sexual sin, or any other sin that could be named.
Heaven is Beautiful in its Anticipation
If you've ever lost a loved one - you know it can really hurt. Yet, if you're loved one was a Christian, you can anticipate seeing them once again in heaven. Consider Hebrews 12:23, which says: "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect," This verse simply means that all believers are awaiting you in heaven. For this reason we don't sorrow as non-believers, for we know we'll see our saved loved one again. "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13."
How Does One Get to Heaven?
The location of heaven isn't revealed in the Bible, but that's not important to know. In fact, when Jesus' disciple Thomas asked Him how to get to heaven, Jesus didn't hand him a roadmap or give him the address of his heavenly mansion. Instead, Jesus told Him the only way to get to heaven is through the Lord Jesus Christ. Take a second to read the account here:
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Although many people try to get to heaven by doing good works or trusting in someone other than Jesus, the Bible is crystal clear: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). Only through the Lord Jesus Christ can one gain entrance into heaven.
Matthew 6:19-20
