What’s Up With Heaven?

This summary explores the biblical reality of heaven, addressing its nature, its plurality, and the exclusive path to gaining citizenship there, as taught by Dr. David Jeremiah. The core message emphasizes that heaven is a real, prepared place and the central theme of scripture.

1. The Prominence and Reality of Heaven

Heaven is not a minor topic in scripture; it is a major theme that runs from Genesis to Revelation. It is mentioned more than 600 times in the Bible, appearing in 33 of the 39 Old Testament books and 21 books in the New Testament.

Heaven is a Prepared Place

Contrary to secular opinions that claim heaven is merely a “benevolent state of mind,” a “human invention,” or a “neverland,” the Bible states that heaven is a special place. Jesus affirmed this, saying, “I go to prepare a place for you“. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.

The Old Testament word for heaven, shmayam, means “the heights”. The New Testament Greek word, Uranus, refers to something that is raised up or lofty.

Names and Descriptions of Heaven

The Bible uses numerous names and comparisons to describe heaven, each suggesting a different aspect of its nature:

• Country: Suggests how vast heaven is.
• City: Represents the many people who live there.
• Kingdom: Implies how orderly and organized the government is.
• Paradise: Conveys the beauty of heaven.
• The Father’s House: This description implies that God’s people will feel at home and experience joy and compassion when they arrive.

2. The Plurality of Heavens: Understanding the Three Realms

As readers encounter the hundreds of mentions of the word “heaven,” they must recognize that the Bible speaks of three distinct heavens:

A. The First Heaven: Atmospheric Heaven

The first heaven is the atmospheric heaven—the sky.

• This is the realm of clouds, birds, and life-giving oxygen.
• Scripture references rain and snow coming down from the heaven and the counting of the clouds.
• It is the thin layer of gases that sustains life on Earth, mostly within 10 miles of the surface.

B. The Second Heaven: Stellar Heaven

The second heaven is the stellar heaven—the vast universe.

• This realm includes outer space filled with billions of stars, planets, constellations, meteors, and galaxies.
• Genesis describes lights (sun, moon, and stars) in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night.
• The Psalmist praised God for the “lavish display of his glory,” referring to the stars and the moon which He ordained.

C. The Third Heaven: God’s Dwelling Place

The third heaven is the highest heaven, the very dwelling place of God.

• Paul spoke of a man (referring to himself) caught up to the third heaven and into paradise, where he heard inexpressible words.
• Solomon referred to this place, stating that “heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain you“.
• It is also called God’s holy temple, a better country, and the Father’s house.
• This is the place where God’s throne radiates glory, angels fill the skies with praise, and the redeemed will live forever. This is the future address of those who know Jesus.

3. The Preciousness of Heaven: Resources, Relationships, and Rewards

Heaven is precious for multiple reasons, all centered on the eternal benefits reserved for the believer.

The Redeemer and Central Focus

Our Redeemer is there. When believers arrive, the pearly gates and golden streets will fade into insignificance when compared with Jesus Christ.

• Seeing Jesus: Currently, believers rejoice with “joy inexpressible and full of glory” without having seen Him; the experience of actually seeing Him will be monumental.
• The Scars: Jesus is in heaven in His human body, bearing the scars of our redemption in His hands and in His feet. These scars remind every person in heaven that they are there because of Him.
• Fellowship: The fellowship of Jesus in heaven is the most precious thing about that place.

Relationships and Community

Our relationships are in heaven. Believers will live in an eternal community with fellow Christians.

• Fellow Saints: Heaven will include an innumerable company of angels and the Church of the firstborn.
• Historical Figures: Believers will speak with people from every era of history, including biblical figures like David, Joseph, Daniel, and Paul, and later theologians like C.S. Lewis and Charles Haden Spurgeon.
• Reuniting with Loved Ones: Heaven reunites us with loved ones we’ve lost—parents, siblings, children, and friends. This hope is a comfort to those who grieve, assuring them that heaven is a place with no pain and no worries.

Inheritance and Citizenship

Our resources are in heaven. Believers have an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that does not fade away, reserved in heaven.

• Financial Security: This inheritance will never be touched by inflation, lost in an economic crash, or decline in value.
• Citizenship: Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Believers are merely ambassadors for the Lord Jesus Christ on planet Earth.
• Children of the King: Believers are not just guests; they are sons and daughters of the King, seated at His table.

Rewards and Riches

The Bible details five different rewards (crowns) for which believers can qualify. These crowns will be cast at the feet of Jesus in worship.

• Laying up Treasure: Believers are commanded to lay up treasures in heaven, where thieves cannot steal.
• Eternal Investment: Only two things are eternal: the souls of human beings and the Word of God. Investing in these—leading people to Christ (or giving money for them to come to Christ) and emphasizing the Word of God—is how one sends riches to heaven.