What are the Heavenly Places/Realms?
The Bible speaks of heavenly places or realms in several passages. Though the exact nature of these places is not fully revealed, Scripture gives us glimpses of the glory, power, and activities in the dwelling place of God and the angelic beings. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about the heavenly realms:
The Dwelling Place of God
Heaven is first and foremost the dwelling place of God. After Jesus’ ascension, Stephen in Acts 7:55-56 saw a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God in heaven. In Matthew 6:9, Jesus taught us to pray to “Our Father in heaven.” God’s throne is in heaven (Isaiah 66:1), where His glory and power are continually praised (Revelation 4-5). Heaven is a holy place where God’s presence fills all things.
The Home of the Angels
The Bible also describes heaven as the home of innumerable angels. When Micaiah saw a vision of God’s throne in 1 Kings 22:19, he saw the host of heaven standing around it. In Luke 15:10, Jesus said the angels in heaven rejoice when a sinner repents. Angels are God’s servants who continually worship Him and carry out His will (Psalm 103:20-21). The archangel Michael and his angels even battled Satan and his demons in Revelation 12:7-9. From these glimpses, we understand heaven is filled with angelic servants who worship God and battle forces of evil.
A Place of Perfection
Heaven is a place of unmatched glory and perfection. In Revelation 21:10-27, the apostle John sees a vision of the New Jerusalem descending from heaven. This celestial city shines with the radiant glory of God. It has streets and buildings made of pure gold and gems. The Garden of Eden is restored in perfection within the city. There is no longer any curse, evil, pain, suffering, or death—only unhindered fellowship with God. Heaven is a place of dazzling beauty, purity, and eternal joy in God’s presence.
Levels of Heaven
Some passages hint there are different levels or dimensions within the heavenly realms. Paul speaks of being caught up to the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Jesus promises faithful believers He will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God (Revelation 2:7). At His ascension, Jesus passed through the heavens (Hebrews 4:14). These verses imply there are layers or dimensions to heaven’s dwelling places. We know the atmosphere and space have distinct levels; similarly, there seem to be gradations in the heavenly dimensions.
A Spiritual Realm
Heaven is a spiritual realm outside the physical universe. After His resurrection, Jesus could pass through closed doors and instantly disappear (Luke 24:31; John 20:19). Heaven transcends space and time; it is a higher plane of supernatural existence. The spiritual realm is just as real the physical (2 Kings 6:17). One day, heaven and earth will merge in the new creation (Revelation 21:1-2). But for now, heaven remains in the spiritual dimension while we live in the physical.
God’s Heavenly Throne
Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1, Daniel 7, and Revelation 4 vividly describe the throne of God in heaven. God’s throne radiates brilliant light, flashes of lightning, glowing jewels, and rainbow hues. Seraphim stand above the Lord, singing “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty!” (Isaiah 6:3). God sits high above on the throne, ruling the universe. His throne symbolizes His majesty and eternal power over all creation.
The Place Jesus Is Preparing
Jesus comforted His disciples by saying He was going to prepare a place for them in heaven (John 14:2-3). Hebrews describes heaven as the “heavenly Jerusalem” and “heavenly country” that believers seek (Hebrews 11:16; 12:22). It is the place Jesus has specially prepared for those who trust in Him. There, we will dwell with Christ and enjoy eternal rewards in glory.
Where Believers’ Names Are Written
In Luke 10:20, Jesus tells His disciples to rejoice because “your names are written in heaven.” Paul also mentions several fellow workers “whose names are in the book of life” (Philippians 4:3). Hebrews 12:23 speaks of “the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven.” These verses indicate heaven has a registry of believers’ names who have been born again through faith in Christ. Their inheritance is secure in heaven.
Citizenship of Heaven
Paul says believers have their citizenship in heaven, not on earth (Philippians 3:20). We are already members of the heavenly kingdom through faith in Christ. Although we live on earth now, we are ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20). Our eternal home and loyalty is in heaven, where Christ reigns. We wait eagerly for the day He returns to take us there.
The Origin of the New Jerusalem
In Revelation 21, John sees a vision of the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. This magnificent city is prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2). It is the dwelling place God has specially prepared for His people. The New Jerusalem originates in heaven and is transferred to the new earth. Heaven is its source.
A Realm Outside Time and Space
Heaven completely transcends the dimensions of earthly life. There is no sun, moon, or stars in the heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21:23)—no markers of time. Our eternal life will be spent in God’s presence outside the bounds of space and time. Eternity has no beginning or end. Heaven is a realm of infinity, glory, and freedom where we will worship God forever.
The Place of Rewards and Treasures
Jesus urges us to store up treasures for ourselves in heaven during our earthly lives (Matthew 6:20). Our works done in His name and for His glory will earn eternal rewards in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:14; Matthew 16:27). We also store our treasures in heaven when we give generously to the poor and needy (Luke 12:33; 1 Timothy 6:18-19). Heaven is where our eternal rewards are safely kept.
Where Believers Will Be with the Lord
The greatest treasure of heaven is that believers will be with the Lord forever. Jesus prays that all who believe in Him will be with Him in heaven to see His glory (John 17:24). Paul says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). When Christ returns, we will be caught up in the clouds to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Heaven is eternal, intimate fellowship with the Lord we love.
The Place Jesus Ascended To
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of 40 days speaking about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Then He ascended visibly up into heaven as they watched (Acts 1:9). Two angels appeared and promised Jesus would return from heaven in the same way He ascended (Acts 1:11). The Scriptures teach Jesus ascended bodily into heaven itself, where He sits at the Father’s right hand.
Where Elijah Was Taken Up
Elijah is one of two people in Scripture who went to heaven without dying. As he and Elisha were walking, a chariot of fire suddenly appeared and horses of fire separated them “and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven” (2 Kings 2:11). Elijah was caught up into heaven while alive, similar to how the church will be raptured at Christ’s return.
A Paradise Prepared for Eternity
Jesus promised the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Paradise is used as a synonym for heaven. It hearkens back to the Garden of Eden, paradise lost. But in heaven, paradise is regained – a beautiful, sinless environment prepared by God for our eternal dwelling with Him.
The Place of Our Eternal Inheritance
Peter describes believers as those “who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). This salvation is our eternal heavenly inheritance. Paul says that in Christ, we have obtained an inheritance having been predestined according to God’s plan (Ephesians 1:11). Our heavenly inheritance can never perish, spoil or fade (1 Peter 1:4). Heaven is where we will receive our full eternal inheritance.
Where All Tears Will Be Wiped Away
Revelation 21:4 describes our eternal state this way: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.” Heaven is a place where the Curse is fully removed. There is no more crying, pain, or death. The greatest comfort of heaven is that God Himself will wipe every tear from our eyes.
The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus Christ
Heaven is called an eternal kingdom (2 Peter 1:11). While Christ’s kingdom is partially present on earth now, its fullness resides in heaven. Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). When He returns, the kingdom will come to earth. But until then, the full heavenly kingdom remains. It is the sphere of Jesus’ rule and authority over all creation.
Where the saints dwell in light and love
Heaven is a place of light and love. There is no darkness or evil in heaven; it is filled with the radiant light of God’s glory and truth (Revelation 21:23). Heaven resounds with continual praise, unfettered fellowship, and consummate joy in the presence of Christ. The saints rejoice in perfect harmony together, bathed in God’s light and love for eternity.
The Eternal Dwelling Place of Righteousness
The heavenly Jerusalem is called the “city of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13). Nothing impure can ever enter it; no one who does abominable things or tells lies will be there (Revelation 21:27). Heaven is a holy habitation, set apart for those declared righteous through the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Only goodness and perfection dwell in heaven’s realms.
Where We Will Worship Before God’s Throne
The majestic throne of God serves as the centerpiece of praise in heaven. In Revelation 7:9-10, a multitude from every nation worships before the throne crying out, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” We will join angels and saints in bowing before God’s glorious throne in eternal worship and adoration of the One who created all things.
The Dwelling Place of God Almighty
Heaven is called the dwelling place of God Almighty (Revelation 21:22). Just as God’s presence filled the earthly tabernacle and temple, so even more His glory fills the heavenly realm. Heaven is God’s home, the seat of His sovereignty and power. Heaven is supremely the throne of God who reigns over the universe He spoke into being.
Where Jesus Intercedes for Believers
Because Jesus ascended into heaven itself, He now appears in God’s presence on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24). Jesus serves as High Priest, constantly interceding for us before the Father’s throne in the heavenly sanctuary (Romans 8:34). His mediation applies the benefits of His atoning sacrifice, securing our access into the holy presence of Almighty God.
The Source of Our Hope
Hope in Scripture focuses on the certainty of future blessing. Paul calls this hope “the hope stored up for you in heaven” (Colossians 1:5). This unshakable hope is based on the promises of God and the guarantee of eternal life in His presence. Heaven is the substance and source of all our hope as believers in Christ.
The Final Meeting Place with Loved Ones
While the relationships between believers will retain meaning in heaven, our primary relationship will be with the Lord. Still, there will be joyful reunions with loved ones in the heavenly kingdom. As David said of his departed son, “I will go to him” (2 Samuel 12:23). Believers can rest assured, we will meet again with loved ones who died in the faith when we are all gathered into our heavenly home.
Our Eternal Home
In summary, heaven is both a literal place where God dwells in majestic glory as well as a symbolic realm of hope, righteousness, and eternal life in fellowship with the Triune God. Scripture gives us glimpses of the surpassing beauty, joy, and rest we will experience when we dwell with the Lord forever in the inexpressible glory and perfection of the heavenly realms. Jesus urges us to store our treasures in heaven and live our lives in preparation for eternity there. Heaven is the glorious, eternal home of all who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The hope of heaven gives us strength and perspective to endure any trials in this life, knowing our real citizenship and home is in the heavenly kingdom and city to come.