OceanSide church of Christ

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LET’S TALK ABOUT HEAVEN

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   The word “heaven” is found 551 verses in the Bible.

 

B.   The Hebrew and Greek words that are translated “heaven” have similar meanings.

1.     In the Greek, the word comes from a root meaning “to rise.”

2.    Lofty and elevated are words associated with the Hebrew and Greek words.

3.     The abode of God, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect.

 

C.   There are numerous interesting verses about heaven in the Bible.

1.     God through His prophets said:  Heaven is my throne (Acts 7:49).

2.    Jesus is in heaven (Acts 1:11; I Peter 3:22).

 

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

 

3.     Heaven and the Christian:

a.    Our conversation is in heaven (Phil. 3:20).

b.    Our hope is laid up for us in heaven (Col. 1:5).

c.    In heaven, we have a better and an enduring substance (Heb. 10:34)

d.    Heaven is our inheritance.  It is perfect and we have a reservation therein (I Pet. 1:4).

 

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.

 

D.   In this lesson, we will describe heaven in five different ways.

 

I.          HEAVEN IS A PLACE (Real)

 

A.   When the Bible speaks of heaven, it is not some fabricated, mystical land.

 

B.   Heaven is a place that is actual and real.

1.     Psalm 11:4

 

The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven…

 

2.    II Corinthians 12:2

 

I know a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell:  God knoweth;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.

 

3.     Remember, it was Peter who said that our eternal inheritance is “reserved in heaven for you” (I Pet. 1:4)

II.        HEAVEN IS A KINGDOM (Residents)

 

A.   Verses which speak of heaven as a kingdom.

1.     II Timothy 4:18

 

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom:  to whom glory for ever and ever.

 

2.    II Peter 1:10-11

 

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things ye shall never fall:  for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

B.   As Christians, we are residents, that is, citizens of this heavenly kingdom.

1.     Philippians 3:20

 

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

2.    In this world, we are sojourners or travelers.  This globe, however, is not our country of residence.

3.     We are citizens of heaven, that territory subject to the rule of the Almighty God.

 

III.      HEAVEN IS A CITY (Regard)

 

A.   Four times in the book of Hebrews our hope of an eternal city is mentioned.

1.     Hebrews 11:10

 

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

 

2.    Hebrews 11:16

 

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly, wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:  for he hath prepared for them a city.

 

3.     Hebrews 12:22

 

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels.

 

4.    Hebrews 13:14

 

For we have here no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

 

B.   Most individuals have a deep regard for their city.  They have an affection for it, an affinity, and a bond with it.

1.     The city where one resides is where one’s roots are.

2.    They have developed many precious memories therein.

3.     In small towns, individuals take a very active role in their city.

 

C.   Heaven is our city.  That is the place for which we have a high regard.

 

IV.       HEAVEN IS A MANSION (Refuge)

 

A.   John 14:1-3

 

Let not your heart be troubled:  ye believe in God, believe also in me.  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.  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.

 

B.   We have hymns that mention and remind us of our mansion:  “I’ve Got a Mansion Just Over the Hilltop.”

 

C.   Most individuals have a house.  Regardless of how big or small most believe:  “My house is my castle.” 

1.     Our house is our place of refuge.

a.    The world comes crashing in, but our house is a safe haven.

b.    There can be war without, but our house is a place of peace.

2.    We have a mansion.  It is a safe harbor and a place of ultimate peace and tranquility.

a.    The Hebrew writer says that we are individuals who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope that is set before us (Heb. 6:19).

b.    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.

 

V.        HEAVEN IS A HOME (Relationship)

 

A.   Not one time does the Bible refer to heaven as our home.

 

B.   Why, then, do we call heaven our home?  Why do we sing songs that call heaven our home?

 

C.   It could be due to the relationship that we have with our Father.

1.     Our Father resides in heaven.  It is His home.

2.    When we go to be with our Father, we, too, will be at home.

 

D.   It is absolutely impossible for us to accurately describe how wonderful it will be to finally be at home over there.

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   Heaven is a place, a kingdom, a city, a mansion, and a home.

 

B.   One day it and hell will exist.

 

C.   Where will you spend your eternity?  If you are making plans for heaven, the Lord tells us how to reach it in Matthew 7:21.

 

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.