In biblical
times the word heaven usually meant the sky above which included the stars,
moon and sun or it meant God's realm which also happens to be above. There are
also passages that refer to God himself as being heaven (i.e. Luke 15:18,21;
John 3:27). And finally, in Revelation 21 we learn of a "new
heaven" or huge structure where God, angels and humans will spend eternity
together. It is that "new heaven" or in some verses
referred to as the "new Jerusalem" that this section
will cover.
Heaven as depicted in Revelation 21:9-27 is a cube of 12,000 furlongs (1,400 miles) each side. In other words over 2 million square miles in size. The thickness of each wall is 144 cubits (216 feet) with 3 openings on each wall and 3 foundations on each wall. The walls of the city were translucent verse 11 "Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." as well as verse 18 "The construction of its wall of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass." Then in verse 23 we learn that its light is provided by God "... for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb [Jesus] is its light"
Revelation 21:27 tells us "... only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." To be written in the "Lamb's book of life" one must be a "born again Christian" as found in John 3:3 "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." To be a "born again Christian" one must accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior [refer to "Salvation"].
There are 12 entrances, 3 on each wall, each with the name of the 12 tribes of Israel. Each gate has no door, but one of God's angels at the entrance. Each gate shines as a pearl verse 21 "... each gate made of a single pearl". As you progress through the gate you will see "The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass". Plus the middle of the "great street" will be the flowing river of life depicted in Revelation 22:1-2 "... the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, ..."
John also writes in Revelation 21:23 "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp."
In Heaven there will never be night, sadness, fear, anger or hatred. We will have God right there worshipping and praising Him continually.
What is the "third heaven" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:2?[edit]
2 Corinthians 12:2 Paul talks about a third heaven "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know-God knows.". The first heaven being the sky above, sun, moon and stars. The second being God's realm while the third is God's heavenly home.
The new "Holy City" of God or "New Jerusalem" will be far beyond our wildest imagination in regards to greatness and wondrous beauty. Our senses, experiences, and amazement will be an eternal joy. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit will be right there before us always in our presence. All of us that are Children of God (believe that Jesus Christ is our personal Savior) whose name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life will be one great big eternally happy family.
In biblical
times the word heaven usually meant the sky above which included the stars,
moon and sun or it meant God's realm which also happens to be above. There are
also passages that refer to God himself as being heaven (i.e. Luke 15:18,21;
John 3:27). And finally, in Revelation 21 we learn of a "new
heaven" or huge structure where God, angels and humans will spend eternity
together. It is that "new heaven" or in some verses
referred to as the "new Jerusalem" that this section
will cover.