A Description of Heaven

by Pastor James Roby

DeGraff Freewill Baptist Church

 

 

1.) HEAVEN IS A REAL PLACE.  Jesus called it a "place" in John 14:2-3.  In Hebrews 11:10, it is referred to as a "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."  Notice that God created Heaven in the beginning. (Genesis 1:1).  Hebrews 11:16 calls Heaven a "better country, that is, an heavenly."  Heaven, therefore, is not a mere 'state of mind' or an amorphous, invisible fable. It is a real, literal and geographical PLACE!  The Lord Jesus said, “If it were not so, I would have told you.” (John 14:2) See also Nehemiah 9:6; Acts 14:15.

 

2.) HEAVEN IS LOCATED IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE UNIVERSE.  Psalm 48:1-2; 1 Kings 8:23; Psalm 75:6-7.  In Isaiah 14:12-14, Lucifer seeks to overthrow God by ascending into Heaven to make war with Him. Lucifer states, “I will ascend into Heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north” (Isaiah 14:13). He is subsequently defeated by God and cast down to the earth. (Luke 10:18).

 

3.) A DESCRIPTION OF THE HEAVENLY CITY, NEW JERUSALEM. This city is so beautiful, it is described as looking like a bride adorned for her husband. It is also called the “holy city.”  

a. The city is 1500 miles square and 1500 miles high, having 216 foot tall walls surrounding it. (Revelation 21:15-17). There are twelve gates, each made of pearl,  in these massive walls. Three gates are on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. (Revelation 21:12-13). The twelve foundations of the jasper walls contain the names of the twelve apostles and are garnished with all kinds of precious stones. 

b. It has the glory of God and is like a most precious jasper stone, clear as crystal. (Revelation 21:11). Jasper is an extremely valuable gem with a brown/gold color.

c. God’s Throne is occupied by the Lord, It has a rainbow round about it (surrounding it in a circular fashion). Out of this Throne proceed lightnings, thunderings and voices. The Holy Spirit stands before the Throne and is symbolized as seven lamps of fire burning. (Revelation 4:2-5).

d. The floor surrounding God’s Throne is like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.(Revelation 4:6,15:2-4).

e. The streets of the city are pure gold, like transparent glass. (Revelation 21:21).

f. Jesus Christ Himself will be/provide the light of this city. there will be no need for the sun, moon or stars to shine in it! (Revelation 21:23).

g. There will be many mansions, provided for the saved and prepared by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. (John 14:1-6).

Please understand that this is not a picture of the entire Heaven, but of the CITY of New Jerusalem. Heaven will be much larger than this...but will be of similar character and description.

 

Following is a list of things that will be in Heaven (with scriptural references):  Mansions (John 14:1-3), trees (Revelation 22:1-3), rivers (Revelation 221-3), fountains of water (Revelation 7:17), food (Revelation 2:7, 19:5-9), animals (2 Kings 2:11-12, 6:13-17; Zechariah 1:8-121, 6:1-8; Revelation 19:11-21), musical instruments, singing and worship (Revelation 4:9-11, 5:8-9,  8:2-6, 14:1-5, 15:2-4).  The most wonderful thought of all, is that the Lord Jesus Christ will be there, we will see Him face to face, and be forever in His presence. (Revelation 21:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; John 14:3).