Lets Talk About Heaven!

1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

Once again the subject of heaven has surfaced!   But this time the person has presented me with more than just “What is heaven, or where is heaven, or what is heaven like?”  This person is search for something deeper and more crucial.  

“Is Jesus the only one who has final say on Heaven?”

“If you are Jewish and don’t believe in him how do Jewish people go to heaven?”

“As long as I believe how do I know there is a place for me and other people in heaven?”

“What does heaven look like?”

So I did my usual Greek and Hebrew word check!   What would I do without that resource?  Probable nothing! 

To be fair to the author, I will paraphrase the information.

From the Greek Philosophers

Heaven is the sky!  

A sphere, or world, viewed as a collection of people.  

Atmosphere!

           A whole mass of air surrounding the earth!

            A surrounding influence on the environment!

The place where God resides!

From the Old Testament

A place from which God spoke to the people!

It is God’s kingdom!

Heaven is the place of salvation!

As God’s home, it is a source of blessing!

In the ancient cultures , Greek and Hebrew theology, God lived up in the sky.  Sky being higher part of creation above the earth. 

God spoke from heaven, in thunder, wind and fire,  both blessings and curses.  Mostly curses! 

The Jewish people believed that, first and foremost, God live up in the sky — in heaven.  From there he ruled the beings on the earth — the ground.   But, God was also known to resided in the Ark and on mountain tops!  He could also be in the Holy of Holy's.  Which was a room, inside of a tabernacle,  where they believed that God stayed while in camp.  A place where only the priests were allowed to enter. 

There were also Angels that spoke for God from time to time.  Abraham was visited by two angels.  Zachariah and Mary were also visited by angels. God spoke to Moses out of the fire of a burning bush.  God also used prophets to being messages to the people.  

But, mostly, God was removed from the people.

Heaven was just for God and his angels — called messengers.  People were use to this way of thinking about God. At least until they became impatient with God. Like when Moses stayed so long on the mountain waiting for the Ten Commandments to be written.  Or when God didn’t do things their way! Then they could get pretty frustrated with God.

There was some thought about Heaven, and eternal life, during those centuries that are reported in the Old Testament.  However the topic of resurrection, life after death, was not the primary concern then.  Some believed in resurrection some did not.

Has anyone else had common questions about eternal life/Heaven?  If so, why don’t you enter the conversation?

New Testament next!

1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; 4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat. 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.(Psalm 19)