Heaven, the Abode of God

It is impossible to be so “heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.” Paul commands us in Colossians 3:1,2 to “seek those things which are above.” Our focus should be on Heaven, because that is where our true citizenship belongs (Phil. 3:20). Sadly, for many believers, it takes the death of a dear loved one to cause them to seriously investigate the Scriptures to learn everything the Bible says about the subject.

As we approach the study of Heaven, let's put away mere sentimental, fanciful, fairy-tale notions, and wishful thinking, and discover its reality as it is unfolded in the Bible. (The word “heaven” is used 238 times in the New Testament alone).

The Bible speaks of three different “heavens.” The first heaven is earth's atmosphere, where clouds and birds are. The second heaven is the starry or planetary heavens. The third heaven, or “heaven of heavens,” is distinctly the abode of God. This is where we should set our affections.

In Heaven, we will be “at home” with God. We won't be bored, because we love Him. There will be not only perfect enjoyment, but perfect employment, in Heaven. There will be a need for us to give comfort and to impart knowledge (Rev. 5:4,5; 7:13-15). Should we not begin to do so even now?