Heaven

By Evangeline Unity Esaaba Folson

The first line of the Bible states that heaven was created along with the creation of earth (Genesis 1:1) It is primarily God’s dwelling place in the biblical tradition, a parallel real where everything operates according to God’s will.(google.com)

Revelations 21:1

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and earth passed away; and the was no more sea.

There are several thrones and commentaries on heaven.

Some think it is not real, it is not possible to have a city or place with golden streets. Let’s find out what the bible says about heaven

• Heaven is a place with mansions prepared for God’s children
  John 14:-3
• Heaven has streets of golden and gates of pearls
  Revelations 21:2
•  Heaven is high above us in the clouds
  1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
  Matthew 24: 30
• There will be a new heaven and earth
  Revelations 21:1-2
• Heaven is a place with mansions prepared for God’s children        Jonh 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.
These were Jesus’s words to His disciples. He assured, the that God’s house or heaven has many mansions. Big enough to accommodate all God’s children.
In addition to this, He said He was going to prepare a place for them and take them to His father’s house or heaven.
This message is not only for the disciples but for all those who have accepted the gift of salvation. Once Jesus spoke about it, it is true, heaven is real because God cannot lie.

Let us live in expectation of spending eternity with God the Father, God the son and God the holy Spirit and the Heavenly beings. I believe the patriachs like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and others would also be there.
Heaven has streets of gold and gates of pearls

Revelations 21:21
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
Heaven is more beautiful than any city we have here on earth. A city with golden streets and gates of pearls. We cannot imagine how beautiful and adorable the place is.
Furthermore, this verse confirms that heaven is real, two major characters in the bible have described it our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostle John.
Heaven is high above us in the clouds
The location of heaven is another topic of controversy. Some Christians have broken away from mother Churches to form their own churches because of this.
Some think heaven is up in the clouds; others think it will be here on earth.

Matthew 24:30 says
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory
1 Thessalonians 4:16 also says: for the lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump pf God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
Both verses confirm that heaven is high above us in the clouds.
There will be a new heaven and a new earth

Revelations 21:1-2
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And I John saw the Holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Most people who believe heaven will be on earth base their belief on the passage above. Perhaps they have a point because the next verse Revelations 21:3 says:
_ _ _ _ _ _ Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with men them_ __ _ _
In my opinion, the location of heaven now or when Jesus returns is not very important. Making sure you will spend eternity in heaven is a more important issue.
Revelations 3:20-21 says
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hears my voice, and open the door I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me.
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcome, and am set down with my Father in His throne.
The most important issues to consider are given in the passage above;
Jesus is standing at the door of everyone’s heart

 You can let Him in by accepting the gift of salvation and inviting Him to live in your heart
 As a Christian you are to live the life of an overcomer
 Prevent yourself from yielding to all the temptations the evil one presents to you
 When Jesus returns and finds you living as a faithful Christian then you qualify to enter heaven.

References
1. King James Bible
2. Oxford English mini dictionary
3. www.google.com