Question 50 :: What is heaven?

Answer:

Heaven is the dwelling place of eternal bliss for the redeemed in the presence of their God.

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Children:

Heaven is a place of eternal bliss.

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Revelation 21:1-4

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 

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Commentary:

When Christians speak of heaven they are referring to one of two things. First, heaven is right now, the place of eternal bliss for those who die trusting in Jesus. A place where they dwell in the presence of their Creator and Savior. Second, it is the future reality of a new heaven and a new earth in which God heals the nations. A place of no more tears, no more sorrow, and no more pain.

The explanation of the second is more expansive than the first, primarily within the Revelation of John. But both are characterized by the delight of being face to face with the Lamb of God who loved and sacrificed himself so that we could enjoy Him forever.    

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Further Study:

2 Samuel 12:23; Ecclesiates 3:11; John 14:2-3; 2 Corinthians 2:1-10, 4:17-18; Ephesians 4:8; Hebrews 11:10,39-40; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 20:6, 21:4,10-27, 22:1-2,5.