Topical Encyclopedia
Heaven, in Christian theology, is the eternal dwelling place of God, angels, and the redeemed. It is depicted as a place of perfect peace, joy, and communion with God. The Bible provides various descriptions and insights into the nature of Heaven, emphasizing its holiness and the presence of God.
In the Old Testament, Heaven is often referred to as the "heavens," indicating the sky or the firmament. However, it also signifies the dwelling place of God.
Psalm 11:4 states, "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne." This verse highlights the transcendence and sovereignty of God, who reigns from Heaven.
The New Testament further elaborates on the concept of Heaven as the ultimate destination for believers. Jesus speaks of Heaven as His Father's house, where He prepares a place for His followers. In
John 14:2-3, Jesus assures His disciples, "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also."
The Apostle Paul describes Heaven as a place of indescribable glory and eternal life. In
2 Corinthians 5:1, he writes, "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." This metaphor emphasizes the permanence and divine origin of the heavenly dwelling.
The Book of Revelation provides vivid imagery of Heaven, portraying it as the New Jerusalem, a city of pure gold and precious stones.
Revelation 21:4 describes the absence of suffering and death, stating, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."
HellHell, in Christian doctrine, is the place of eternal punishment and separation from God for the wicked and unrepentant. It is depicted as a realm of suffering, darkness, and despair, reserved for those who reject God's grace and salvation.
The Old Testament uses the term "Sheol" to describe the abode of the dead, a place of shadowy existence. However, the concept of Hell as a place of punishment becomes more explicit in the New Testament. Jesus frequently warns of the reality of Hell, using the term "Gehenna" to describe a place of fiery torment. In
Matthew 10:28, He cautions, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
The Apostle Paul speaks of the consequences of rejecting the gospel, emphasizing the eternal nature of the punishment. In
2 Thessalonians 1:9, he writes, "They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might."
The Book of Revelation provides a graphic depiction of Hell as the "lake of fire," the final destination for Satan, his angels, and all who do not have their names written in the Book of Life.
Revelation 20:15 states, "And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
Hell is characterized by its complete separation from God, a place where the grace and mercy of God are absent. It is a realm of conscious suffering, as illustrated in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in
Luke 16:19-31, where the rich man experiences torment and anguish.
The doctrine of Hell underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. It serves as a solemn reminder of the eternal consequences of one's choices in this life.
Topical Bible Verses
Luke 23:43And Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you, To day shall you be with me in paradise.
Topicalbible.orgRevelation 21:1-27
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
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John 14:2-3
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.
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Matthew 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
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Matthew 25:41
Then shall he say also to them on the left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
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Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
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Revelation 20:10
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
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Revelation 20:14
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
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Luke 16:1-31
And he said also to his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused to him that he had wasted his goods.
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Library
Heaven andHell
...Heaven andHell. A Sermon... Now, one word in conclusion. I have told you ofheaven
andhell; what is the way, then, to escape fromhell and to be found inheaven?...
Song 11.Heaven andHell.
... Divine Songs Song 11.Heaven andHell.Heaven andHell. 6,6,8,6. There is beyond
the sky. Aheaven of joy and love; And holy children, when they die,....
Song 11.Heaven andHell.
... Song 11.Heaven andHell. 1 There is beyond the sky Aheaven of joy and love,
And holy children, when they die, Go to that world above....
Whether Souls are Conveyed toHeaven orHell Immediately after...
... QQ -86)OF MATTERS CONCERNING THE RESURRECTION, AND FIRST OF THE PLACE WHERE SOULS
ARE Whether souls are conveyed toheaven orhell immediately after death?...
Heaven andHell. May 15.
...Heaven andHell. May 15.Heaven andhell"the spiritual world"are they merely
invisible places in space which may become visible hereafter?...
The Disciple, -- Master, what areHeaven andHell...
... VI.HEAVEN ANDHELL SECTION I The Disciple, " Master, what areheaven andhell?
The Disciple,"Master, what areheaven andhell, and where are they?...
Whether the Souls who are inHeaven orHell are Able to Go from...
... QQ -86)OF MATTERS CONCERNING THE RESURRECTION, AND FIRST OF THE PLACE WHERE SOULS
ARE Whether the souls who are inheaven orhell are able to go from thence?...
section v.
... I have tryed if I could reach that great resolution of his, to be honest without
a thought ofHeaven orHell: and indeed I found, upon a natural inclination...
Of the Ways, and of vices and virtues; and of the Rewards of...
... the two ways [1097] belong toheaven andhell, because immortality is promised to
the righteous, and everlasting punishment is threatened to the unrighteous....
At The Master's Feet
... SECTION II 1. In the bitter cold of winter the trees stand bare of leaves? VI.HEAVEN
ANDHELL. SECTION I The Disciple, -- Master, what areheaven andhell?...
Resources
Eternity in Heaven ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgAre books such as 90 Minutes in Heaven, Heaven is for Real, and 23 Minutes in Hell biblically sound? | GotQuestions.orgWhere is heaven? What is the location of heaven? | GotQuestions.orgHeaven: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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