What Is Heaven and Where Do We Go When We Die?
Heaven as God’s Dwelling Place
Heaven is God's dwelling place, the very center of His presence and glory.
We see this in Revelation 4, where the throne room of God is revealed.
It is also where Christ is now—preparing a place for His people. In the end, heaven and earth will be united when God makes a new heaven and a new earth, as seen in Revelation 21.
Where Do We Go When We Die?
For believers, the answer is clear: we go immediately into God’s presence.
Jesus told the thief on the cross in Luke 23:43:
"Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."
For unbelievers, the Bible says they go to a place of separation from God, awaiting the final judgment. We see this in Luke 16 and Revelation 20.
The Future Hope of Believers
After Christ returns, believers will be resurrected with glorified bodies.
God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where there is no more pain, no more crying, and no more death (Revelation 21:4).
Heaven is not just “up there somewhere.” It will be God living with His people forever.
Heaven in the Old Testament
Modern vs. Biblical Thinking
In modern thought, heaven is often imagined as a peaceful afterlife, a place where good people go when they die.
But in the Old Testament, the focus was not primarily on going to heaven after death. Instead, it was about where God is now—His throne, His dwelling place, His holy temple.
Genesis: The Beginning of the Story
The Bible begins with these words: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
This tells us two key things:
Heaven was created.
Heaven is distinct from the earth.
In Genesis, “heavens” can mean the sky, but it also points to something beyond—a spiritual realm where God dwells.
Later in Genesis 28, Jacob dreams of a ladder stretching from earth to heaven. Angels ascend and descend, and at the top stands God. Jacob declares:
“Surely the Lord is in this place. This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
This moment reveals that heaven is not far away or disconnected—God reaches down and speaks into creation.
The Psalms: Heaven as God’s Throne
The Psalms describe heaven more than any other Old Testament book.
Psalm 103:19 says:
"The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all."
Heaven is not just God’s location—it is the center of His rule and authority. From heaven, God watches, judges, saves, and reigns.
Psalm 115:3 reminds us:
"Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases."
Even the skies and stars declare God’s majesty:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." (Psalm 19:1)
Isaiah: Heaven as Holy and Overwhelming
Isaiah was given a vision of heaven in Isaiah 6:
"I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; the train of His robe filled the temple."
Above the throne were fiery beings crying out:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.”
This vision overwhelmed Isaiah, showing him how holy God is compared to human weakness.
Later, in Isaiah 66:1, God declares:
"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool."
Heaven is not symbolic—it is the seat of God’s authority and glory.
Ezekiel: Visions of God’s Glory
In Ezekiel 1, the prophet sees one of the most detailed visions of heaven: a storm of fire, living creatures, spinning wheels full of eyes, and above them all, a throne with someone glowing like fire seated upon it.
Ezekiel writes:
"This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord." (Ezekiel 1:28)
From Ezekiel, we learn that heaven is:
Full of movement, energy, and life.
The place of God’s presence.
Beyond human description—glorious and mysterious.
Final Thoughts: What the Old Testament Teaches About Heaven
The Old Testament doesn’t provide a systematic explanation of heaven, but it does paint a layered picture of God’s dwelling place:
Heaven is God’s throne and dwelling place.
It is separate from earth, but deeply connected.
It is holy, powerful, and full of glory.
God rules from heaven but interacts with earth.
Visions of heaven inspire awe, fear, and worship.
Ultimately, heaven is not just about where we go after death. It is about God’s presence, His authority, and His coming kingdom. The longing of God’s people was not simply to “go to heaven,” but for heaven to come down to earth—which will be fulfilled in the New Jerusalem and the reign of Christ.
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