Where is Heaven?

Where is Heaven? Click here to claim your free eBook – 10 Answers to Your Questions About Heaven by Billy Graham

One of the Bible’s greatest truths is that we were not meant for this world alone. We were meant for Heaven — and Heaven is our ultimate home. But what exactly is Heaven? Where is Heaven? What is it like, and what (if anything) will we be doing there? Is Heaven something that only affects our future, or should Heaven make a difference in the way we live right now? Most importantly, how can we know we will go there when we die?

Where is Heaven? Is it off in space somewhere?

The Bible tells us that God set a firmament in the midst of the waters, divided the waters from the waters, and called the firmament “Heaven” (Genesis 1:6–8 NKJV). The word firmament is one we aren’t accustomed to hearing anymore; it comes from a Hebrew word meaning “firm” or “fixed.” The Bible clearly defines Heaven as a created place. God said, “My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens.” (Isaiah 48:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9)

Where is Heaven? The Bible says, “The heavens… cannot contain [Him]” (1 Kings 8:27) — but He can contain His whole creation in His hands. He measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, marked off the Heavens, held the dust of the earth in a basket, and weighed the mountains on scales (Isaiah 40:12).

While Heaven captures our imagination, it’s more important that the God of Heaven captures our souls; for God is greater than Heaven.

Where is Heaven? The Bible says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Just because Heaven is beyond the reach of man’s satellites and telescopes, however, does not mean that Heaven is beyond the reach of our hearts. The Bible says, “[Christ] is the image of the invisible God… by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible . . . all things were created by Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:15–16).

Where is Heaven? Heaven is where the Lord is, and Christ is Lord of Heaven and earth. He is able to rule from Heaven and also live within our hearts.

Does the Bible say very much about Heaven?

Jesus mentions Heaven about seventy times in the book of Matthew alone. It appears from the very first verse in Genesis — “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” — to the last reference found at the end of Revelation — “[He] showed me the great city… descending out of Heaven from God” (Revelation 21:10 NKJV). In fact, fifty-four of the sixty- six books in the Bible mention Heaven.

Remember: the Bible is our only authoritative source of information about Heaven.

What is Heaven?

Heaven is the place where God dwells — it is God’s holy habitation. He created it, He lives there, and, some day, so shall all believers.

Heaven is the Father’s house (John 14:2). Heaven is the dwelling place of Jesus Christ, His Son (1 Peter 3:21-22). Heaven is the city of the living God and the redeemed (Hebrews 12:22-23). If this does not fill your heart with hope and a desire for that better country, I urge you to examine where you stand before God, and turn from doubt to belief. If you love Jesus Christ, you will want to follow Him all the way to that place called Heaven. “Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction… Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:18-20). Paul urges others to follow Him. Listen with your ears to the voice of God (Ecclesiastes 5:1). Answer Christ’s knock on your heart’s door (Revelation 3:20). Enter into fellowship with the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:9). This is Heaven.

Is Heaven a literal place, simply a state of mind, or kind of a dream?

Heaven is a literal place. It is not an imaginary world or fantasy land in which to dwell. God created Heaven with its vast array of authentic characteristics (Genesis 2:1). Jesus did not ascend to a lofty dream world following His resurrection, but returned to sit at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19). Abraham didn’t cling to the promise of living in a state of mind; he looked forward to “the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). The Old Testament heroes of faith longed for a literal place — “a better country — a heavenly one… for [God] has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:16). Jesus told His disciples, “You know the way to the place where I am going” (John 14:4). That place is Heaven and Christ our Savior is there now, preparing for our arrival.

Having confidence that Heaven is a literal place is important, but even more so is that we know how to get there.

The only GPS that can give you flawless direction is the Gospel Plan of Salvation.

Jesus said,

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. — John 14:6

By nature, people are bent toward home. Far better than any dream you can imagine is the supernatural transformation that will take place for all of God’s people in His heavenly home. I hope you’ll be there.

Excerpted with permission from The Heaven Answer Book by Billy Graham, copyright Thomas Nelson.

* * *

Your Turn

Have you ever asked the question where is Heaven? What questions do you have about Heaven? Come share your thoughts and questions about Heaven on our blog. We would love to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily