{"id":42345,"title":"What Is Heaven?","description":"..","content":"

The Bible\u2019s answer<\/strong><\/h2>

\u00a0<\/span>The word \u201cheaven\u201d is used in three basic senses in the Bible: (1) the physical heavens; (2) the spirit realm; and (3) a symbol of a high or exalted position. In each case, the context helps determine the correct understanding.\u00a0<\/span>a<\/a><\/p>

  1. \u00a0<\/span>The physical heavens.<\/strong> In this sense, \u201cthe heavens\u201d refers to earth\u2019s atmosphere, where the winds blow, the birds fly, the clouds produce rain and snow, and the lightning flashes. (Psalm 78:26;<\/a> Proverbs 30:19;<\/a> Isaiah 55:10;<\/a> Luke 17:24<\/a>) It can also mean outer space, the location of \u201cthe sun and the moon and the stars.\u201d\u200b\u2014Deuteronomy 4:\u200b19;<\/a> Genesis 1:1<\/a>.<\/p><\/li>

  2. \u00a0<\/span>The spirit realm.<\/strong> The term \u201cheaven\u201d also refers to the spiritual heavens, or spirit realm, a level of existence higher than and outside of the physical universe. (1\u00a0Kings 8:\u200b27;<\/a> John 6:\u200b38<\/a>) These spiritual heavens are occupied by Jehovah God, who is \u201ca Spirit,\u201d as well as by the angelic spirit beings whom he created. (John 4:\u200b24;<\/a> Matthew 24:36<\/a>) At times, \u201cthe heavens\u201d are personified to represent the faithful angels, \u201cthe congregation of the holy ones.\u201d\u200b\u2014Psalm 89:\u200b5-7<\/a>.<\/p>

    \u00a0<\/span>The Bible also uses \u201cheavens\u201d to refer specifically to the portion of the spirit realm where Jehovah actually resides, his \u201cdwelling place.\u201d (1\u00a0Kings 8:\u200b43,<\/a> 49;<\/a> Hebrews 9:\u200b24;<\/a> Revelation 13:6<\/a>) For example, the Bible foretold that Satan<\/a> and the demons<\/a> would be thrown out of heaven, no longer being allowed to enter Jehovah\u2019s presence. However, they would remain in the spirit realm.\u200b\u2014Revelation 12:\u200b7-9,<\/a> 12<\/a>.<\/p><\/li>

  3. \u00a0<\/span>A symbol of a high or exalted position.<\/strong> The Scriptures use \u201cheaven\u201d to represent an elevated position, usually in connection with ruling authority. Such a position could be occupied by:<\/p>