* From a word meaning lofty. high
* The Bible speaks of three heavens.
I. There is the first heaven above the earth where the birds fly and the clouds exist.
Ps 104:12 By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.
Ge 7:11 ¶ In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened
II. There is the second heaven where the planetary bodies travel their orbit around the sun, and where the stars hold the station God gave them.
Job 22:12 Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!
III. There is the third heaven
2 Cor 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
A. Moses called it the heaven of heavens
De 10:14 Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.
B. The heavens are spoken of in scripture as a plurality, a group.
C. The heavens are:
1.The Display of God's Greatness
Ps 8:3-4 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Isa 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.
Isa 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.
2.The Declaration of God's Glory
Ps. 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
3.The Distance of measurement exposed
Ezr 9:6 And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.
Job 20:4 Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, 5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? 6 Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds;7 Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung:they which have seen him shall say, Where is he? Cf Gen 11:4
Ps 8:1 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
Ps 108:4 For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.
Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
4.The Dwelling place of God.
2Ch 6:33 Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.
Cf - 1Ki 8:27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
Psalm 115:4 read all!!
La 3:41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.
Ac 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
(Heb 8:1)
5.The Deliverance of God revealed.
Psalm 144:5 Read all cf Ps 18:6-9
6.The Depository of the believer's treasures
Mt 6:19 ¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Lu 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
7.The deliverance of the Believers.
Re 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
8.The Destruction of Evil.
2Pe 3:1-7
Ps 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Joe 2:10 The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:
Joe 2:30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
Joe 3:16 The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
See Psalm 57
D. The heavens are spoken of in their relationship as one and cohesive, this is because they all share a common position. High and lofty above man. And connected to the almighty and his purpose.
Ec 5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
E. Heaven is also addressed in the singular. * The third heaven
Da 2:28 - But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets,
1. It is the place of God's throne
Mt 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
Ps 11:4 ¶ The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
a. Its appearance Isaiah 6:2 / Rev. 4
b. Its accessibility
i. to the Sons of God – Job 1:6 / 2:1 (Gen 6:2-4)
ii. to Satan – Job 1:6 – 12 / 2:1-7
iii. to the Saints – Acts 7:56-60 / Heb 4:16
iv. to the sorrows of wickedness -
Ge 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
Ge 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
James 5:4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
B. It is the place of Christ's work - At the right hand of God
1.He is adding to the church - Acts 2:41-47
2.He is functioning as our forerunner – Heb 6:18-20
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Forerunner = shipping term of the scout boat that went ahead to look for a safe lane into port.
3.He is preparing a place for believers – John 14:2
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. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. / Rev 21
4.He is enabling his Church with gifts – Eph 4:7-13
5.He is encouraging his people – Heb 4:14-16
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Cf Heb 216-18
6.He is praying for his believers -
a. intercession -
Ro 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
(cf John 17)
b. advocacy -
1Jo 2:1 ¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
7. He is taking care of his Churches – Rev 2-3 read Rev 1:9-20
C. It is the place of the believer's future
1. The presence of the Lord with his people
a. Those that die in the Lord. 2Cor 5:6-8
b. Those that are caught up. 1Thes 4:16-17
A prepared place - John 14:1-11
I go to prepare a place for you
A Blessed Hope
Ac 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Col 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;Col 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
Tit 2:13-14 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
A reserved inheritance -
1Peter 1:3 -9¶ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 ¶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Acts 20:32
Eph 1:1-14 – The down payment of our inheritance is the Holy Spirit! Think of what the Holy Spirit accomplishes in the life of a believer now, his presence is just a taste of what we will have for all eternity!
John 14:16-20 – Watch the continuing work unfold
John 14:4 the way ye know
John 14:20 – in that day ye shall know – Pentecost
Rom 8: - In the day of our faith being made sight, we will know our inheritance fully!
Lu 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
2. The Judgment seat of Christ
Reward of the inheritance
Col 3:18-25 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
2Cor 5:10-11
Paul understood that there was a reward for his service to Jesus Christ.
1Cor 9!
The Judgment seat - Bema gr. was the term from the Isthmian games where the athletes competed for a laurel wreath (corruptible crown) The judges on the bema watched to see that every rule was obeyed. Dis-qualification was the result of not striving lawfully. Does it matter if you serve God according to the truth and instruction of the Scriptures? Yes!
Rom 14:10 / 1Cor 3 - temple cf 2Cor 6
We strive for an incorruptible crown!
1Thes 2:19-20 -a crown of rejoicing (Phil 4:1)
2Tim 4:8 – a crown of righteousness
James 1:12 – a crown of life – (Rev 2:10)
1Peter 5:4 – a crown of glory
2Ti 2:1-5 -
Isaac Watts wrote
Am I a soldier of the cross, A follower of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own His cause, Or blush to speak His Name?
Must I be carried to the skies On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize, And sailed through bloody seas?
Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace, To help me on to God?
Refrain
And when the battle’s over We shall wear a crown!
Yes, we shall wear a crown! Yes, we shall wear a crown!
And when the battle’s over We shall wear a crown
In the new Jerusalem
Wear a crown (wear a crown) Wear a crown (wear a crown)
Wear a bright and shining crown; And when the battle’s over
We shall wear a crown In the new Jerusalem.
Christ our example
John 19:1-5 Behold the Man
Rev 4:4, 9-11 – Casting their crowns – Behold the King! Cf
Wouldn't it be something to discover that the reward we have worked for in this life was our way to give above the voice of praise, and put at his feet a tangible representation of our lives! A demonstration of sacrifice for his great love for us . We love him because he first loved us!
Re 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. Cf Rev 14:14 1 Crown / Rev 19:11-12 many crowns
Re 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Warning - Rev 3:11 – that no man take thy crown! - cf Mt 25:15-28
Mt 25 is not dealing with the Church it is dealing with Israel in the tribulation. However, the mind of God concerning stewardship, faithfulness and reward is demonstrated here.
After the judgment seat of Christ:
3. The marriage of the lamb
Rev 19:7-9
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
3. The return with Christ
Rev 19:11-21
Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Mt 24:27-30
4. The millennial reign
Rev 20
2Ti 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
Re 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Cf - (1Peter 2:9)
1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
According to the millennial Scripture passages The millennial Kingdom will be characterized by
- Righteousness
- Obedience
- Holiness
- Truth
- Fullness of the Spirit
Conditions in the kingdom will be: fruit of Christ's leadership / the same things that are evident in the life of Spirit filled believers! Is Jesus Christ king of your life?
Psalm 72 / 2Chor 9:1-12 cf Mt 12:42
6. The future state.
Rev 21-22
Rev 21:9 I will show thee the Bride the Lamb's wife.
Ps 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. The final sheep fold!
Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (See Heb 12:22-23)
Re 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Re 22:20 ¶ He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
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