Lesson 10 Heaven

The Nature Of Heaven
• The righteous are destined to eternal life in the presence of Jesus
• He created man to know, love, and serve Him in this present world and to enjoy Him forever in the world to come
• By the name “Heaven” is meant all that Jesus has prepared and provided for the redeemed throughout eternity
• An understanding of the nature of Heaven may be had by studying the names describing Heaven
1. Names Describing Heaven
(a). Paradise – The meaning of this word is a “garden” reminding us of our first parents as they walked with God. Actually this is the place where the spirits and souls of the just await the resurrection
References: Revelation 2:7, II Corinthians 12:4
(b). Father’s House – This name with its many mansions conveys the thought of home, rest and fellowship. (John 14:2)
(c). Heavenly Country – This speaks of a Promised Land like Canaan which to Israel traveled. (Hebrews 11:13-16)
(d). City – This suggests the idea of an organized society (Hebrews 11:10)
(e). New Jerusalem – This is the eternal dwelling place of the church
2. Three Phases
(a). Intermediate state of conscious rest in paradise awaiting the resurrection
(b). Judgment for faithfulness and works (II Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 22:12)
(c). New Jerusalem – The eternal home of the church. (Revelation 21)

The Necessity Of Heaven
• The history of man discloses the fact that the human soul instinctively believes that there is a heaven
• God Himself, the Creator of human instincts, has implanted this instinct within the soul of man

The Blessings Of Heaven
1. Light And Beauty
• Human language at its best is inadequate to portray the realities of the life to come
• In the last two chapters of Revelation language is used which helps us gain a slight conception of the beauties of the world to come
• One writer used the illustration of a mole burrowing in the ground not being able to understand the life of an eagle
• Another illustration is to think of a caterpillar, which is wholly unable to comprehend the beauty and glory of the butterfly, which it will develop into
References: Revelation 21:23, Revelation 22:5
2. Fullness Of Knowledge
• Man is surrounded by mystery and hungers for knowledge
• In heaven this thirst for knowledge will be perfectly satisfied
• The mysteries of the universe will be made plain; perplexing theological problems will shine as clear as day
Reference: I Corinthians 13:12.
3. Rest
• Weariness, pain, strife, grief, cannot enter there
References: Revelation 14:13, Revelation 21:4
4. Service
• God gave Adam instructions to keep and dress the first paradise and He will not leave him inactive in the second paradise
References: Revelation 7:15, Revelation 22:3
5. Joy
• The greatest earthly happiness increased a million fold but feebly expresses the enjoyment awaiting God’s children
6. Permanence
• Heaven’s happiness will be forever
• Permanence is necessary to complete happiness
7. Social Joys
• Man by nature is a social being
• A solitary man is abnormal and exceptional
• In heaven there will be no misunderstandings, no strife and everyone will be good and beautiful
References: Hebrews 12:22-23, I Thessalonians 4:13-1 8
8. Fellowship With Jesus
• We shall see Jesus face to face
• He who shepherded His people through this vale of tears will in heaven lead them from joy to joy, from glory to glory, from revelation to revelation

Lesson 10
Self Help Test

A. Explain the meaning of the following terms:
a. Paradise –

b. New Jerusalem –

c. Heaven –

B. What is the eternal dwelling place of the church?

C. When will the church reach this eternal home?

D. Write a paragraph describing the blessings of Heaven.