What the New Testament Says About Heaven by Myra Kahn Adams for Town Hall
GNN Note – Where is the Kingdom of Heaven? Where do we go to find the mansion with many rooms? / END
Thanks for joining us to briefly explore what the New Testament says about Heaven. Last week (Vol. 95), we examined the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and its focus on God as the Almighty and glorious Creator of Heaven(s). Today, in the New Testament gospels, Jesus confirms His Father’s Heavenly presence and how to gain admittance. Then, the New Testament writers expound upon Heaven through their belief in Jesus. And, in Revelation, we read about the “New Heaven” with its apocalyptic and symbolic future visions.
While researching this popular destination, I found a helpful commentary by Pastor David Jeremiah titled “What Does The Bible Say About Heaven? 65 Passages To Get You Started,” categorizing Heaven-related verses under eight sub-heads:
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“God’s Dwelling Place; Our Inheritance; Christ’s Presence; Longing for Heaven; The Hope of Heaven; Resurrection Bodies; The New Heaven and New Earth; Living With a Heavenly Perspective.”
Those subheads exemplify Heaven as a complicated, multi-dimensional place beyond human comprehension. Nonetheless, Americans’ views of Heaven are remarkedly similar. For example, last week’s study mentioned the recent Pew Research Center survey that found 73% of U.S. adults believe in Heaven. (Finding 73% of Americans to agree on anything is itself astounding.) And, of those who believe in Heaven, here are their top three expectations:
Are free from suffering: 69%
Are reunited with loved ones who died previously: 65%
Can meet God: 62%
Do New Testament verses support those beliefs? Let’s find out starting with what Jesus said about “Father in Heaven,” the “Kingdom of Heaven,” or “His Father’s house”:
“‘In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven ’” (Matthew 5:16).
