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God in heaven or heaven in God?
The great scientist and experimenter JBS Haldane once said that maybe "heaven was in God..." rather than God being in heaven. The context was the beginning of the Space Race when Russia had sent up Laika (the dog) into space and thus held an early lead in the race. Haldane wondered if because Americans believed God was in heaven and space was God's domain that American space agencies would have difficulty in dealing with God's preserve. They would not be as eager and as atheistically bold in exploring space as the Russians. After all astronomy, cosmology, and physics contribute (even if unconsciously) to proving or disproving God's existence.
But what if heaven was just a state of being? If God is a state of being, a sentient force permeating the universe or just a human-formed metaphysical construct, then heaven can be in God. How would this affect our view of God, the universe, life and death?
Our concept of heaven could be absolutely wrong, as we have no experience of other worlds, lives, or heavens (or Gods for that matter). Life here could be as good as it gets. Other worlds or the 'real world' could actually be hell. Our cosmological wanderings and wonderings may never find God. Heaven may not be a physical place, but just a state of human or even God's mind. If you believe in God, then you believe in heaven, so heaven can be in God.
In string theory, there is a possibility that there are up to eleven dimensions. Suppose one of those hidden dimensions was heaven, curled up so tiny that it could not be seen. When we die and dissolve into atoms, space in heaven would be no problem. Or heaven could be so large as to be on a different or higher plane of existence, well outside of our perception. Heaven may be the string that holds everything together, a quantum property in the theory of everything. So far no heaven has emerged. Heaven remains in the Schrodinger-like state of being or not being.
In the bible, there is talk of ascending to heaven at one's death. But suppose this life we are in is already heaven? 'Real life' could be another plane, from our dreams, or beyond the universal horizon. Our lives and memories could be an echo from a past life where heaven is what you make it, thus life is recreated from past experiences -hence the continuation of good and evil. So what happens when people die? Maybe they are rejections from this kingdom of heaven and so go back to 'real life'. Near death experiences may be just that, but in reality those 'saved' have actually died in the real world and are now in heaven. But if our world is heaven or if no religious heaven exists, heaven may just be a hole six feet under. As a state of being, the lure of heaven may also be an accomplice to self-destruction. Is heaven so rewarding that it is worth dying for? If heaven is a state of being in the here and now then death would not matter. But as one heaven dies, many more are born.
So, what is heaven? In a sense heaven is a state of being, for if God did create us all then we all have a piece of heaven within us, whether the spark of life or a soul. Likewise, we are Gods unto ourselves so we each have our own self-made heavens (and hells) inside us. In time, we shall all seek out our inner heaven and whichever God resides there.
Learn more about this author, Ray Burke.
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Place
Heaven is a real place. The heaven we are talking about is actually the third heaven. Yes, there are three heavens. The first heaven is where the birds and planes fly. The second heaven is called the stellar heaven. It is where the sun, moon, and stars are. The third heaven is a special place where God dwells. The Apostle Paul explains this in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 "I knew a man in Christ above fourteen hears ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one was caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for such a man to utter."
The third heaven is what we are referring to now. The Apostle Paul called it paradise. He saw in vision this wonderful place, and he heard words which were beyond the human imagination. How does this paradise look? "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." ( I Corinthians 2:9). The exiled disciple John, while on the island of Patmos was given glimpses of this most wonderful place. In vision he beheld it as revealed to him by the Holy Spirit. (See Revelation 1:9-10)
The entire book of Revelation was given to him through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Each chapter gives tiny glimpses of heaven, but Chapter 4 reveals, " And immediately I was in the spirit: and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look like jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald."
The emerald, or green, rainbow round the throne of God denotes life. We are
accustomed to seeing a rainbow reflecting the colors of a prism, but here we learn of a beautiful emerald green rainbow. The chapter goes on to describe the very
throne of God. Around the throne of God are seated 24 seats whereon are 24 elders, and the seraphim (six winged angels). They are praising God. The four seraphim praise Him day and night.
Jesus, the Son of God, described heaven by saying, "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. 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." ( John 14:2,3) Can you imagine mansions being prepared by the Son of God for us!
As astronomers look out into outer space, there is a particular spot that is different from all others. That spot is found in the constellation Orion. There is an opening there, which astronomers say is getting larger and larger. The light
emanating from that spot is spectacular, and it is believed that this is the portal to heaven.
Abraham, the father of the faithful, "...looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10). Hebrews 11 also confirms that the faithful ones of God seek a country..."But now they desire a better country, that is an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city." (Hebrews 11:16).
The city spoken of and longed for by the faithful of all ages is the New Jerusalem. It is vividly described in Revelation ,chapter 21,verse 10. This beautiful city is glorious. It is shaped like a square. The walls are estimated to be 216 feet in height. Twelve foundations, all of precious stones compose the foundation, and it has 12 large gates, each one made of pearl. Have you ever seen such a city! The streets of the city are pure gold and walls are made of jasper stone. There will be no night there because Jesus, the Lamb of God is the light. People of all nations, kindred and tongues will be there. No one will defile this sacred city.
St. John saw this glorious city come down out of heaven to earth. It is called the bride of Christ (Revelation 21:9, 10)). Yes, God will make a new heaven and a new earth, and this lovely city, which is now in heaven being prepared for us, will
be on the new earth. It will be the New Jerusalem, radiant beyond comparison, and all nations shall bask in its glory.
Yes, heaven is a real place. Every Christian looks forward to spending eternity there. All are invited to come and partake of it. "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come.
And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17)
Learn more about this author, Toni Doswell.
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