"A new heaven." This is in parallel with Genesis 1:1 and may refer to a new sky, a new firmament.

The above (preceding essay) are but a few examples that suggest that our thinking needs to be revised concerning what we mean by "heaven." A little reflection will reveal that we are thinking of Paradise, not primarily of the spiritual Heaven or heavens, or the sky per se.

As we search the Scriptures we will discover there is no emphasis in either the Old Testament or the New on dying and going to the spiritual Heaven. Eternal residence in the spiritual Heaven is never emphasized as being the goal of our salvation. Until we understand clearly that our goal is not eternal residence in the spiritual Heaven or heavens, we will have only a dim concept of the Kingdom of God.

The New Testament has very little to say about what happens to the Christian when he or she dies. The emphasis of the New Testament is on the Day of the Lord and the coming of the Kingdom of God to the earth.

The common idea of mansions in Heaven comes from an incorrect translation of John 14:2. It may be true that the change of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to a gospel of residence in the spiritual Heaven after we die originated after the death of the Apostles and reflects the beliefs of various other religions or the philosophy of Gnosticism. We have an extensive Christian mythology built around "mansions in Heaven," no part of which can be found in the Scriptures.

When the spiritual heavens are mentioned in the Bible, we find both good and evil in them. Also, the description does not portray an environment we would choose.

For example:

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. (II Corinthians 12:4)

Paul had a very desirable experience in Paradise in the third heaven.

But look what else is in the spiritual heaven.

And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. (Revelation 12:3)

Compare:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [heavenly] places. (Ephesians 6:12)

The environment of the spiritual heavens is not that which we ordinarily associate with "Heaven."

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; (Revelation 7:9)

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. (Revelation 15:2)

Are you truly looking forward with joy to standing on a sea of glass with a harp in your hand?

To be continued.