THE GLORIES OF HEAVEN

1 CORINTHIANS 13:9–12

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known

(1 Corinthians 13:12).

Nowhere in the New Testament do we find a clear, precise description of heaven. We get glimpses of what heaven is like, but we don’t see a detailed picture. Most of what we are given is visionary, highly symbolic, figurative, and full of imagery. This is because of the utter newness of heaven. Heaven is like a glorified version of the good things of this world, so we can have some idea of what it will be like. Because of the transcendent newness of heaven, however, we would not be able to understand a literal description.

We get one of these visionary glimpses in Revelation 21–22. In Revelation 21:1, we are told that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. While some believe that the present heaven and earth will be destroyed, most believe that the present heaven and earth will be redeemed and transformed into the new. We are also told that there is no longer any sea. In the Old Testament the sea is often an image of death and the enemy.

The next image is that of a New Jerusalem, replacing the old one that had been destroyed. John sees this city as a bride, an image of God’s people prepared for Him. As she comes, John hears a voice saying that God’s tabernacle is with men and He will dwell with them. This is imagery drawn from the Old Testament, where the tabernacle was always pitched at the center of the camp of Israel. John 1:14 says that Jesus is the Tabernacle who dwells with us.

John also sees the shekinah glory that shone in the Old Testament around the person of God Himself. He sees the glory manifesting itself as a precious jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal—symbols that focus on the idea of light radiating through transparent and translucent materials. The city is described as huge, 1,400 miles on each side, and as symmetrically balanced, the perfect edifice built by the perfect Architect.

CORAM DEO

Ezekiel 13–15

Hebrews 11:21–40

WEEKEND

Ezekiel 16–19

Hebrews 12–13

What are the most beautiful, majestic, and awesome sights you have ever beheld? How do you think these compare with the glory surrounding God in heaven? Using biblical symbols, imagine what will be seen, sung, and said when the whole company of the redeemed behold their Savior.

For further study: Revelation 4:1–11; The Last Days series

WEEKEND