CELESTIAL CITY OF HEAVEN
Abraham left his homeland because "He was looking for a city with foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God." Abraham and his family lived in the promised land of Palestine as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" because "they were looking for a better country, a heavenly country" (better than earth) (Hebrews 11:8-16)
1. Heaven is different from earth
Jesus said, "Lay up for yourself treasures in Heaven, where thieves do not break through
nor steal. For where your treasure is there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:20-21
In Revelation John tells us it has twelve gates made of pearl, and streets of gold. There is no more death, sorrow, crying nor pain. It has no need of the sun or moon, there is no more curse, and there is no night there because the Lamb is the light.
2. This Heavenly City is the future abode of saints
Jesus said, "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 to myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John14:2-3
3. Heaven, the Holy City of God, is the location of God’s throne.
IN THE CENTER of Paradise, the City of God, there is a majestic edifice of awe-inspiring dimensions,
called the Most Holy Place, or Temple of Heaven.
Inside this beautiful structure is the very Throne of God, characterized by a glorious rainbow.
Ezekiel said ...(there) was the likeness of a throne, like a sapphire stone:
and on the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man ....
And I saw as the color of amber, as the appearance of fire round about .....
it had brightness round about...
as the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain,
so was the appearance of the brightness round about.
This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Yehovah... Ezekiel 1:26-28
Isaiah had a vision of God’s throne, high and lifted up and His train (a glorious light came down and)
filled the temple. (Isaiah 6:1)
John saw souls under the altar that is before (in front of) the throne of God (Revelation 8:3)
"The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it....Revelation 22:3
When Paul was on the Damascus road (Acts 26:13) he saw a light from Heaven above the brightness
of the noonday sun. A Voice from this light said, "I Am Yeshua."
In Rev 21:23, we find that the glory of God is the light of Heaven. This means that the city of Heaven
is brighter than the sun. It is another visible manifestation of God’s great glory. (Matthew 17:2)
4. The Kingdom of Heaven is the place where saints will meet.
Jesus said,"...many will come from the east and west and sit down with Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob, in the kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 8:11
Jesus also said "Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake;
for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven...
rejoice and be exceeding glad (persecuted ones)
for great is your reward in Heaven." Matthew 5:10 & 12
"The Master (Yeshua) will deliver me from every evil work, and
will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom:
to whom be glory for ever and ever." II Timothy 4:18
Jesus referred to Heaven and the kingdom of Heaven as the same place--
the place of eternal glory and reward
for those who have entered the spiritual kingdom of God while living on earth.