Understanding Heaven on Earth
I grew up with a view of heaven that has developed immensely over the last decade—more specifically over the last 2 years. Where I once viewed heaven as some “far-off” world that we go to when God snatches us away, I now understand it as a realm that was in the early call of mans creation (see Genesis 1:28). In other words, it was the original launching ground for mankind—a place that God longed to extend into the earth. As we move into the ministry of Jesus, one can’t help but see the open display of heaven on earth (Kingdom) in His life. It actually was His inaugurate message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17). This message soon became a mandate for His ministry team, as He tells them, “Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you’” (Luke 10:8).
So, seeing the Kingdom message and mandate in the life of Jesus, I can’t help but think that if we are called to walk like Him, I can no longer allow an old mindset to rob me of His original call and assignment. I can’t allow what I’ve “known” to forfeit what is available in Christ. So, instead of being rescued, perhaps the Father’s kind intention is to rule and reign through His people—on earth as it is in heaven. It seems to be the “Jesus way.”
So, as I’ve been wrestling with the topic of “heaven on earth” over the last few years, I’ve developed some Biblical foundation that may help us in seeing our eternal purpose and assignment. Check it out…
KINGDOM of HEAVEN
When we talk about heaven, we must include the term and the reality of “Kingdom,” for the gospels make it clear that they go together, using the phrase, “kingdom of heaven” (see Matthew 3:2; 4:17). The new covenant was one where God brought the Kingdom (His reign) near by renting the veil of the old system—the most holy place was considered (by Jews) to be the third heavens—the place of God’s full reign (see Matthew 27:51).
Since kingdom is “the kings domain,” heaven is wherever the rule and reign of God is established. For 2,000 years, Jesus has been reigning and everything over which He reigns is brought into the Kingdom of God.
KINGDOM OF GOD or KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
In the gospels, we see the interchange of “heaven” and “God”—they are one and the same. God is the realm of heaven and heaven is the realm of God. Matthew used “heaven” simply because he was appealing to a Jewish crowd. Since the Jews considered the name “God” too holy to speak or write, they used heaven instead.
Jesus actually used the “Kingdom of God” and “Kingdom of heaven” interchangeably: Matthew 11:11-12 & Luke 7:28 ; Matthew 13:11 & Mark 4:11 & Luke 8:10 ; Matthew 13:24 & Mark 4:26 ; Matthew 13:31 & Mark 4:30 & Luke 13:18 ; Matthew 13:33 & Luke 13:20 ; Matthew 18:3 & Mark 10:14 & Luke 18:16 ; Matthew 22:2 & Luke 13:29
HEAVEN IS…
Heaven is a large subject in Scripture, and is mentioned in 54 of 66 books of the Bible—Jesus mentioned heaven approx. 70 times in Matthew alone. Scripture opens by telling us about heaven in Genesis (1:1) and closes by telling us about it in Revelation (21:10). Heaven is, in a sense, bookends of topic in the Bible.
The Bible doesn’t give us a specific location for heaven, however it does tell us much about the reality of it. I have identified just a few… Heaven is:
Gods dwelling place—the place of His reign (1 Kings 8:30; Revelation 4:2-3)
Full of life, peace, and Godly virtues (Revelation 21-22)
Where prayers are received and processed (Revelation 5:8)
A realm that moves in and out of the natural (Luke 11:20)
Open to the believer (sons and daughters) in Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22)
Close—not some far-off (distant) realm (Matthew 3:2; 4:17)
Designed to ENTER, made accessible by Christ’s work (Matthew 27:51)
Dwelling inside of Christ, and is personified in His life (Colossians 1:19)
Coming to earth (Isaiah 9:6,7)
JESUS IS THE FULLNESS OF HEAVEN
If the King decides the location, then a corresponding question should be, who makes up heaven?
In light of this, nothing more exemplifies the realm of heaven than the Person of Christ. Simply said, Jesus is heaven. Heaven is all good things, and all good things dwell in Christ (see Philippians 4:13). The qualities found in heaven dwell in Christ!
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him…” Colossians 1:15-19 (NASB)
This is why, in any culture, the heart of the King will be manifested. In other words, whoever rules creates the culture. This can be said of Christ (Who overcame death, ascended, and now sits at the right hand of the Father), and now is wanting to establish resurrection culture in and through His body—to the ends of the earth. His enemies have been made a footstool and now He is calling us to take our place as “kings and priests,” who minister to Him and establish His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven! Let us be about extending the Kingdom, to the praise and glory of the Father!
Full speed ahead!
-RA
