Heaven Holds My God

Heaven Holds My God

The Pages of Inspiration have much to say concerning the glorious subjects of God and heaven. In fact, the Bible begins by making us aware that God created the heavens (Gen. 1:1, 8). We also learn that God dwells in the heavens (1 Kings 8:30). Though God created the heavens and dwells therein, the heavens cannot fully contain Him (1 Kings 8:27). Heaven is the throne of God (Isa. 66:1; Matt. 5:34; Heb. 8:1). Thus, God rules from heaven (Matt. 5:16, 45; 6:1, 9), and is the God of heaven (Rev. 11:13; 16:11).
Regarding the subject of heaven, we learn from the Scriptures that there are three heavens (2 Cor. 12:2). The first heaven is what we call the sky (Gen. 1:20). The second heaven is what we call space (Job 26:7). The third heaven is what the Bible calls paradise (2 Cor. 12:2-4). From the Scriptures we may safely infer that God inhabits the third heaven, which is in eternity (Isa. 57:15). This is where the throne of God is located (Acts 7:49; Rev. 4.1-3). God inhabits the third heaven, because it is a reflection of His nature. God, who is holy, lives far above all things (Isa. 57:15; cf. 1 John 1:5).
There is a great lesson we learn from God’s heavenly position. From mankind’s perspective, the third heaven is higher than the first and second. God dwells in the highest place. Therefore, in Scripture, God is often referred to as the “Most High,” a “high tower,” and the “high and lofty One.” Isaiah draws upon the heavenly position of God and declares, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:9). Here, Isaiah is not communicating (as many erroneously interpret) that man’s ways and thoughts can never become God’s ways and thoughts. The context bears out that God’s desire is for His ways and thoughts to become man’s ways and thoughts: “For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isa. 55:10-11). Heaven holds God, and God sent forth His Word from heaven. Just as the third heaven is high, so are the ways (Psa. 71:19) and thoughts (Psa. 92:5) of God. God is holy; therefore, the heaven that God indwells is holy (Deut. 26:15). It is no surprise then that God answers His people from heaven (2 Chron. 7:14) and requires them to be holy, just as He is holy (Lev. 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7; 1 Pet. 1:15-16).
As we have seen, the subjects of God and heaven are quite significant. Christians ought to take the time to recognize and appreciate the majesty of God Almighty. We serve One that is without comparison, the perfect circle, and the true light. The place of God is separate from all that is corrupt and wicked. Yet, His potent love, manifested by the death of His only begotten Son, and revealed by His Spirit has made possible a life difficult to comprehend at first, due to the tremendous suffering one must endure as the teacher of perfection, but in the end, an ineffable promised felicity. May the God of heaven continue to look down up us, having mercy, as we strive to be holy as He is holy in all manner of living. God is true!

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