What are heavenly places or realms?

1. Introduction to the Concept

The term “heavenly places” (sometimes rendered “heavenly realms”) appears in various biblical passages as a description of domains beyond the earthly sphere. They are portrayed scripturally as real, though not always visible, indicating the seat of divine authority, angelic presence, and spiritual activity.

2. Old Testament Foundations

In the Hebrew Scriptures, references to a divine realm emphasize that the Creator rightly rules over all. For instance, Deuteronomy 10:14 recognizes that “the highest heavens belong to the LORD.” This highlights a distinct place or sphere where God’s throne is. Isaiah 66:1 similarly notes, “Heaven is My throne.” These glimpses portray a reality above the physical sky.

Archaeological findings, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, encourage confidence in the consistent transmission of these passages. The Scrolls preserved portions of Isaiah that underscore the idea of Yahweh reigning from heights beyond human reach. The precision of these ancient manuscripts gives weight to the reliability of the biblical text.

3. New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the phrase “heavenly realms” takes on richer detail. Ephesians 1:3 declares: “Blessed be the God and Father… who has blessed us… in the heavenly realms.” This indicates that believers share in blessings that originate in this unseen domain. Ephesians 2:6 extends the concept, teaching that those who are in Christ are, spiritually speaking, “seated… with Him in the heavenly realms.” It underlines a present spiritual reality while awaiting full future realization.

Furthermore, the apostle Paul describes spiritual warfare as taking place “against…the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). This shows that “heavenly places” also involve a battleground of good and evil, unseen but real, affecting believers in the earthly domain.

4. Nature and Function of Heavenly Realms

These “heavenly places” are consistently shown as central to God’s purposeful plan, revealing His authority and holiness. They are a place of divine governance, angelic worship, and ultimate cosmic order (see Revelation 4:1–2). They also encompass the sphere where Christ, having resurrected from the dead, reigns in eternal majesty. From a theological perspective, they exemplify the perfect kingdom of God not yet fully manifested on Earth.

5. Christ’s Resurrection and Heavenly Realms

Central to the understanding of heavenly realms is the resurrection of Christ. This event, attested by multiple historical lines of evidence (as presented by scholars such as Gary Habermas using the “minimal facts” approach), demonstrates that physical death was conquered in a tangible, historical moment. Christ’s ascension (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9) reveals His arrival into these heavenly places, signifying His exalted position at the right hand of the Father.

Outside sources like early creeds (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:3–8) recorded within a short time after the events of the resurrection reinforce the authenticity of these claims. Such historical attestation, which would have been subject to scrutiny by eyewitnesses, underscores the Scriptural record of Christ entering the heavenly realm—promising the same inheritance to His followers.

6. Believers’ Relationship with Heavenly Realms

While humans dwell in a physical world, Scripture teaches that believers are spiritually united with Christ, who is seated at the right hand of the Father. Ephesians 2:6 highlights that God “raised us up with Christ.” This indicates a positional reality: even though physically on earth, believers have a citizenship in “heavenly places.”

This relationship assures spiritual blessings, transforming behavior and worldview. Just as a person’s citizenship shapes their rights and identity, so too does a heavenly orientation change how believers live on Earth. Apologists such as Lee Strobel, Josh McDowell, and William Lane Craig highlight how that hope has historically driven Christ-followers to endure persecution and demonstrate a life radically changed by a genuine encounter with God.

7. Continuity with Creation and Intelligent Design

From an intelligent design standpoint, evidence of fine-tuning in the cosmos—such as the precise constants in physics—points to the existence of a Being who “stretches out the heavens.” Many who share Ken Ham’s perspective note that the genealogical record, combined with geological examples (like catastrophic layers seen in rock strata), align with an understanding of a relatively young Earth. This supports the narrative that a transcendent God established both the physical realm and the heavenly realm.

Stephen Meyer and other proponents of intelligent design argue that the complexity in DNA and the sudden appearance of life forms in the Cambrian strata strongly indicate purposeful creation. This resonates with the biblical portrayal of a God who speaks all realms—physical and spiritual—into existence.

8. Encouragement from Manuscript Evidence

Scriptural manuscripts (examined by textual experts like James White and Dan Wallace) reveal a transmission reliability supporting the authenticity of passages referring to heavenly places. Discoveries such as the Rylands Library Papyrus and the Bodmer Papyri confirm early New Testament records, reinforcing confidence that teaching on the heavens has been faithfully preserved.

These historical documents, aligned with consistent internal cohesion, underscore a single storyline: from creation to redemption to the eternal state, all pointing to the reality that the heavens are as authentic as the Earth on which we stand.

9. Practical Implications and Conclusion

Heavenly realms are not merely remote or symbolic themes. Scripture portrays them as the abode of God, the location of Christ’s exalted status, and the believer’s ultimate residence. This perspective, shaped by careful manuscript study, historical verification of the resurrection, scientific observations favoring design, and practical experience of transformation, remains foundational for understanding the cosmic scope of redemption.

Those who trust the finished work of Christ view these realms not as strange abstractions, but as the ultimate fulfillment of human purpose. As a result, a life oriented toward glorifying God flows from an assurance that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). This hope, underpinned by evidence, transcends the physical world and points to the eternal city “whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10).