Topical Bible: Sun: Does not Shine in Heaven

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In the biblical narrative, the sun is a central element of creation, providing light and marking the passage of time. However, in the eschatological vision of heaven, the sun's role is notably absent, as the glory of God provides all necessary illumination. This concept is rooted in several key scriptural passages that describe the heavenly realm as a place where the sun is no longer needed.

Revelation 21:23 provides a vivid depiction of the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, stating, "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb" . This verse highlights the sufficiency of God's presence, which surpasses the natural light sources of the earthly realm. The Lamb, a reference to Jesus Christ, serves as the lamp, symbolizing His role as the light of the world (John 8:12).

Revelation 22:5 further emphasizes this theme: "There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever" . The absence of night signifies the eternal nature of God's kingdom, where darkness and the need for artificial or natural light are eradicated.

The prophetic writings of the Old Testament also allude to this transformation. In Isaiah 60:19-20, the prophet declares, "No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease" . This passage anticipates a future where God's presence replaces the celestial bodies as the source of light and joy.

The absence of the sun in heaven underscores the complete and perfect provision of God. In the heavenly realm, the limitations and cycles of earthly life, symbolized by the sun's rising and setting, are transcended. The eternal light of God signifies unending life, joy, and communion with the Creator, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to His people.

Theologically, the concept of heaven without the sun points to the preeminence of God's glory and the centrality of Christ in the eternal state. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's presence, which fulfills and surpasses all earthly needs and experiences.

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Revelation 21:23
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
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Library

Whether the Brightness of the Heavenly Bodies Will be Increased at ...
... Hence it does not follow that the moon while over the ... the moon then as now from the
light of the sun. ... because then, as stated, the moon will shine as brightly ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the brightness of the.htm

Against Plato, on the Cause of the Universe.
... does not shine; and as the sun does not shine in this ... righteous from the beginning
[1586] dwell, not ruled by ... rest and eternal revival in heaven which succeed ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/against plato on the cause.htm

The Blessed Privilege of Seeing God Explained
... Not that they shall partake of God's very essence, for as the iron in ... sharp winter,
how pleasant will it be to see the Sun of Righteousness ... Does faith breed joy ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/17 the blessed privilege of.htm

On Predestination
... of men, knows every one that does or does not believe, in ... If he had no more freedom
than the sun, the moon ... He was first called, not only with an outward call ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 58 on predestination.htm

"Above the Sun. "
... All night's golden constellations dimly shine as day draws ... backward to the scenes
"beneath the sun," How the ... Head to Feet;, Never one that does not touch some ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jennings/old groans and new songs/above the sun.htm

'First to Mary'
... 'I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.' But while the fact ... There is no place
where sun does not shine. No heart is given over to irremediable hardness. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/first to mary.htm

Fourth Sunday after Trinity Consolation in Suffering, and Patience ...
... He thus makes all creation"sun and moon, fire, air, water, heaven and earth ... The sun
does not shine for the purpose of lighting a highway robber to murder. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fourth sunday after trinity consolation.htm

Why all Things Work for Good
... So, if prosperity shine on men, then friends will look upon them ... Does not the head
consult for the good of the body ... or little world, the head is the sun in this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/why all things work for.htm

"The Sun of Righteousness"
... is foul and she desires to see it shine with brightness ... it, so it whines and struggles;
the mother does not cry, or ... may be swathed in mist, but the sun is never ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sun of righteousness.htm

On the Immeasurable Joys of Heaven.
... rose-coloured garments, the confessors shine in their ... is seven times brighter than
the sun's light, swift ... now plainly see that tribulation does not proceed from ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xii on the immeasurable.htm