Topical Encyclopedia The concept of an eternal dwelling place for the saints in heaven is a profound theme in Christian theology, reflecting the ultimate reward for those who have lived a life of faith and obedience to God. This eternal home is often depicted as a place of rest, joy, and communion with God, free from the trials and tribulations of earthly existence.Biblical Foundation The promise of an eternal home in heaven is rooted in several key passages of Scripture. In 2 Corinthians 5:1, the Apostle Paul writes, "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." This verse contrasts the temporary nature of our earthly bodies with the permanence of the heavenly dwelling prepared by God for His people. Jesus Himself assures His followers of this promise in John 14:2-3: "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am." Here, Jesus speaks of a personal and prepared place in the Father's house, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the believer and the Savior. The Nature of the Heavenly Dwelling The heavenly dwelling is described as eternal, signifying its unending nature. Unlike earthly homes, which are subject to decay and destruction, the house in heaven is imperishable. This eternal aspect is highlighted in 1 Peter 1:4, which speaks of "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you." The imagery of a house or dwelling place also conveys a sense of belonging and security. Revelation 21:3-4 provides a vision of this eternal home: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'" The Condition for Receiving the Reward The reward of an eternal house in heaven is promised to those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and have lived according to His teachings. Hebrews 11:16 speaks of the faithful who "desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." The call to live a life worthy of this reward is echoed in Colossians 3:1-2: "Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This exhortation encourages believers to focus on their heavenly inheritance and live in a manner that reflects their eternal destiny. The Assurance of the Promise The assurance of this heavenly reward is grounded in the faithfulness of God. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul provides comfort to believers with the promise of Christ's return and the gathering of His people: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord." This assurance is further reinforced by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who serves as a guarantee of the believer's inheritance. Ephesians 1:13-14 states, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." In summary, the reward of an eternal house in the heavens is a central promise of the Christian faith, offering hope and assurance to believers as they navigate the challenges of this world. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to those who love and serve Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 5:1For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Dissolution of Our Tabernacle Consistent with the Resurrection ... Hillis -- God the Unwearied Guide Assurance of Salvation. Christ's Transfiguration The Importance of Leading a Heavenly Life Upon Earth. The Temple of Wisdom Sermon. Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: Resurgam Resources What are the five heavenly crowns that believers can receive in Heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Balaam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Reward: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness The Reward of Saints is from God The Reward of Saints is Inestimable The Reward of Saints is of God's Good Pleasure The Reward of Saints is of Grace, Through Faith Alone The Reward of Saints is Satisfying The Reward of Saints: A City Which had Foundation The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Glory The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Life The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Righteousness The Reward of Saints: A House Eternal in the Heavens The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom Immovable The Reward of Saints: An Enduring Substance The Reward of Saints: An Eternal Weight of Glory The Reward of Saints: An Incorruptible Crown The Reward of Saints: As Servants of Christ The Reward of Saints: Be Careful not to Lose The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Face of God The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Glory of Christ The Reward of Saints: Being Glorified With Christ The Reward of Saints: Being With Christ The Reward of Saints: Entering Into the Joy of the Lord The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Life The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Light The Reward of Saints: Fulness of Joy The Reward of Saints: Hope of, a Cause of Rejoicing The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Eternal The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Incorruptible The Reward of Saints: Inheritance of all Things The Reward of Saints: Inheritance With Saints in Light The Reward of Saints: Joint Heirship With Christ The Reward of Saints: Not on Account of Their Merits The Reward of Saints: Prepared by Christ The Reward of Saints: Prepared by God The Reward of Saints: Present Afflictions not to be Compared With The Reward of Saints: Reigning for Ever and Ever The Reward of Saints: Reigning With Christ The Reward of Saints: Saints May Feel Confident of The Reward of Saints: Shall be Given at the Second Coming of Christ The Reward of Saints: Shining As the Stars The Reward of Saints: Sitting in Judgment With Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Diligence The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Enduring Suffering for Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Faithfulness to Death The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Pressing Forward The Reward of Saints: Treasure in Heaven Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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