Part 1:
Heaven, The Qualifications for Entry
The phrase “heaven and earth” is used to indicate the whole universe (Gen 1:1; Jer 23:24; Act 17:24)
According to scripture, there were three “heavens.”
In (2 Corinthians 12:2 ESV) we are told that the apostle Paul was “caught up to the third heaven,” and if a third heaven exists, there must also be two other heavens.
The first heaven we find being referenced in Bible is the type of heaven (H8064) found most frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, it is what we consider or call the “sky” or the “air.” This is the heaven that contains the clouds, the area that birds fly through, as “fowls of the heaven” (Gen 2:19, 7:23, etc.), “the eagles of heaven” (Lam 4:19), etc.
The second heaven is what we would consider as “interstellar” or “outer space”, which is the abode of the stars, planets, and other celestial objects (Genesis 1:14-18, Mat 24:29).
The third heaven (“the heaven of heavens”), of which the location is not revealed, is said to be the dwelling place of God (1Ki 8:39, 43; 2Ch 6:30, 30:27; Rev 12:10).
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27). According to this passage, everyone dies, however, not everyone goes to heaven (Matthew 25:46; Romans 6:23; Luke 12:5; Mark 9:43).
God is holy and perfect (2Sa 22:31, Psa 18:30, 1Pe 1:16) and Heaven is His dwelling place (1Ki 8:39, 43; 2Ch 6:30, 30:27; Psalm 68:5; Revelation 11:19, 12:10).
In many ways, this life is a time of testing—because our actions in this life determine our eternal destiny, Heaven or Hell.
How Do You Get Into Heaven?
Redemption yet remains an offer of salvation, however, it is up to each individual to decide if they chose to believe and accept it. This is why we will all be judged “by what we [have done]” (Rev 20:13).
Contrary to popular belief, the Bible says we do not go to heaven or hell when we die. We sleep in the grave until the resurrection when the Bible says: “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2).
Thus we consider Heaven as the place of the “no-mores” – No MORE SIN!
The entrance to heaven is not automatic for people who have simply tried to be good. The Bible says: “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27). The qualifying factor for those who enter will be whether or not their names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Because everyone will be judged (John 5:29, Acts 24:15), and everyone (including the Old Testament Saints) will stand before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ (John 5:22, Acts 17:31, Romans 2:16, 14:10, 2Cor 5:10, 2Tim 4:1) and this fulfills the truth Jesus speaks of.
*This Section Is Under Construction, We Will Be Back Soon. Thanks
To learn how to have your name written in the Book of Life. See our website Frequently Asked Questions About Salvation and Heaven.
