Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 6/21/2007

Question
"I came across it twice; once in a book and once in an encyclopedia--the beginning of the preaching of Heaven. Now I do not have either one of these references at my disposal. Please tell me when the Christian churches first began preaching Heaven. If possible, give me also the geographical location where it began and the name of the person who first gave the command that the churches preach Heaven. After so doing, please give me a well researched Bible definition of the word "heaven". Please stick with the Bible and do not refer to traditions, beliefs, or commentaries since to do so would be to depart from the constraints of the Bible. If the second request is too hard, please give me the answer to the first request first."


Answer
Samuel,

Christian greetings! Thank you for your questions. I will do my best to answer them, as you asked, using only Biblical references (which I do feel is always the best anyway).

First let me point out that the word "heaven" is referred to in the New Testament only 238 times. Though from your question, I believe that you are wanting to know when the church itself began to peach about heaven, correct? I will give my answer with this in mind. If this is incorrect, feel free to let me know.

Below are several Scriptures (though by no means not all) where the Biblical writers wrote/taught about (by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost) heaven...

Acts 3:21
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Acts 4:24
And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

Acts 7:49
Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

Acts 17:24
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Rom. 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

1 Cor. 15:47
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

2 Cor. 5:2
For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

2 Cor. 12:2
I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

Eph. 1:10
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Eph. 3:15
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

Eph. 6:9
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Php. 2:10
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Php. 3:20
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Col. 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

Col. 4:1
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Heb. 9:24
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Heb. 10:34
For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Heb. 12:23
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Heb. 12:25
See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

1 Peter 1:4
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1 Peter 1:12
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

1 Peter 3:22
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

1 John 5:7
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

Heaven in these Text's is the eternaly perfect dwelling place of God.

Samuel, please let me know if this helps, or if you have any further questions.

Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1