Heaven: Our Father's House, an Inheritance, the Promised Land

The final picture of Heaven is that of a permanent “home”—of our Father’s house, a permanent inheritance promised to us. This picture starts with God's promise to Abraham that he would give him a land as an everlasting possession. The earthly picture of that land was Canaan (“a good land and a large, flowing with milk and honey”), but the real inheritance was Heaven itself. This heavenly country is our Father’s household, where mansions are prepared for us and where Jesus is. This is where even the servants have plenty, and where we are welcomed with rejoicing, honor and comfort. In contrast, we will see Hell as the place where unbelievers are “cut off” and “cast out”.

In all of these pictures of Heaven, it should not be lost that it is not the Place that provides the pleasure, but God Himself. As David said, “in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore”. God is the reason why Heaven IS Heaven-- it is “The Paradise of God,” "The City of the Great King,” the “Tabernacle of God,” the “Throneroom of God,” the feast given by God, the house and inheritance of our Father. As we go through life, we should keep God Himself as the focus of our yearning—not fruits or glory or reunions or feasts or security, but intimacy with our Jesus Christ (our Husband who loves us and gave Himself for us) and deep fellowship with our Heavenly Father (the one who wipes away every tear and who gives every good and perfect gift).

It is also helpful to consider the negative alternative to Heaven-- Hell, where we are banished forever from the presence of God and receive His wrath forever.

Continue to first picture of Hell: Fire
Return to summary of pictures of Heaven and Hell.
Return to Index of all studies.

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References for the foregoing:

Our Father’s House, an Inheritance, the Promised Land (Jn 14:2, Col 3:23-25, I Pt 1:3-4)
Everlasting possession, inheritance
(Gen 17:8, Lev 25:10, 23, Num 27:3-11, 1Ki 21:1-7, Ps 37:18-20, 27-29, Ps 23:6, Rev 21:7)
Good land and large, flowing with milk & honey (Ex 3:8, Num 14:6-9)
A heavenly country (Heb 11:13-16)
Where mansions are prepared for us and we can be where Jesus is (Jn 14:2-3)
Where even the servants are provided for, where we are welcomed with rejoicing, honor and comfort (Lk 15)
Also notice how David refers to the LORD himself as his inheritance: Ps 16:5-11

Contrast with Hell: “cut off forever” (Ps 37:9, 20-22, 34-38, Lk 13:24-30, 1Cor 6:9-10, Eze 16:5-51, Hos 9:17, Mal 2:1-3)