Heaven, Earth, Under the Earth, and the Sea
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, "Heaven" is often depicted as the dwelling place of God, angels, and the righteous after death. It is portrayed as a realm of divine glory, peace, and eternal life. The concept of Heaven is central to Christian eschatology and theology, representing the ultimate hope and destination for believers.

Heaven is described in various ways throughout Scripture. In Genesis 1:1, it is stated, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This indicates that Heaven is part of God's creation, distinct from the earthly realm. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of Heaven as the "kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3), emphasizing its spiritual nature and the moral and ethical standards required to enter it.

The Apostle Paul provides a glimpse of Heaven's indescribable glory in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, where he recounts a vision of being "caught up to the third heaven." Revelation 21:4 offers a vision of Heaven as a place where "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."

Earth

The Earth, as described in the Bible, is the physical realm created by God for human habitation. It is the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and the arena for human history. Genesis 1:1 declares, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," establishing the Earth as a fundamental part of God's creation.

The Earth is depicted as both a place of beauty and abundance, as seen in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8-9), and a place of struggle and toil due to the Fall (Genesis 3:17-19). The Earth is also the site of God's covenant with humanity, as exemplified in the promise to Noah in Genesis 9:13, where God sets a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant.

Throughout Scripture, the Earth is seen as temporary and subject to renewal. In 2 Peter 3:10, it is written, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare." This points to the eschatological belief in a new heaven and a new earth, as described in Revelation 21:1.

Under the Earth

The phrase "under the earth" in the Bible often refers to the realm of the dead or the place of the departed spirits. It is associated with Sheol in the Old Testament, a shadowy place where the dead reside. In Philippians 2:10, it is stated, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth," indicating the universal acknowledgment of Christ's lordship, encompassing all realms of existence.

The concept of "under the earth" is sometimes linked to the idea of judgment and the final destiny of the wicked. Revelation 5:3 mentions, "But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it," highlighting the comprehensive scope of God's sovereignty and the ultimate authority of Christ.

The Sea

In biblical literature, the sea often symbolizes chaos, danger, and the unknown. It is a place of mystery and power, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern view of the sea as a formidable force. In Genesis 1:10, God gathers the waters and calls them "Seas," demonstrating His control over the chaotic elements of creation.

The sea is also a setting for significant biblical events, such as the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:21-22, where God delivers the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. In the New Testament, Jesus demonstrates His authority over nature by calming the stormy sea in Mark 4:39, saying, "Peace, be still!"

In eschatological visions, the sea is notably absent from the new creation. Revelation 21:1 states, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." This absence signifies the removal of chaos and the establishment of perfect order in God's eternal kingdom.
Subtopics

Heaven

Heaven and Hell

Heaven is Called: A Garner

Heaven is Called: A Heavenly Country

Heaven is Called: A Rest

Heaven is Called: Paradise

Heaven is Called: The Father's House

Heaven is Called: The Kingdom of Christ and of God

Heaven: Angels are In

Heaven: Christ is All-Powerful In

Heaven: Christ: As Mediator, Entered Into

Heaven: Created by God

Heaven: Enoch and Elijah Were Translated Into

Heaven: Everlasting

Heaven: Flesh and Blood Cannot Inherit

Heaven: God is the Lord of

Heaven: God: Answers his People From

Heaven: God: Fills

Heaven: God: Reigns In

Heaven: God: Sends his Judgments From

Heaven: God's Dwelling Place

Heaven: God's Dwelling-Place

Heaven: God's Throne

Heaven: Happiness of, Described

Heaven: High

Heaven: Holy

Heaven: Immeasurable

Heaven: Lay up Treasure In

Heaven: Names of Saints are Written

Heaven: New Heavens

Heaven: Physical Heavens, Creation of

Heaven: Physical Heavens, Destruction of

Heaven: Repentance Occasions Joy In

Heaven: Saints Rewarded In

Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: A Heavenly Country

Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: A Rest

Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: Called a Garner

Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: Paradise

Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: The Father's House

Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: The Kingdom of Christ and of God

Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: The Wicked Excluded From

Heaven: The Physical Heavens

Heaven: The Wicked Excluded From

Heaven: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Related Terms

Earthlies (1 Occurrence)

All-various (1 Occurrence)

Heavenly (51 Occurrences)

Heaven (653 Occurrences)

Heaven, Earth, and Sea
Top of Page
Top of Page