As a rule,the closer you came to the living God, the purer you had to be. We should expect to long for greater knowledge, as angels do. Hell's small and distant shadow will not interfere with God's greatness or our joy in Him. The gates of the city of Jericho were significant in this way. In We'll never be deceived into thinking God is withholding something good from us or that sin is in our best interests. The Bible states in very clear terms that if one rejects Jesus as the Messiah then you will not get to be in heaven period! But it might not be the authors intent for us to worry about who gets in via which gate. In the Biblical context, the twelve gates of heaven symbolize the access points for humanity to enter into the presence of God. In fact, John seems tothink this city is prepared specifically for someone elsebut the followers of Jesus do getto partake in it. There will be saved people on the New Earth who are outside the city gates and will be entering the city gates and that is why they are opened. God is absolutely sovereign and doesn't desire any to perish (1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9). You are correct to observe that often the imagery of being in or outside of a city wall means the difference between being in relationship or not. But the New Jerusalem isnt just a happy place for the deceased tokick back in for all eternity: its actually the culmination of a theme that runs through the whole of Scripture, from the very beginning to the very end: the construction of the city of God. Did you regret the upgrade? So, take comfort in knowing that your future is secure when we leave this earth. Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no (Exodus 16:14). An object that massive would also trigger earthquakes, eruptions, and make a planet wobble on its axis. The Bible does not tell us that . Judgment also comes from heaven. Of uncertain affinity; the south(-west) wind; by extension, the southern quarter itself. A holy soul used to say this prayer: O Jesus, in Thy dear Sacrament, Thy Heaven I cannot see. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! The "Twelve Gates" have their origin in folklore, mythology and scripture. This story is more evidence that the stories in the . Hence, we should expect that in heaven emotions will exist for God's glory and our good. In reality, sin robs us of fulfillment. in-depth Some Christians believe this is a literal city that shall descend from heaven, but wouldnt a cube that size seesaw on the earths surface, since the earth is not flat, but a sphere? Answer The idea of there being "pearly gates" in heaven is based on a reference in the book of Revelation describing the twelve gates of New Jerusalem. In Johns vision, the New Jerusalem is prepared specifically for Jesus Christ. The short answer, the city is specifically prepared for the Lamb. Yes, heaven is a place. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it (Genesis 28:12). Great article! Having known death and life, we who experience life will never want to go back to death. Since Jewish people do not accept Jesus as their Messiah, according to Gods word they will not be in heaven. The night Jesus was betrayed, he told his disciples, including John, that he was going to prepare a place for them (John 14:23). According to this Biblical account, the twelve gates of heaven lead to the throne of God. God Is So Good! Some people have written books about their revelation of heaven. Revelation 21:12. (LogOut/ (LogOut/ True, the Jewish religious and political leaders rejected Jesus as Messiahlike the wicked kings and priests of Jerusalem and Samaria rejected the Law in the Old Testament. This city emerges from heaven prepared. I would rebel if I had to stand around all day singing praises to Dear Leader. 1991 - 2023 Eternal Perspective MinistriesAll Rights Reserved. But the Jewish people as a whole are not cut off from Gods grace. Matthew 5:45 says That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust., We know that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost reside in heaven. Andas far as the New Testamentnarratives tell us, Jesus is currently at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Randy Alcorn suggests that the emphasis in these passages is that we will no longer "need" the night. The last book of the Bible mentions a city that descends from heaven, the New Jerusalem: And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth. revelation - What is the significance/symbolism of the "gate" being Luke 2:13-15 says, And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. . Angels & Gateways - Throne Room Mystic In Hinduism, there is a concept of the twelve Adityas, or sun gods. Are we not allowed in? Randy Alcorn (@randyalcorn) is the author of over sixtybooks and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. In depictions of heaven, why are there gates? Why would there - Quora Rev 21:25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). opportunity But we'll never know everything. The kings of the nations of the Earth will access it. If one happens to live in the New Jerusalem on a floor a few miles above sea level, I would not suggest opening your windows without first donning an oxygen mask, or better yet, a space suit. Jesus himself was Jewish, John the Baptist was Jewish, the Twelve apostles were Jewish, for several years almost all Christians were Jewish. Revelation 21:21a tells us, "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl.". 1 Kings 8:30 says And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive. We know from this Scripture that heaven is where God lives. http://www.swedenborg.com--------------------------------------------------------------------Related Videos:Who was Emanuel Swedenborg? Scripture gives no indication of a memory wipe causing us not to recognize family and friends. Revelation 21:13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. But first, lets get one thing out of the way: Im not 100% sure thatJohn was trying to give us a literal physical description of what eternity with God will be like. Each gate represents a different aspect of Gods character or attributes, such as mercy, grace, and love. They were a place of authority and judgment, the site of significant spiritual battles, and a place of worship for the people. Many thanks, MarilynIm glad this is helpful. She has one stepson, Greg. Parallel Commentaries Three. and The gates will also represent things from our earthly past: the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve Apostles. It was there that prophets would come to deliver their messages from God to the people. Are there pearly gates in heaven? | GotQuestions.org Are the popular depictions of Peter standing at the pearly gates biblically accurate? Its a perfect cubeof pure gold. That first gasp will likely be followed by many more as we continually encounter new sights in that endlessly wonderful place. They are also often portrayed as intermediaries between God and humanity. I have been looking for something to help me with my need to be closer to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This makes sense: the city of God isprepared as the capital of King Jesuss kingdomnot just a big, big yard where we can play football.. Thats becauseJesus and God are already dwelling openly in the city. Many other cultures and religions have similar beliefs and traditions. The light of it is compared to a jasper stone. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. Wait There Were How Many Herods?! Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the is in this place, and I did not know it.". I realize that is not scriptural and sounds too far out, but this is the future and Gods universe were talking about. Why Does Heaven Have Gates? - Escaping Christian Fundamentalism In We do know that wherever the Trinity resides is heaven. This city is different from any city John has ever seen. I knew the city was the bride but the details didnt come to me till today. This story is more evidence that the stories in the Bible come not from an all-knowing god, but from the irrational minds of superstitious human beings. This article is part of our larger resource library of Christian questions important to the Christian faith. 21 it speaks of how the gates will not be shut because people will enter. The Absurdity of Christians Claiming to Understand the Jewish Scriptures Better Than Jews, Follow Escaping Christian Fundamentalism on WordPress.com, Bart Ehrman: Most Scholars Doubt the Early Creed Was Written Within 3-6 Years of Jesus' Death, Majority of Scholars agree: The Gospels were not written by Eyewitnesses. The New Testament was almost entirely written by Jewish people. Swedenborg learned that the Holy City is a symbol of a new church or heavenly mindset.Learn how 12 gates represents the variety that God welcomes in.Click below on \"Show More\" for full episode description, free book downloads, and contact info.In the full-length episode \"The Spiritual Future of the Human Race\" host Curtis Childs explores what Swedenborgs recorded spiritual explorations can reveal about a happier, wiser, and more loving future for the human race.Full-length video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN0c1q_Ca2MSwedenborg and Life is brought to you by The Swedenborg Foundation--a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, independent, educational organization. From anatello; a rising of light, i.e. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Himself is a worker. He served as a pastor for fourteen years, holding degrees in theology and biblical studies, and has taught on the adjunct faculties of Multnomah University and Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Presented in an engaging, reader-friendly style, his conclusions will surprise readers and stretch their thinking about this important subject. It involves coming to God with humility, gratitude, and praise. Who is Waiting at the Gates of Heaven? Genesis 28:16-17 ESV / 35 helpful votesHelpfulNot Helpful. It just means they have no access to it. 22 Bible Verses for a Struggling Marriage, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Theres no need forone sacred room in which they can interact with humansthe whole city is sacred. But in Johns vision, the New Jerusalem is described as the bride of the Lamb. The gates are on all four sides of the city, facing every direction of the earth, available to everyone. Jesus said, "My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working" (John 5:17). Pearly gates - Wikipedia The Psychological Trauma of Leaving Fundamentalist/Conservative Christianity. The gates are named after the 12 tribes of Jacob, which means man (the VAV) is the gate. The concept of twelve gates to enter into a heavenly realm is not unique to Christianity. Navigating the challenges and joys of ministry life. the western region. However, at the end of Rev. Question: My question is why are there gates in Heaven? or cryingor pain" (Revelation 21:4). Answer The twelve gates in Revelation 21 belong to the New Jerusalem, which comes down from heaven to the new earth (verse 10), shining with the glory of God (verse 11). According to some interpretations, these twelve gods are associated with the twelve astrological signs and therefore represent the guiding forces in ones life. Angels are ministering spirits, sent forthfor service for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation (Heb. Sin doesn't make life interesting; it makes life empty. But if youve found our resources to be helpful, we invite you to consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help fund our eternity-shaping work. Who is Waiting at the Gates of Heaven? - Beliefnet If we would miss something from our old lives, it would be available to us in heaven. These are the tears of suffering over sin and death, the tears of oppressed people, the cries of the poor, the widow, the orphaned, the unbornand the persecuted. Revelation 21:12 The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates Why Are There 12 Gates In The New Temple? - What Christians Want To Know There is no need for sun or moon because God and Jesus light up the city. . Smith lives and resides in Memphis, Tennessee. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. It's part of being finite. This is where maybe we get heaven right: if this city is being prepared, and if it indeed comes to earth from heaven, then its possible that the New Jerusalem is under construction in heaven now. There are 12 gates. The City has 12 Gates, 12 Angels, 12 Names - New Jerusalem In the Garden of Eden, God planted a tree of life whose fruit, when eaten, could sustain life forever. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. It is also thought to represent order, harmony, and balance. This city is the ultimate version ofthe Jewish temple. Why 12 Gates? - 12 Gates Brewing Company Scripture refers to three heavens. When God created Adam, he "took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2:15). The Lord confound their speech and scattered them abroad so that they were not able to finish their city (Genesis 11:7-8). Who are those outside the gates in Revelation 22:15? What is the significance of the twelve gates in Revelation 21? If we go beyond the earths stratosphere, that is another heaven. Thy dream, and the visions of they head upon they bed, are these., We should aspire to be in heaven where God is. What? The image of the gates in popular culture is a set of large . But whats so different about it? In fact, there is only one passage of Scripture that references streets of gold and that is in the Holy City, the New Jerusalem: "The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass" ( Revelation 21:21 ). Specifically, Paul believes that when he dies, he will be with the Lord (Php 1:23). The psalmist writes in Psalm 100:4, Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. This verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude and praise as we approach God. 9 Facts About Heaven that Will Surprise You - Lifeway we probably won't fail to recognize an acquaintance in a crowd or forget people's names. This may seem a silly thing but it has puzzled me for some time now. The Bible says In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. There are different dimensions of heaven. Join our email list, and well send you some of our best free resourcesplus well tell you whenever we make something new. heaven There are 3 gates on the north, 3 on the east, 3 on the west and 3 on the south (Rev. for each heart or conscience to seek and respond to Him (Romans 1:18-2:16). That would mean that at least part of heaven may resemble Johns vision of the New Jerusalem but thats a bit speculative for my taste. Some of the characters of the Bible were given a vision of heaven. And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire (Revelation 10:1). If Satan and some of the angels could be in heaven and Gods presence and yet still rebel, its not inconceivable that Christians in heaven some time in eternity will grow bored or decide God wasnt quite what they thought, and cause trouble. If that is not a reasonable conclusion, then could they be people not even originally from Earth but whom God also created? This Scripture gives reference to Jacobs dream. My friends at Zondervan released a pretty cool infographic describing exactly how this theme is developed throughthe Bible: ^ Thats based on an article in the NIV Zondervan Study Bible by T. D. Alexander on The City of God. And in case you wanted an affiliate link to pick up a copy yourself, here ya go. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. It will be stripped of its illusions and will be utterly unappealing. A setting (of the sun), hence: the West. The pearl is said to be of great price, and represents the worth and value of the kingdom of heaven. What is the significance of the twelve gates in Revelation 21? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Why Does Heaven Have Twelve Gates? - The Biblical Answer - Dei Homines You explain it beautifully, Don, and I am really enjoying your posts! In heaven, we'll embrace God's holiness and justice. Dr. Smith primarily teaches language arts. 21:12), they will never bet shut (Rev. Re: #4, thanks for calling this out: I added some clarity to this and point #8. What are the New Heavens and the New Earth? Not Heaven. The city will never be under attack as all enemies . Randy resides in Gresham, Oregon, with his wife, Nanci. We create, accomplish, set goalsand fulfill themto God's glory. The whole book of Revelation chapter 21 paints the picture. I too am not an Israelite but I will meet you in New Jerusalem. In Scripture, God is said to enjoy, love, laugh, take delightand rejoice, as well as be angry, happy, jealousand glad. This is yet another reference to the Jewish temple. (12, 13) And had a wall great and high . Reminder: You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. The concept, also found in the ancient Mesopotamian religions, can be found in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; a similar concept is also found in some other religions such as Hinduism. You have to make sure that you are saved and have fully repented before leaving here. And that really shouldnt surprise us.