Changes in Heaven

When we think about what Jesus did for us, our thoughts often go to salvation.  But His life, death and resurrection did more than save our souls. The death and resurrection of Jesus did more than redeem those that believe in Him: it gave all believers the Holy Spirit. Before this, God’s relationship was mostly through leaders upon whom the Holy Spirit rested, such as His prophets or kings. After Jesus rose from the dead, believers were invited to be sons and daughters of God in whom His Spirit dwells. God’s purposes for Man are seen also in the spiritual realm.   Jesus’ victory on the cross caused a change in heaven. I will write about how scripture shows us this change in the book of Revelation.

The book of Revelation has symbolism of the four living creatures that fairly well matches a vision given to the Prophet Ezekiel.  Ezekiel’s vision (Ez 1:4-25) was given approximately 593 BC. John’s vision (Rev 4:6-9) was approximately AD 95.  John’s vision varies from Ezekiel’s vision of the four living creatures in significant aspects. Please read these scriptures so that you are familiar with what I am writing about.  

The differences between Ezekiel’s vision and John’s vision show a change in heaven. The first difference  is that Ezekiel sees the creatures with their spirits in their wheels, which were covered with eyes and follow the Spirit of God. In John’s vision, the creatures had no wheels, but they themselves were covered with eyes. The wheels represent God’s leading, which previously had come from an external source and rested upon the human spirit. Now God’s leading rests upon His believers.

Jesus said “If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching.  My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (Jn 14:23). God wants to abide with us, and lead us by His Holy Spirit.  He seeks a personal relationship with each believer instead of a relationship only with kings and prophets.

The eyes represent the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). The believer is led by the Spirit of God directly, and is covered with the mind of Christ. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would “guide you into all truth.  He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears and He will tell you what is yet to come.” (Jn 16:13). God not only will guide us, and abide with us, but He will speak to us about what is true, and about what is to come.  The Jewish nation knew about God, but did not know God. However, this same God now wants to reveal His thoughts to His people. We see that the relationship between God and Man is becoming closer as Jesus brings people into the family of God.

Tomorrow I will write about more differences between Ezekiel and John’s visions of the four living creatures, and the changes Jesus wrought for us in heaven. Have a blessed day.