- — St. Augustine of Hippo, (A.D. 354-428)
St. Augustine of Hippo, (A.D. 354-428), North African; born in Tagaste in A.D. 354, baptized in Milan in A.D. 387, ordained a priest in A.D. 391 and appointed bishop of Hippo in A.D. 395, Augustine is one of our greatest theologians. His numerous works display genius of the highest order, and have ever had great weight in the Christian churches. He is also a Doctor of the Church.
From all this, it will readily occur to any one that the blessedness which an intelligent being desires as its legitimate object results from a combination of these two things, namely, that it uninterruptedly enjoy the unchangeable good which is God; and that it be delivered from all dubiety, and know certainly that it shall eternally abide in the same enjoyment.
The City of God, Book 11, Chapter 13
Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness. Those who die in God's grace and friendship and are perfectly purified live for ever with Christ. They are like God for ever, for they "see him as he is," face to face. (1 John 3:2; cf. 1 Corinthians 13:12; Revelation 22:4)
In the glory of Heaven the blessed continue joyfully to fulfill God's will in relation to other men and to all creation. Already they reign with Christ; with him "they shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5; cf. Matthew 25:21, 23)
The Church's Scriptures on Heaven:
Jesus thanks His Father, Lord of Heaven and earth
25 At that time Jesus declared, "I thank thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; 26 yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will.
Matthew 11:25-26
Jesus speaks of His Father in Heaven
17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in Heaven".
Matthew 16:17
The Commissioning of the Disciples
18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20
The existence of Heaven
- Isaiah 65:17
- "I am about to create new heavens and a new earth"
- Matthew 5:18-19
- "until Heaven and earth pass away ... least in the kingdom of Heaven."
- Luke 15:7
- [More joy in Heaven over one repentant sinner than 99 righteous.]
- Luke 15:10
- "rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents"
- Luke 16:19-25
- [Parable of the rich young man and Lazarus.]
- John 3:5
- "no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit"
- John 3:18-21
- [Whoever believes will not be condemned.]
- Hebrews 9:24
- [Christ entered Heaven to appear on our behalf.]
- 1 Peter 1:3-4
- "new birth to a living hope ... inheritance that is imperishable"
- 2 Peter 3:13
- "we await new heavens and a new earth"
- Revelation 21:1
- "I saw a new Heaven... the former Heaven and the former earth had passed away"
Also read:
The Joys of Heaven
- Psalms 16:11
- "abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand"
- Daniel 12:3
- "wise shall shine brightly ... shall be like the stars forever"
- Matthew 5:12
- "your reward will be great in Heaven"
- Matthew 13:43
- "righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father."
- John 12:26
- "where I am, there also will my servant be"
- John 14:3
- [Jesus says he is going to prepare a place for us so we can be with him.]
- John 17:24
- [Jesus tells his Father that he wants us to be with him and see his glory.]
- 1 Corinthians 13:12
- "see ... face to face ... then I shall know fully, as I am fully known"
- Revelation 7:16
- [No hunger or thirst in Heaven, no sun or heat shall touch the saved.]
