Do you think John 14:1-4 truly refers to heaven/a physical place or refers to intimacy with God?
John 14:23 and John 14:1-4-the words abode and mansion/house are actually the noun form of "abide" in John 15 etc.
John 14:1 - 4
ESV - 1 Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
Anonymous
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Michael Tinsley
Read Rev 11:19 and all of Revelation chapter 21. The descriptions there sound like actual material things and places to me. Revelation chapter 21 describes a new Heaven, the new Jerusalem, and the new Earth with real people and things so I would think John 14:1-4 describes a real place and to me it would be in the new Jerusalem.
Ezekiel Kimosop
I believe that heaven is a place with physical and spiritual dimensions rolled together. The redeemed of God will have glorified bodies (1Corinthians 15). They will dwell in the presence of Christ and of God. Heaven is definitely a particular abode whose location God alone knows. According to Hebrew theology, the third heavens is the dwelling place of God from where He reigns. Since Rev 21-22 clearly describes heaven with amazing details, we can infer that it is a real physical location. It has gates, a river flowing from the throne of God; streets of gold, tree of life on either side of the river of life. There is therefore no doubt that a physical location is contemplated.
Jack Gutknecht
Yes, you are right, Anonymous. The Greek word mon∑ is deciphered "houses" or as you say, "mansions," in John 14:2 and "residence" in John 14:23. It basically implies "rooms, standing spots," so we should not think in wording of villas. Tragically some unbiblical melodies have sustained the blunder that loyal Christians will have dazzling houses in wonder, while common holy people should be happy with little bed cottages or even shacks. Jesus Christ is currently getting ready places for every obvious devotee, and each spot will be lovely. At the point when He was here on the planet, Jesus was a woodworker (Mark 6:3). Since He has gotten back to Heaven, He is building a congregation on the planet and a permanent place to stay for that congregation in paradise. Heaven is a wonderful PLACE. A song we used to sing with our children in church says this. It's a literal place I believe, but it also refers to intimacy with God. It is both/and, not either/or. I'm 75 and looking forward with great anticipation to my home in Heaven. Jesus said to all His DISCIPLES, His FOLLOWERS, in the VOICE Translation of John 14:2, "My Father’s home is designed to accommodate all of you. If there were not room for everyone, I would have told you that. I am going to make arrangements for your arrival."
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