Defference between heaven and new jerusalem

In the Bible, Heaven and the New Jerusalem are two distinct concepts that are often related but have different meanings.

Heaven

In the Bible, Heaven refers to the dwelling place of God and the angels, where God resides in His glory and majesty. Heaven is often described as a realm of eternal joy, peace, and happiness, where God's presence is felt and where there is no sin, suffering, or pain.

In the Old Testament, Heaven is often referred to as the "heavens" (plural), emphasizing its vastness and majesty. In the New Testament, Heaven is often referred to as the "kingdom of heaven" or the "kingdom of God," emphasizing its connection to God's rule and reign.

The New Jerusalem

The New Jerusalem, on the other hand, is a specific city that is described in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 21:1-22:5) as the future dwelling place of God and His people. It is often referred to as the "New Jerusalem" or the "Holy City."

The New Jerusalem is described as a beautiful and glorious city, with walls made of jasper and precious stones, and gates made of pearl. It is said to be the capital of the new heaven and the new earth, where God will dwell with His people forever.

The key differences between Heaven and the New Jerusalem are:

  1. Location: Heaven is often described as a realm or a dimension, while the New Jerusalem is a specific city on the new earth.
  2. Purpose: Heaven is often seen as a place of eternal joy and happiness, while the New Jerusalem is seen as a place of worship and fellowship with God.
  3. Characteristics: Heaven is often described as a place of eternal peace and happiness, while the New Jerusalem is described as a city of beauty and glory.
  4. Time: Heaven is often seen as a present reality, while the New Jerusalem is seen as a future reality that will be established at the end of time.

In summary, Heaven is a general term that refers to the dwelling place of God and the angels, while the New Jerusalem is a specific city that is described as the future dwelling place of God and His people.