Here is my fifth piece from my book on heaven.

From the beginning of earth’s creation, on the very first day, God said, “‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Gen. 1:3). But this light was not the light of the sun or the moon or the stars; that happened on the fourth day. This light, I believe, came to us from God as a gift from heaven. It was just a sample of the everlasting light of heaven; however, it is a light that is much lower in brightness and intensity. Nonetheless, this light has been a great blessing to us—it has been “good” and “very good” (Gen. 1:4 and 31).

What this light from heaven is, I’m not sure we can say, whether it is all natural or somewhat miraculous. But whatever combination it is, it is very good for us. It helps our bodies produce Vitamin D; it improves our sleeping patterns; it helps us focus; and even makes us feel happier.

Now as we said, this light of heaven is eternal, much brighter, and I would say miraculous. It is eternal because its source is God who is eternal. And there are several verses that declare that He is light. Here are a few: “The LORD is my light and my salvation” (Ps. 27:1); “O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance” (Ps. 89:15); “You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering Yourself with light as with a cloak” (Ps. 104:1-2).

As for its brightness and durability, Isaiah 60:19-20 (which speaks of the days after the millennium—on the new heaven and earth) tells the entire story.

“No longer will you have the sun for light by day,

Nor for brightness will the moon give you light;

But you will have the Lord for an everlasting light,

And your God for your glory.

20 “Your sun will no longer set,

Nor will your moon wane;

For you will have the Lord for an everlasting light,

And the days of your mourning will be over.

As we see here, the light of the sun and moon and stars (if we even have them any more) are no longer needed. The heavenly light in the future will come down on the new heaven and earth. It will be an “everlasting light,” and even a miraculous light that will bring a new and spiritual vitality for all.

For now, being in our mortal bodies, we wouldn’t be able to survive such light. It is the light of immortality of which to us is “unapproachable” (1 Tim. 6:16). It is the same heavenly light that came down and flashed around Paul (then Saul), knocked him to the ground, and blinded him for three days (Acts 9:3-9).

Now if you want further proof of this light of heaven let us examine Revelation 21:2 and 23-24 (speaking of the holy city, new Jerusalem). As we see in verses 23 and 24, this city (spoken of here as in our future) is quite illuminated. It has no need of the sun or the moon; and the nations (people) will walk by its light. In other words, the light of God will shine into and through that city and light up all the new heaven and earth.

This city is eternal. It has always existed in the heavens and has always been a focal point of light. It is, we could say, the capitol city of heaven and the primary place of God’s abode and throne. Hence, it is the focal point of God’s light.

As we will talk about later, this city will come down from heaven from God and will be “made ready as a bride adorned for her husband”—which means that it will be a city made ready for us, His bride.

Notice carefully that this city is not created; it will “come down” out of heaven. In other words, before it appears over the earth, it was in heaven, and it has (as far as we know) always been in heaven. It is the primary dwelling place of God who is light.

Now God’s light is not just light as we know it (natural/literal light). His light has deep spiritual meaning for us and will always be teaching us about Him. Here are a few verses to ponder.

Psalm 27:1 – It is light that brings us salvation.

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the defense of my life;

Whom shall I dread?

Psalm 36:9 – It is light that brings us truth.

For with You is the fountain of life;

In Your light we see light.

Psalm 119:105 – It is God’s Word as a light to our path.

Your word is a lamp to my feet

And a light to my path.

Isaiah 9:2 – This speaks of Jesus the Messiah as a great light.

The people who walk in darkness

Will see a great light;

Those who live in a dark land,

The light will shine on them.

John 8:12 – Jesus God’s Son is the light of the world.

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

1 Peter 2:9-10 – We are called out of darkness into His marvelous light.

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.

1 John 1:5-7 – Jesus calls us to walk in Him in His light.

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.