By Mark Ellis —
Author and pastor Dr. Jeff Rhoades says in his new book, The Bible Dimensions and the Spiritual Realm, that based on the physics of the universe, heaven may be much closer than we think.
“The theory behind string theory is that subatomic particles (strings) make up the neutron, proton and the electron. These are small strands of energy. They’re not material; they’re energy,” Dr. Rhoades told God Reports.
The vibration of the strings governs the type of particle. “The particles determine what kind of atom they are. So the theory behind is everything in the universe is made up of energy. It is electrical, magnetic energy,” he notes.
While we live in the three-dimensional, observable world, Einstein’s general theory of relativity treats time as a fourth dimension — 4D spacetime.
String theories go even further, requiring extra dimensions of spacetime for mathematical consistency, with potentially as many as 26 dimensions theorized. Could one of these extra dimensions contain heaven and hell?
The extra-dimensionality predicted by string theory leads Dr. Rhoades to believe heaven is closer than we think. “Everything in the Bible points to heaven being close,” he notes. “The New Testament tells us that Stephen looks into heaven from the physical realm.
“God spoke to Paul from heaven. Heaven was close enough for those present at Jesus’ baptism to hear God’s voice. I carefully lay the foundation for understanding what a higher dimension of space is. We only know three dimensions of space and one dimension of time. Picturing or understanding a fourth dimension of space is nearly impossible which is why we usually make heaven an extension of our three-dimensional world.”
In his book, Rhoades joins scientific theories with Scripture to make his case. “String theory says that more spatial dimensions do indeed exist,” says Rhoades. “I believe heaven is in the next dimension, right next to where we reside in our three-dimensional world.”
The dimension where heaven is located may only be an eyelash away from us!
“For example, in Genesis 18, three angels visit Abraham. They eat, talk, and spend time with Abraham. Then two of the angels go to Sodom to speak with Lot. This is one of the clearest examples of angels moving across dimensions. The Bible assumes the reality of the spiritual dimension while science points to a higher dimension or dimensions.”
Some have compared the extra-dimensionality of heaven to what is portrayed in The Matrix, a 1999 science fiction film. Rhoades doesn’t think comparisons to the sci-fi film are correct, but says Christians should not be afraid of real science nor shy away from it. “The more we learn about the universe and what it is made of, the more we learn about the Grand Designer who created everything,” says Rhoades.
“Science can be a great way to reinforce one’s faith. We live in a mathematical universe, and we serve a God of order and laws. Whether it is space, the earth, or the human body, everything points to a Creator and not to billions of years of random chance. Though creation has been severely impacted in a negative way by sin, the fingerprints of the Creator can still be found the deeper and further we look.”
The book has provided Rhoades with more opportunities to talk with people about heaven. “It’s a very big comfort for people to know that heaven is close. It’s vibrant and real. And when I talk to older people, it brings comfort to them to know that what happens is real. It’s a real place and they can expect to go there through faith in Jesus Christ.”
Dr. Jeff Rhoades received a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Louisiana Baptist University. He and his wife Paula were missionaries in El Salvador for nearly a decade, returning to the U.S. in 2013. Dr. Rhoades currently serves as a pastor in Topeka, Kansas. For more information visit https://wellingbooks.com
Hi,
” Heavens” does not refer to the visible sky but means “hearing (and obeying) diligently”.
The hebrew word “Shamayim” ( heavens) is two words put together, namely the word “shama” which means to hear and the word “mayim” which means wasted water/semen.
( waters represents people just as Rev.17:15 says which confirms the origin meaning).
Gen1:1 says that in THE beginning God created (Shamayim) and the Earth. Which means that the very first thing He created was “People who hear and obey Him” and the earth.
So, this means that there is no “spiritual realm” outside our own brain. Scriptures say that God has put eternity “INSIDE” the human.
There is indeed things that can confirm God in many ways, for example does the science say that everything is hold together by soundwaves. Words are soundwaves, and God says He spoke everything into being,which confirms His “soundwaves”.
It also confirms that the very first thing He therefore created was shamayim, those who should ” hear and obey” Him.
We can only use science correctly if we first understand God’s Word correctly.
That is the proper order.
Greetings
In Christ/
Marie
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