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The concept of Heaven and earth in Christianity

Heaven and earth is a phrase that signifies the entirety of creation, embodying both the celestial and terrestrial realms. In Christian doctrine, it reflects God's sovereignty and his role as the ultimate creator. The concept involves the divine realm from which help originates, with an emphasis on a future transformation where righteousness prevails. It highlights the relationship between the spiritual and physical realms, suggesting a harmonious existence under divine authority. This phrase underscores the belief in God's omnipresence and the permanence of His word amidst the transitory nature of the universe.1
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Synonyms: Universe, Cosmos, Creation, Nature, World, Terrestrial and celestial

In Dutch: Hemel en aarde; In Finnish: Taivas ja maa; In Spanish: Cielo y tierra; In German: Himmel und Erde; In Malay: Syurga dan bumi; In Swedish: Himmel och jord; In French: Le ciel et la terre

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Heaven and earth'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The text states that 'heaven and earth' were made by God in the beginning, referring to both terrestrial and celestial things, as mentioned in Genesis.[1] (2) This refers to the creation that Simon intends to use in his arguments. He will try to prove that the creator of this creation is not the Supreme God.[2] (3) God made these, as well as the sea and everything in them, according to Ignatius.[3] (4) The place that the Lord fills, according to the words, which is used to discuss the descent of God and the nature of His presence.[4] (5) These are the things that one God made, according to Peter's declaration to the crowd, establishing the divine's creative power.[5]

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) This is a metaphor for the physical world, which are all manifestations of the eternal process.[6] (2) This represents the physical world, which is destined to pass away, according to the sayings attributed to Jesus.[7] (3) A phrase indicating the overarching spiritual realm and the physical world, often used to describe the scope of God's creation.[8] (4) Refers to the entirety of creation, often used when giving thanks or recognizing a higher power.[9] (5) A phrase symbolizing all of creation, indicating both the spiritual and physical realms.[10]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The difference between these two is sharply given in the last words of verse 5, as the women were amazed by what they saw.[11] (2) These are finished and encompass all the host of them, as stated in the account of Creation within the Book of Genesis.[12] (3) The sphere of sovereignty, encompassing both heaven and earth, is a critical element of the great claim made in the provided text.[13] (4) This phrase represents the union of the spiritual and physical realms, and they will be united, and from one extremity of creation to another will be no creature which does not obey and rejoice.[14] (5) Heaven and earth is referenced in the text and when they pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled, indicating the permanence of the law.[15]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) These encompass the celestial and terrestrial realms, both under the governance of the divine being to whom the supplication is offered.[16] (2) These locations are the encompassing realms where the entity with ultimate power exists and through which goodness flows throughout the universe.[17] (3) The entirety of existence, encompassing all realms, and acknowledging the divine's encompassing presence and dominion over all.[18] (4) Represents the totality of existence which charity encompasses, suggesting it holds both spiritual and earthly realms together.[19] (5) A phrase indicating both the divine realm and the earthly realm, suggesting a unification of all existence in prayer.[20]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) Even during the millennium, there is a separation between these, humanity transfigured and humanity in the flesh, allowing for apostasy.[21] (2) This term references a future state where righteousness dwells, as mentioned in various texts, and it will replace the current visible heavens, as mentioned in Revelation.[22] (3) Heaven and earth are mentioned in the text, and they represent a connection through Messiah, and the text speaks of angels ministering to people, highlighting the spiritual implications and the covenant.[23] (4) Melchizedek is referred to as the priest of the possessor of heaven and earth, which signifies the scope of his authority and influence.[24] (5) Heaven and earth are to be regenerated, as part of the final realization of the type, along with the times of restitution of all things, and the creature's deliverance.[25]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) Heaven and earth are mentioned in relation to the initiation of Enmeduranki into the mysteries of heaven and earth, as well as the supernatural knowledge received by Enoch in apocalyptic literature.[26] (2) In the Icelandic Edda, the rainbow is the bridge connecting heaven and earth, reflecting its prominent role in various mythologies and symbolic representations.[27]

From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus

(1) These are the domains of the Father, to whom thanks are given for hiding certain things from the wise and prudent, and revealing them to babes.[28]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The initial creation of God, and the text explores the distinctions made between them, the formlessness of each, and the subsequent creation of elements, and their relationships to each other.[29] (2) These were produced in the first work of creation, but as yet without form, and were perfected in the second, or work of distinction, either by adding substantial form to formless matter, or by giving them order and beauty.[30] (3) This phrase refers to the initial creation of the universe and the text discusses the spiritual and material components associated with this phrase, relating it to the concept of spiritual light.[31] (4) This represents the created universe, and the text states that they were created at the beginning.[32] (5) The phrase 'heaven and earth' is referenced within the text as the initial creation by God, specifically within the work of creation.[33]

From: The city of God

(1) This refers to the heaven and earth that will flee from the face of the one sitting on the throne, according to the text.[34] (2) Heaven and earth is the opening statement of Genesis, and Plato's writings show a resemblance to the statement when he writes on the formation of the world.[35] (3) These are the two primary divisions of the world, which are further divided into ether and air for heaven, and water and land for earth, each having souls.[36]

From: The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi

(1) The locations where every creature should render praise, glory, honor, and benediction to God, acknowledging His strength and power.[37]

From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis

(1) St. Francis went with Friar Giles into the March of Ancona, singing and magnificently praising the Lord of heaven and earth, together.[38]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) This encompasses all realms, being comprehended by the Godhead, with the Tabernacle plated with gold.[39] (2) These are the heavens and the earth that God will not destroy in wrath, and it is part of the oath He swore.[40] (3) The Word of God, the King of these, excommunicates those who do not believe.[41] (4) The blessing of these was wished upon the young man, indicating a desire for universal favor and support in his future endeavors.[42] (5) The created universe as a whole, highlighting the permanence of God's word even amidst change.[43]

From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures

(1) The subject of the Book of Mysteries, which includes mentions of creatures such as whales and the Behemoth, alongside the Leviathan.[44] (2) This is the setting for the story of the powers of light and darkness, in which the fight between the two takes place.[45] (3) The fundamental components of the created universe, signifying the entirety of existence from a biblical creation standpoint.[46]

From: The Book of the Bee

(1) Heaven and earth shall sit in mourning for his sake, when the child is crucified upon a tree, as foretold by Zaradosht in his prophecy.[47] (2) The realm above and the material world below, serving as a boundary for Adam.[48]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) This is the reference to all things in heaven and earth, and is what the wounds of an Almighty God are a greater testimony of goodness than.[49] (2) The entirety of creation, which is described as changeable and eventually transmutable.[50] (3) Encompasses all of creation, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's sovereignty.[51] (4) Collectively refers to the entirety of created existence, both the spiritual realm (heaven) and the physical realm (earth).[52] (5) The entirety of creation, representing all places where God’s presence and essence are found.[53]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Gnostic concept of 'Heaven and earth'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) Heaven and earth are considered images of 'seals,' produced according to pre-existent types, and it is the impression of the great seal, symbolizing the first concourse of the three original principles or powers.[54] (2) This phrase is related to the greeting of the scholars of the hidden way, where the mystery of the cross is understood in the context of initiation.[55]

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) Concepts that represent the dual forces of creation as seen by Simon, with Heaven embodying intellect and Earth symbolizing the physical world.[56]