Revelation 11:19; The Temple of God Was Opened in Heaven

Revelation 11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. 

What a sight! And the temple of God in heaven was opened and his ark of the covenant appeared in his temple. The twenty-four elders have concluded their hymn of praise, and now John responds by describing the temple of God in heaven.

This is the holy place where God dwells and which is His sacred presence. Since the curtain separating the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place has split, the ark of the covenant is open to view. We understand the vision symbolically, for the temple on earth no longer existed at the time John wrote Revelation (7:15; 15:5, 8).

Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 

Revelation 15:5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: 

Revelation 15:8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. 

The expression temple in this book signifies the very presence of God, and John looks at the temple from his earth-to-heaven perspective.

 Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, pp. 345–346). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

Is heaven real? The vision of John tells us that it is. He saw it and wrote for our blessing.

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 

In the midst of a chaotic world, the believer rests in God’s comfort and is blessed and strengthened in the presence of God through His Word. Amen.