When my mom suddenly passed away, our family was rocked to the core. One day she had planted some perennials in her garden, and the next day she was gone. She was “only” 74, but had always been healthy, vibrant, and strong. We not only missed her everyday presence but grieved over what she would be missing in this world. I found myself wondering what is Heaven like?
A Glimpse of Heaven
My idea of loved ones being able to “see” us on earth was upended. I was certain that my Mom was oblivious to what was happening in our grieving family because I knew there are no tears or sadness in heaven. She certainly would have been heartbroken if she could have seen our pain. So what does Heaven really look like? What happens in Heaven?
When my dad passed away 10 years later, he had lived in a slow decline of health for many years. While in hospice and close to death, he would stare at the ceiling with his eyes wide open; blinking as if he could hardly believe what he was seeing.
He did this more than once, and I will be forever grateful to my sister who finally asked him, “Dad, what are you looking at?” His reply?
“It’s beautiful…” Was it a glimpse of heaven? He wasn’t asleep, but awake and able to converse with us, so I think so.
Description of Heaven
By God’s love and mercy, we will live a perfect life in the kingdom of Heaven. “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Revelation 21:27.
No sin exists in Heaven; it is completely holy. That means there will be no death, crying, pain, or sorrow either- the byproducts of sin here on earth.
He Will Wipe Away Every Tear
Revelation 7:16-17 NKJV-
“They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
God will provide for our every need; there will be no more hunger, thirst, or pain. He will wipe away all our tears. What a precious promise to hang on to!
What Does Heaven Look Like?
In Chapter 4 of the book of Revelation, the apostle John says that he looked and saw a door standing open into Heaven.
No words can truly describe what Heaven will be like, and our concept of Heaven will be incomplete until we experience it for ourselves. While we have many unanswered questions, John’s description of what he saw in the presence of God had me in awe.
He sees the throne of God and describes Him as radiating the colors of precious stones- jasper (a clear jewel) and carnelian (brilliant red; ruby). A rainbow of emerald encircled His throne, and flashes of lightning, rumbles of thunder could be seen and heard.
Around the throne was a “sea of glass, clear as crystal.”v6. There were also elders and creatures there, praising Him day and night, singing and worshiping.
John’s vision of the heavenly city is recorded in Revelation 21. This Heaven, the new earth, shines with the glory of God’s presence. “The great street of the city was of pure gold.” v21.
Revelation 22 tells of John’s vision of the paradise of the Garden of Eden restored. In this new Jerusalem, the river of the water of life flowed from the throne of God (v1).
On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing 12 crops of food. v2. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we will now be able to eat freely from the tree of life.
There will be no more night, nor the need of lamps or the sun. We will instead bask in the light of God’s glory!v5
Bible Verses about Heaven
What did Jesus say about Heaven?
•In John 14:2-3, Jesus gives us this promise:
“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
Jesus is showing us the way to eternal life. We can’t see it now, but Heaven is a real place.
We will have the most wonderful place to live, lovingly prepared by our Savior. He promises to come and usher us into our eternal home and live with Him forever.
•Jesus reminds the disciples that the dwelling place of God is in Heaven:
“This is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name.'” Matthew 6:9.
*The holy place of Heaven was Jesus’ home before He became man and came to earth:
“I am the living bread that came down from Heaven“ John 6:51.
Jesus Ascension into Heaven
His mission on earth accomplished, Jesus gives His disciples final instructions. He was then “taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” Acts 1:9. As you can probably imagine, their eyes remained on the sky.
It was important for them to see Jesus taken up to Heaven. That would leave no doubt that Jesus was God, back home in Heaven.
Angels came and spoke to the disciples, telling them that one day Jesus would return in the same way He went-
“Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into Heaven.” Acts 1:11.
The writers of Hebrews speak of the Old Testament faith heroes who died before seeing all God’s promises come true. They never lost sight of their vision of Heaven, however, while here on earth-
• “They were longing for a better country- a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16.
Just like Abraham, Sarah, and others, we understand that this world is not our home. Our faith is bolstered by the spiritual reality that the glory of Heaven is our true home.
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What Will We Do in Heaven?
●Rejoice!
Luke 15:7 gives us one example from the parable of the lost sheep:
“There will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
There will be no more worry, loneliness, sin or sadness; our days will be filled with great joy, gladness, and delight.
●Worship! People from every nation and tribe will gather before God’s throne and offer worship to our mighty King.
●Serve! “No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servant will serve him.” Revelation 22:3. This service will be meaningful work filled with joy and bliss.
●Experience joy in His presence and be filled with eternal pleasures!
Contrary to the thought that Heaven will be boring (as some assume sin is exciting/fun while a righteous life means listening to harp music 24/7), Heaven will fulfill our every need and we will live in God’s glorious presence.
Psalm 16:11 describes it beautifully: “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Whatever form this takes holds a wonderful promise.♥
●Enjoy peace, security, and complete satisfaction in the presence of Jesus, seeing Him face to face.
Heaven in Revelation
I participated in a Bible study on Revelation a few years ago, having never read the book. In fact, I heard a pastor once state that we shouldn’t even attempt to read it, as it was full of difficult symbolism.
It does contain symbolism, but I was stunned to find out that it’s also a beautiful book of hope, encouragement, and promises. It also gave me the glimpse of heaven that I had been searching for.
I’m 100% sure of my salvation, but I always thought of myself as content in the nosebleed section of heaven….viewing all the majesty and glory of God, hoping I can finally sing on key, and worshiping God with all my family who have gone before me.
I don’t need a crown or walk on streets of gold or anything special. In fact, I was secretly hoping I would kind of just “go through the gates” and find a nice corner to take it all in.
Goodness, even John, who when seeing Jesus in heaven “fell at his feet as though dead.” (Rev 1:17) What would I do??
The Revelation Song
How many times had I sung the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” and been unaware that its words are a paraphrase of Rev 4:8-11?
A contemporary version called “Revelation Song” also gives us a look at what our future in heaven might sound like.
Here’s a version of that song that brings tears to my eyes every time I see it. It reminds me that I’m part of a huge worldwide community of believers- and in Heaven, we will all be worshiping together.
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” Revelation 7:9.
The Promise of Heaven
God didn’t show us these visions of what Heaven will be like without reason. He wants us to see a glimpse of our future. He wants us there with Him in this holy city, to live forever in purity.
We will experience His full and powerful love for us as our Heavenly Father. He’s inviting us to be with Him in this most beautiful place.
You. Me.
These verses gave me such a beautiful picture, I was totally at peace.
White Stone in Revelation
But I also read something that pushed me out of my “little corner in heaven” mindset. Because of our belief in Jesus, God is giving us admission to His beautiful dwelling place, and also wants us to give us a gift of a personal message once we get there.
In Rev 2:17, He promises “I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” We will receive a personal, intimate, message from God- something just between Him and us.
Really? God is going to come down from that throne, and whisper my new name in my ear, write it on a white stone and claim me for His own? The love that pours out of that verse is our future! Your Creator loves you for the individual you are.♥
White Stone Meaning
Why a white stone?
In John’s day, jurors used white stones to vote “not guilty” for a person accused of a crime. They were also used an entrance tickets to banquets. We will receive a white stone from God Himself- giving us entrance into His Kingdom, and assuring our verdict of “not guilty“; our righteousness bought by Jesus.
It also sent me on a mission to find a white stone. I wanted a visual reminder of what my future holds; my reservation being held in the Heavenly realms. My rock-loving granddaughter helped me search and search until we found the perfect one. I wrote Rev 2:17 on it with a permanent marker.
I look at my white stone, sitting out where I can see it every day. It grabs my attention and helps me focus on the eternal realities that await.
Questions for Reflection:
Read Chapter 4 of Revelation. Does the picture of God on his throne in Heaven change your worship of Him? In what way?
How can we live in the presence of the Lord (as we will in Heaven) each day while here on earth?
Does this vision of Heaven give you hope, encouragement, and strength to press on in this life? To entrust Him with your concerns and worries?
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.
Heavenly Blessings!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.
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