I am often awestruck and mesmerized by the glory God expresses through His creation. But there is nothing here on earth that will ever compare to the reality of what heaven will be like. The Bible gives us the most fascinating glimpses of this perfect place, where we will spend eternity in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
My dad spent the last few weeks of his life in hospice. Nearing 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.
Even though we will only discover the many mysteries of heaven once we arrive, God’s word offers us hope, joy, and excitement through its many details and descriptions.
Bible Verses about Heaven
Actual descriptions of eternity and heaven are brief; only hinting about what our life will be like in heaven. So what do we know about heaven from the Bible?
❤ Heaven is a real place- the dwelling place of God.
Matthew 6:9
“This is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name.'”
The holy place of Heaven was Jesus’ home before He became man and came to earth-
John 6:51
“I am the living bread that came down from Heaven.“
❤ We will have the most wonderful home, lovingly prepared by our Savior.
He promises to come and usher us into our eternal home and live with Him forever-
John 14:2-3
“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.”
Christ Jesus is showing us where we will spend eternal life with Him.
❤ Its beauty, perfection, and pleasures are beyond our wildest imagination.
1 Corinthians 2:9
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
This world is not our home! By the grace of God, we have His Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us through all the trials of this life. Never lose hope-the best is yet to come!
2 Corinthians 12:2-4
The Apostle Paul writes of his vision from God:
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. [He was speaking of himself.] Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know- God knows. And I know that this man- whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows- was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.”
For clarification- the blue sky above was typically called “the first heaven”, while the second heaven was the starry sky. The third heaven was the dwelling place of God.
Whatever he saw, there were no words to accurately describe it and God did not want him to try. But we can be sure his experience shaped the rest of his life and teachings!
❤ 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!
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.”
That means there will be no death, crying, pain, or sorrow either- the byproducts of sin here on earth. Our perfect Lamb sacrificed Himself to reverse the curse of sin in our lives and restore our relationship.
What Will Heaven Look Like According to the Bible?
The writer of Hebrews invites us to a place of heavenly worship-
Hebrews 12:22-23
“But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels in joyful assembly, and to the church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect.”
This description of heaven is the destiny of all who put their faith in Jesus. We will be worshipping God with the angels!
Revelation 4 NIV
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 has 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).
His throne had a rainbow of emerald encircling it, and he could see flashes of lightning and hear rumbles of thunder.
Around the throne was a “sea of glass, clear as crystal.” v6. There were also elders and living creatures there, praising Him day and night, singing and worshiping.
Revelation 21 tells of John’s vision of the heavenly city- the new Jerusalem:
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 NIV
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 stands 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)
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. We will experience only great rejoicing, gladness, and delight.
❤ Worship!
People from every nation and tribe will gather before God’s throne and offer worship to our mighty King of Kings.
❤ Serve!
“No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.” Revelation 22:3. This service will involve meaningful work filled with joy and bliss.
❤ Experience joy and eternal pleasures in His presence!
Contrary to the thought that Heaven must be boring (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 make know to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” ESV.
Whatever form this takes holds a wonderful promise.♥
❤ Enjoy peace, security, and complete satisfaction in the presence of Jesus, seeing Him face to face.
Jesus Taken Up To Heaven
His mission on earth accomplished, Jesus gives His disciples His last 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 returning to His Father, 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.
Our True Home is in Heaven
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. The spiritual reality that the glory of Heaven is our true home bolsters our faith, too.
We will worship God passionately and unashamedly, basking in His glory. We will reign as royalty with Jesus in union with and to serve Him, experiencing complete peace and security.
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.
The depth of these descriptions are just words on a page for now. Heaven is “unimaginable”, but also a real place that is ours to experience eternally.
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. Forever.
“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
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?
How can the promise of heaven shape the way you interact with others and share your faith?
All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.
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