What is Heaven?

 

            The Bible gives us wonderful, vivid descriptions of heaven. Form Scripture we know that Heaven’s streets are made of gold, and that pain, fear, and sorrow are not present there. But even with all of this detail, we still fall short of understanding the “big picture.” That is because it is difficult for us to grasp the absolute perfection and glory of heaven.

            All splendor aside, though, what truly makes heaven spectacular is that we will be forever in God’s presence. As the psalmist so poignantly expressed, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” (Psalm 16:11)

            While we may not be able to have all or our questions about heaven answered here on earth, the Bible does answer some of our most probing questions.

 

  1. Who Will Enter Heaven? Heaven is a place for those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord. John 14:1-6
  2. When Does a Christian Enter Heaven? When we take our last breath on earth, we will take our first breath in heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:6-9
  3. Will We Recognize People in Heaven? While our heavenly bodies may resemble our earthly bodies, we will in some ways be like the angels. Matt 22:23-33

a.     Luke 24:40—Jesus’ glorified body was a real, tangible object, and His disciples recognized Him after His resurrection. Our resurrection bodies, likewise, will be real and recognizable.

b.     Luke 16:19–31—The rich man, Lazarus, and Abraham certainly recognized each other.

c.     1 Thessalonians 2:19–20—Paul’s joy and crown in heaven was going to be the Thessalonian Christians he had won to the Lord

d.     1 Thessalonians 4:13–18—The Bible comforts us with the assurance that we will be with our loved ones forever.

e.     Luke 9:28–36—Peter and company seemed to intuitively recognize Moses and Elijah.

f.     1 Corinthians 13:12—We shall know even as we are known.

It boils down to this: Surely we will be at least as discerning in heaven as we have been on earth. Now we see only a poor mirror image, but then we will see things as they really are—face to face.

  1. What Will Life in Heaven be Like? Our lives in heaven will no longer be consumed by the cares of this life, but we will be filled with joy being in the presence of our heavenly Father. Revelation 7:13-17