Is Heaven Real?
The question of whether heaven is real is addressed clearly in the Bible, but it offers a different perspective than many people might expect. The Bible asserts that there is a real heaven, yet it is not the idyllic afterlife destination often imagined. According to scripture, no human being, apart from Jesus Christ, has ascended to heaven.
In Revelation 19:1, John recounts hearing a multitude in heaven proclaiming, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!” This brings up the question: if no humans have ascended to heaven, whose voices was John hearing?
Revelation chapters 4 and 5 provide further insight into this heavenly scene. Revelation 4:8-11 describes four living creatures, each with six wings and full of eyes, continuously praising God day and night. Alongside these creatures are twenty-four elders who worship God, casting their crowns before His throne and declaring His worthiness.
In Revelation 5:11-12, John describes hearing the voices of many angels, along with the living creatures and elders, all praising the Lamb who was slain. The multitude of voices John heard were those of angels and other heavenly beings, not humans.
These descriptions reveal that God and Jesus Christ are indeed in a heavenly realm, surrounded by angelic hosts rather than human souls. This portrayal challenges the common imagery of heaven as a serene, cloud-filled paradise for deceased humans.
What Does The Bible Say About Heaven?
Numerous passages in the Bible shed light on the nature of heaven, presenting it as an important and real place that differs from common perceptions. Some important biblical teachings about heaven are:
- God’s Dwelling Place: Heaven is frequently described as the dwelling place of God. For instance, Psalm 11:4 states, "The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven." Similarly, Jesus refers to God as "our Father in heaven" in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9).
- Jesus’ Ascension: After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, as described in Acts 1:9-11. This event signifies that Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God in heaven (Mark 16:19, Hebrews 8:1).
- Angelic Beings: Heaven is populated by various angelic beings who serve and worship God. Revelation 4 and 5 provide vivid descriptions of angels, living creatures, and elders praising God continuously. These passages highlight the reverence and worship directed towards God in heaven.
- No Human but Jesus in Heaven: The Bible makes it clear that no human, apart from Jesus Christ, has ascended to heaven. John 3:13 states, "No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man."
- Vision of Heaven: The apostle John’s visions in Revelation provide some of the most detailed descriptions of heaven. In Revelation 21-22, heaven is depicted as a new Jerusalem, a place of incredible beauty and the presence of God, where there is no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.
- Future Kingdom: The ultimate hope for believers is not to reside in heaven permanently but to be part of God’s Kingdom on earth. Revelation 21:1-3 describes a new heaven and a new earth where God will dwell among His people. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdom of God being established on earth (Matthew 6:10).
- Heavenly Rewards: The Bible also speaks of rewards in heaven for those who are faithful. Matthew 5:12 says, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven," indicating that the faithful will receive divine rewards.
- Temporary Holding Place: Some scriptures suggest that heaven is a temporary holding place for the righteous until the final resurrection and judgment. For example, in Luke 16:19-31, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates a temporary place of comfort for the righteous.
Bible Verses About Heaven
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:2-3, KJV)
Jesus shows that heaven is a place set aside for believers when He tells His disciples in this chapter that He would make a place for them in His Father's house. In keeping with the relational and personal nature of heaven, He also says that He will come and take His followers to be with Him.
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." (Revelation 21:1-2, KJV)
The ultimate regeneration of creation is depicted in this vision given to John, as the old heaven and earth are replaced by a new one. The holy city, also known as the new Jerusalem, represents God's ideal and everlasting home among His people, highlighting the transforming and redemptive aspects of God's ultimate purpose.
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2 Corinthians 5:1, KJV)
Paul makes a comparison between our fleeting earthly bodies and the heavenly bodies that God has prepared. This verse emphasizes how fleeting this life is and how glorious and permanent our eternal home in heaven will be.
What Does Heaven Look Like?
Pastor John Burke, who wrote the book Imagine Heaven, feels that God has shown us what Heaven looks like. Burke discovered that, regardless of the experiencer's beliefs, age, or cultural background, the majority of tales of heaven from those who have had near-death experiences (NDEs) closely match scriptural depictions.
Additionally, Burke's research indicates certain recurring scenes that suggest how paradise would seem, even if every soul may experience it differently. A Guideposts article details 6 ways in which people have described heaven as they experienced it:
1. A Place in Nature
Heaven is frequently described by NDE-ers as a location with abundant natural beauty, such as flower-filled fields, colorful woodlands, or towering mountains. Everything appears to be alive and teeming with energy, according to their reports.
2. A City in the Sky
Some NDE-ers, even people who have never met, describe paradise as a majestic metropolis built of priceless gemstones and gold that resembles crystals. This picture fits depictions of paradise as a magnificent city full of light.
3. A Body of Water
Water bodies, be they lakes, rivers, or the ocean, are frequently referenced in NDEs. People describe these waters as therapeutic and clean, and they frequently feel invited to swim in them.
Source: Unsplash
4. An Illuminated Place
Numerous people who have had NDEs describe seeing a location lit by a peculiar, otherworldly light. This light, which shines without the necessity of a sun or moon, is said to be full of life and love and is thought to be the light of God.
5. A Reunion
A common image of heaven is one of happy reunions with loved ones. People with near-death experiences frequently come across departed family members or close friends and greet them with love and joy.
6. Other Unique Experiences
Certain NDE descriptions of paradise are distinct and personal; they might refer to a room devoid of walls, a place akin to a childhood home, or even a location resembling outer space. These encounters demonstrate how distinctively personal and individualistic heaven is, mirroring the various ways that people view it.
Where is Heaven Located?
A lot of people have wondered where heaven is. The Bible frequently alludes to heaven as if it were a real location. Yet, where is paradise located? Paul called this heavenly state, also called the "third heaven," in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4. Both the first heaven, which consisted of the sky above, and the second heaven, which consisted of outer space, were distinct from this place. God resides in this heavenly realm.
Given that God is spirit (John 4:24), it is reasonable to assume that the heavenly realm where God resides is situated on a different level than our present reality. Naturally, Jesus's bodily remains are in heaven now that He has resurrected.
Because they are God's creation, both living and dead Christians and angels spend eternity in heaven with the Almighty. Paradise is not entirely immaterial, but it also does not exist in our physical cosmos.
Even though humans can't see heaven right now, the Bible portrays a final stage of life where a new heaven, earth, and city in the sky will be established (Revelation 21—22). When that day comes, God's chosen will live forever in heaven with Him.
Is there anything more we may deduce regarding God's dwelling place in this present heaven? According to Hebrews 11, the saints who have trusted in God in the past are already in heaven. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." This is the prayer that the Lord Jesus Christ teaches in Matthew 6:9-10.
How to Get to Heaven According to the Bible
According to the Bible, getting to heaven involves a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Here are the key principles outlined in Scripture about heaven:
1. Acknowledge Your Sinfulness:
- Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
The Bible teaches that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s standards. Recognizing this is the first step toward salvation.
2. Repent of Your Sins:
- Acts 3:19: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."
Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is a sincere change of mind and heart regarding sin.
3. Believe in Jesus Christ:
- John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of humanity is central. Believing in His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins is crucial.
4. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior:
- Romans 10:9: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection are essential steps toward salvation.
5. Receive God’s Grace through Faith:
- Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, not by works. It is God’s grace that saves, not human effort.
6. Be Baptized:
- Acts 2:38: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change and is often associated with the acceptance of Christ and the forgiveness of sins.
7. Live a Life of Obedience and Faithfulness:
- John 14:15: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Following Jesus involves a commitment to live according to His teachings and commands, demonstrating the reality of your faith.
8. Rely on the Holy Spirit:
- John 14:26: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
The Holy Spirit helps believers live out their faith, providing guidance, strength, and comfort.
The Christian community on Reddit also gives valuable insights into what they believe it takes to get to heaven. One Reddit user mentions in r/TrueChristian that he believes “There is only one thing that gets you into Heaven, and that is your faith in Jesus Christ. When you believe that He died for your sins and was raised from the dead, God saves you. You will be born again into a new person when you believe. After that, you live for Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit. Obeying God is necessary but that isn't what gets you into Heaven. When you fail God and confess your sins, He forgives you. Our works earn rewards but nothing can earn salvation. It is a free gift:
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you are saved through faith— and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works so that no one can boast”
What Does the Bible Say About Seeing Loved Ones in Heaven?
There are verses in the Bible that allude to the possibility of reuniting with loved ones once in heaven:
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, KJV)
Believers can take comfort from this text, which promises the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the reunion of living believers with them at Jesus' return.
"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:3-4, KJV)
Ultimately, this passage lays out the hope that believers have, which is that God will dwell with them and that death, sorrow, and suffering will be eradicated. It foretells the meeting of loved ones in a realm of everlasting bliss and tranquility, apart from the suffering and separations of this world.
Where is Hell?
Source: Freepik
The biblically accurate hell focuses on its nature and purpose rather than its precise location. Hell is referred to by various biblical names, including Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna. Both Sheol and Hades are symbols for the afterlife, specifically a location where spirits wait for judgment. The name Gehenna, which comes from a trash dump that was set on fire close to Jerusalem, represents the last resting place of the wicked (Psalm 9:17; Luke 16:23; Mark 9:43).
A lot of people's traditional beliefs of hell were based on verses like Ephesians 4:9, which says that Christ descended to the "lower parts of the earth." Many academics, however, take this as a metaphor for Christ's crucifixion and burial rather than an actual descend into hell.
Hell is defined in the Bible as a place where those who refuse God's salvation will spend eternity apart from God, tormented mentally and physically. According to Matthew 25:41 and Revelation 14:11, 20:10–15, it is portrayed as a realm of blazing fire and endless suffering, symbolizing the terrible consequences of being forever separated from God's presence.
Attempts to bridge the gap between biblical accounts of hell and contemporary knowledge of the cosmos have led to several theories regarding its physical nature, such as the possibility that it is a black hole or an alternate realm. Revelation 20:14–15 paints a picture of hell as a literal and terrifying place, the "lake of fire," where devils, angels, and sinners suffer damnation forever.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible describes heaven as a transcendent realm where God resides. It is often symbolized as being "above" the earth, reflecting God's supreme authority. Believers anticipate a glorious union with God and Jesus Christ in this divine place. Ultimately, the hope extends to the New Jerusalem, a renewed existence where God dwells with His people. The biblical focus is on the spiritual and relational essence of heaven rather than a specific location.
