Bible teaching about HEAVEN

INTRODUCTION

The Bible teaching about heaven is a most comforting study. It is a place somewhere, and Christians go there when they leave this world. This fascinating study features many qualities of what the place is like. I think you will like it.

I bet when you bought a new home (or car) you were very curious, interested, and excited about discovering what it was like. I know when Esmie and I purchased our home, we almost obsessed over it. 

The same is true of that wonderful place beyond the blue. Christians will spend eternity there. Heaven is our permanent home; consequently, it deserves our excited anticipation about what it is like. Let me show you from the Bible.

It is a Real Place

There are several places in the Bible that refer to a “heaven.” Examples are the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2), and heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3, 20; 6:12). The location I write about here is where Christians go when we die.

Jesus descended from a place called heaven (John 2:13), and also returned there (Acts 1:11). Paul said that when he died, he would be at home with Christ in that place (Philippians 1:23; cf. 2 Corinthians 5:8). Where is this place? Well, it is somewhere. What is it like? That is next. Come. I will show you.

Eternal Life

Jesus said, “the righteous (will go) into eternal life” (Matthew 25:46). The Lutheran theologian, Stump, gives a great definition when he described eternal life as, “the ineffable blessedness which the believers, perfected and glorified in body and soul, and freed from all sin and from all the consequences of sin, shall enjoy forever in the presence of God in heaven.” 

The Christian actually possesses eternal life the moment they receive Christ as personal savior. It is fully realized in heaven after we receive our resurrected body.

Christians Are Glorified

Christian will be glorified and in glory, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17; cf. Colossians 3:4). 

Place of Rest

John wrote, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them” (Revelation 14:13; cf. Hebrews 4:9, 10). This means freedom from the pressure, pain and persecution of this life. Rest does not mean to quit all activities, because there will be great activity in that paradise. It is not rest from activity, but rest in activity. 

Place of Knowledge

Paul wrote of that glorious country, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Understanding in this life is uncertain and twisted to falsehood by Satan and evil people. You already know that. With our limited and sin-hindered minds, Christians cannot perceive with absolute certainty even the clarity of the truths of Holy Writ. Some people argue over obscure verses until they are blue in the face. I am sure you have seen that. 

Place of Holiness

John wrote, “and nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it” (Revelation 21:27; cf. v. 8). For evermore you and I will be secure from sin. We will exist in a state of sinless perfection (Ephesians 5:27), even without the potential of sin (1 John 3:2). 

We will be delivered from every evil deed (Hebrews 13:5; John 10:28, 29). Never again will you or I backslide, have evil thoughts, fits of anger, or discouragement. Sin will never occur in our final home.

Place of Service

Amazing! No shirkers in heaven, “and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall serve Him” (Revelation 22:3, 5). Since we will forever be serving Christ, we may as well start while in this life. Full time Christian service will be normal in that grand palace. 

We are created to glorify and serve God, like a car is built to drive on roads. It is against our basic human constitution to serve only our selfish interests.

Place of Worship

John wrote, “After these things I heard…a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God’” (Revelation 19:1). In chapters four and five of Revelation, there are many lessons on what worship is like. 

Place of Society

In Hebrews, it is written, “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 12:22-24; cf. Revelation 21:3, 4; 22:3-5). 

We will recognize others, never get lonely, but there will not be marriage or procreation (Mark 12:25; Luke 20:34-36; Matthew 22:30). If you have relatives there, it will be a grand reunion. 

Place of Communion of God

John reminds us, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them” (Revelation 21:3). 

Place of Peace

We are told, “He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain” (Revelation 21:4, 27; 22:3, 5). There will be love, compassion, joy, delight. No more corruption, violence, bombs, tanks, disease. Great news! Don’t you think?

Place of Abundance

Paul wrote, “godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). There will be praise and honor (1 Peter 1:7), a life much better (Philippians 1:23), and a life of comfort (Revelation 21:4, 5). 

Jesus is happy in heaven (Hebrews 12:1, 2), and since we will be like Him, we too will be happy (1 John 3:2). 

Residence of Forever

Johns sums it up, “and they shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5). Don’t you think this is a wonderful place to go live? This is not Hollywood fantasy; this is real – and forever! 

There is much more to learn about heaven. Esmie and I urge you to dig into Scripture to find out more, just like you were shopping for a new house or car. All the best to you, along with God’s richest blessing.

Dr. Willis and Esmie Newman

BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What are your thoughts about heaven? Is it a real place you would like to go?

2. What does Luke 15:7 and Matthew 25:20, 21 teach about our future destination?

3. What does Philippians 3:20 teach about our future abode?

4. What are your thoughts about Jesus’ description of our future manor (John 14:1-3)?

5. Describe the conditions of our future life as pictured by Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:19-21).

6. Explain your thoughts about the information in 2 Corinthians 4:17 and Colossians 3:4.

How do your conclusions apply to you personally?

7. What does Revelation 21:24-27 suggest about activity in that wonderful new land?

8. How would you describe the construction of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-27)? If the language is figurative, what conditions are suggested by the description?

9. What appeals to you the most about heaven?

10. What stands out to you the most about the Bible teaching about heaven?