Is Hevan Real?

Prayer Request

Is Hevan Real?

What is heaven like? Is there really a heaven?

Q: "Is there really a heaven? What is heaven like and where is it? Will I get to see all my family and friends that are gone?"

our A: Yes, there really is a heaven.

What most people call "heaven" is actually an eternal city which the Bible calls the "new Jerusalem" (Revelation 21:2). The eternal city is described like this:

"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new.'" (Revelation 21:3-5)

The new Jerusalem will be the eternal home of God's people. Of this place, the Bible says that "nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in [Jesus'] book of life" (Revelation 21:27).

We are told that all people will undergo a bodily resurrection from the dead, and all will appear before the judgment seat of Christ (Revelation 20:11-13). Though Jesus initially came to the earth as a Savior, He will now sit as Judge. Those whose names are not found written in his book of life will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

The idea that everyone will go to heaven and see their relatives is not a biblical idea at all. Jesus said that only those who believe in Him would find life, because "no one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). In Revelation 7:9 we are told that, in heaven, there will be a multitude of people from every tribe, language, people and nation who will have eternal life because of their faith in Jesus. Those who have rejected God will not be with Him.

Heaven, what will it be like?

The Bible gives us a more complete picture of heaven than we might guess. First, we can take a little look at what heaven won't be.

In heaven, there will be: No power shortages, for God is all powerful; no bumping into things in the dark; no sleepless nights (there is no night there, Revelation 21:25). Nor will there be: Bills; hospitals; bank accounts. In fact, heaven will have: No complaints; no back-talk; no hate; no fear; no crime.

Are you really ready to live in heaven? Now, let's take a close look at what heaven will be like: Heaven will be a place of fellowship. "I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again and receive you unto myself" (John 14:3). The children of God shall "meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:17). "He who overcomes, I will give him the Morning Star." "I am Jesus. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and Morning Star." (Revelation 2:26-28; 22:16). "And it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer, and while they are yet speaking, I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24).

Heaven will be a place to worship God. When Isaiah speaks for the Lord of the new heavens and earth, he prophesies that "all flesh shall come to worship before me" (Isaiah 66:22,23). The Apostle, John, also predicts the same thing saying: "For Thou only are holy: for all nations shall come and worship before Thee" (Revelation 15:4; 21:24).

Surely heaven will be a place of joy and productive work. We can be sure that in heaven we will be like God and Jesus, and they have always worked. Jesus said, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work" (John 5:17). We find this same description of the new heavens and new earth in Revelation 21:1 and Isaiah 65:17. Isaiah describes it as a place of joy where there will be no tears nor the sound of crying. This is in Isaiah 65:19, and also in Revelation 21:4; 7:17. Isaiah continues to show us it will be a place where one can labor and see his labor bear fruit. This is in Isaiah 65:21-23.

Heaven will have a beauty beyond our imagination. The best John could do to describe heaven was to say it was like an entire city of transparent gold. He says: The walls of the new city are precious jewels. The gates are twelve single pearls. The city itself and its streets are pure gold, yet like transparent glass. This is found in Revelation 21:18, 19, 21.

And the whole city is lighted by the glory of God. Heaven is a place of matchless blessings. Jesus has prepared a mansion for us there. Great treasure is stored up for us; in fact, the saints "will inherit all things" (Revelation 21:7). The leaves of the tree of life will guarantee our health. and the crystal pure water of the river of life will flow from the throne of God to the tree of eternal life. For the first time since the Garden of Eden, God's children may eat out of this tree in His paradise (Genesis 3:22 and Revelation 2:7).

In heaven we will be given new names, new imperishable bodies. and we will be clothed in the white robes of righteousness. We will be glorious living stones; pillars in the eternal temple of God (I Corinthians 15:52; 1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 3:12).

Best of all, heaven with God and Jesus will be a place of love. God in tender love will wipe away all our tears (Revelation 21:4). The angels will rejoice as heaven fills with righteous Christians (II Peter 3:13). Those spirits who have hungered and have thirsted to humbly live with God; those with pure hearts; those who have willingly endured persecution; and those who have lived for God's peace, will live together in life and love forever and ever.

But as it is written, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

This place is heaven. Will you be there?