The Bible tells us all that we need to know about Heaven. God has purposely held back details about Heaven.

1 – Heaven is a real place (2 Corinthians 12:2-4)

Heaven is described as being “up”. Heaven is described as being “north”. See Isaiah 14:14; Leviticus 1:11; Psalm 75:6-7. God is in the “north” according to the Bible. It is a “fixed” place. There are three heavens mentioned in the Bible. The third heaven is the abode of God. The first heaven is seen by day the second heaven is seen by night and the third heaven is seen by faith! It is not some state of mind. It is a real place.

2 – The saved go to heaven immediately upon death (2 Corinthians 5:6-8)

We are at home in our body. We can go to heaven in a resurrected body or not. It is the body that is waiting for the resurrection not the spirit. We can be absent from the body and present with the Lord. The idea of “soul sleep” does not exist.

3 – We will know our loved ones (1 Corinthians 13:12)

In Biblical times a mirror was made from polished brass and was not a great reflection. In heaven it is a perfect reflection – like the mirrors we have today. We will know our loved ones who are in Heaven. See 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. The saints are going to be with their people. See Genesis 49:33. Jacob’s body is somewhere but his spirit is in Heaven with his loved ones. At the transfiguration we saw Moses and Elijah together.

4 – There will be joyful activity in Heaven (Luke 19:12-27)

Heaven is rest but not laziness. Our Lord has gone to Heaven and we are to be stewards of what He has given us. See Revelation 7:15. We will serve the Lord day and night. It is a privilege serving the Lord. We will serve God in Heaven.

5 – Heaven is a place of absolute perfection (Philippians 1:21)

We know much about what is NOT in heaven. There will be no more sorrow or death for example. The hand of God created Heaven. Heaven is a far better place to be than on this Earth. Jesus has gone there to prepare a place for those who believe in Him. Heaven is a wonderful place and it needs to be seen to be appreciated.

6 – Jesus is the crowning glory of Heaven (John 14:2-3)

Heaven is not a place for a holiday or retirement. It is a place where Jesus is. See John 17:24. To go to be with Jesus is what He desires for us.

7 – Only the redeemed are going to Heaven (Revelation 7:14)

You have to be Heaven-born to be Heaven -bound. Those in Heaven have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. They have received Christ and His atoning blood for their sins. The wicked will not be there. See Revelation 21:27.

Categories: John