Jesus What Does Heaven Look Like

What Do We Know about What Heaven Looks Like?

Heaven. The location is well-known among the general public. Especially when someone close to us is reaching the end of their life or when they pass away, it is a location we think about often. A location where most people believe they will land up when this life is done, according to the majority of people. The concept of paradise warms the heart and offers solace to the soul for the vast majority of individuals. Have you ever pondered what it might be like to live in paradise? Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/homeworks255.

What Does Jesus Say about Heaven?

Jesus spent a significant amount of time throughout his earthly mission preaching about eternity, and at one case, he instructed his disciples as follows: “Do not allow your minds to be worried. You believe in God; now believe in me as well. The home where my Father lives has a lot of space; if this were not the case, would I have informed you that I was going there to arrange a place for you? In addition, if I go ahead and prepare a place for you, I will return and bring you along with me so that you may be where I am as well” (John 14:1-3).

Essentially, he is giving us a sneak peak into what is waiting for those who place their faith in him.

Is there a way for us to learn more about and have a deeper knowledge of what the Bible has to say?

Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/1971yes

How Does the Bible Describe Heaven?

For a better understanding of the depiction of Heaven, let us look at Revelation 21. While reading this chapter, you will uncover one of the most detailed descriptions of a person or thing ever recorded in the Bible. I would recommend you to study Revelation 21 and 22 in order to grasp all of the information John provides. But first, let’s go over some of the highlights of what John has to say. A new heaven and an a new earth are described in detail by John, in which God completely reinvents the universe.

  • When it comes to the creation of this metropolis, God spares no effort or majesty.
  • Aside from that, the city has twelve foundations, each of which bears a plaque with a name of one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
  • In this city, the wall encircling it is constructed of jasper, which is a form of gemstone, and the city itself is built of the finest gold that can be seen through it like glass.
  • It is even possible to go down the street in this metropolis and not see another soul.

Heaven will indeed be a place of amazing beauty that surpasses everything you have ever seen or imagined on this planet. The splendor of paradise will take your breath away. Photograph courtesy of Getty Images /artyfree

4 Things We Know about the Experience of Heaven

It is true that the marvel of Heaveni is not just in its appearance. The wonder is also evident in the experience of heaven, which may be found in the same chapter as the previous one.

1. We Will Literally Be in God’s Presence

Rev 21:3– “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! I am about to do something!'” God’s home place has now been established among the people, and he will continue to reside among them. It is they who will be his people, and God himself will be with them and serve as their God.” As we get into the presence of God and the fullness of his glory, we will be able to fully comprehend what it means to be human. Moses prayed to God in Exodus 33, pleading with him to show him his splendor.

In paradise, however, this will not be the case.

I can promise you that you have never felt the presence of God in the way that you will feel it in the hereafter.

2. We Will Have Eternal Joy

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,” says Revelation 21:4. Because the old order of things has gone away, there will be no more death, sorrow, weeping, or suffering.” The old order of things (i.e., the world in which we currently exist) has been tainted by the consequences of sin. God will wash away the stain for all time in paradise. When something is no longer there, take note of what else has vanished with it: death, sadness, sobbing, suffering. There will be no more tears, but only endless delight in the hereafter.

It is likely that the Christians who first read this inspired book were relieved to learn that there would be no more agony, tears, sadness, or death in paradise, for many of their number had been tortured and slaughtered in the process.

3. There Will Be No Need for the Sun or the Moon

“The city does not require the light of the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb serves as its lamp,” according to Revelation 21:23-25. The nations will stroll in its light, and the rulers of the earth will shine brightly in it, bringing their glory with them. Its gates will never be closed on a single day, for there will be no darkness there.” The Bible makes it plain that God’s brightness will outshine both the noonday sun and the nocturnal moon on judgment day.

The whole of God’s grandeur will be on full display. There will never be a need for the moon or the sun again since his brilliance will be the only source of everlasting light, and no other source will suffice.

4. Nothing Impure Will Ever Enter There

“Nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor will anybody who does what is dishonorable or dishonest, but only those whose names are recorded in the Lamb’s book of life,” says Revelation 21:27. Heaven is a location where you must make a reservation in advance. In the Lamb’s book of life, there is a VIP guest list for those who choose to attend. Those who have been cleansed in the blood of the lamb, Jesus, are the only ones who are permitted admission. There will be no impurities present. There is nothing wrong with you.

The imprint and impact of sin will be completely erased, and we will never have to deal with it in the same way again.

Where Is Heaven?

Naturally, while considering the subject of what heaven looks like, one is compelled to consider the question of where heaven is located. The basic answer to this question is that heaven is the place where God resides in all of his majesty and splendor. In Psalm 19:1, we are told that the skies proclaim the splendor of God to us. The skies mentioned in this passage relate to the sky above us as well as the wonders of creation. This, however, is only a disguised splendor. It alludes to God and provides a glimpse of his majesty, but it does not disclose it in its whole.

How Do We Get to Heaven?

Because heaven is the one location where God resides and rules in all of his majesty, there is only one way to get there: via Jesus Christ. John 14:6 provides the solution, which reads, “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.'” ‘There is no other way to the Father than through me.'” This is the only method to get to the afterlife in the afterlife. There isn’t any other option. We get there by following the path that has been laid out for us. Those who desire to be in paradise must first come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Don’t shoot the messenger, instead.

What Will We Do in Heaven?

What we shall be doing in heaven is not specifically described in the Bible, but here are some things we do know: Rev. 5:13– We will give thanks to God. God and the Lamb shall be our servants, according to Revelation 22:2. (Jesus) We shall rule with him, according to 2 Timothy 2:12. Matthew 26:29 – We shall share in Jesus’ fellowship with one another. According to Matthew 8:11, there will be a feast. Matthew 25– We shall receive a reward for our efforts. What exactly will be the outcome of these events?

The fact that God has decided not to reveal all of the intimate details means that we are unsure of how this will appear in the end.

If God has excellent things in store for us while we are here on earth (Jer. 29:11), imagine how much better his plans will be for us when we spend our eternity with him in paradise (Jer. 29:13). The only thing I can say about it is that it is an experience you will not want to miss.

Is There an Alternative?

The decisions that must be taken are clearly laid forth in the Bible. When it came to discussing eternity, Jesus simply presented two possibilities: paradise and hell. The most straightforward definition of hell is all that heaven is not. There is crying, remorse, pain, darkness, and, most significantly, a separation from God’s presence. While it was never God’s intention for you or me to spend eternally in that place, tragically for those who reject Christ, this is the fate that awaits them.

When you look through the pages of Scripture, you will find no reference of purgatory or anything similar.

This is not the subject of our essay today, but if you want to learn more about it, Michael F.

Photograph courtesy of Unsplash/Ian Stauffer.

What Can We Conclude for Today?

When asking the question “what doesheavenlook like,” you understand that God has given us a partial glimpse. We know we will be in God’s presence forever and the eternal city will be glorious and have a beauty that the world has not seen. However, I believe the best way to think about this is to remind you of the words Paul wrote in1 Corinthians 13:9-10: “For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.” Everything we know about heaven today is in part.

  • On that day, nothing will be hidden.
  • You don’t get there by working hard or doing more.
  • If you will invite him in and receive him as your savior, you will one day experience all the glory that God has prepared for those who love him.
  • Haynes Jr.is a rising speaker, teacher, author and co-founder ofThe Bible Study Club.
  • If you have ever struggled trying to find God’s will, this book will help you discover the different ways God leads you into his perfect will.

10 Beautiful Biblical Descriptions of What Heaven Will Look Like and Be Like

3rd slide out of 10 ‘After these things happened, I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could count, from all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:10) The triumphant entry into Jerusalem, as described in the Gospels, depicted Jesus riding on a donkey into the city.

A long line of Jews had formed through the streets, clad in their cloaks and waving palm branches, thanking God for the marvels they had witnessed him accomplish (Luke 19:37).

‘The King of Israel!'” exclaimed the crowd.

He cried over the city as he got close enough to see it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had learned on this day the things that bring about peace!” (19:41-42) (Luke 19:41-42) ((Luke 19:41-42) ((Luke 19:41-42) (((Luke 19:41-42) (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( There will be no doubt about who the Prince of Peace is when he arrives in paradise.

Every saint, from every tribe and tongue, will be dressed in white robes and waving palm branches in sincere worship as they enter the city. “Our God, who sits on the throne, and the Lamb are the ones who bring us salvation!” Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/jgroup

What Does Heaven Look Like?

The date is March 20, 2020. Article to be saved The Apostle John wrote on parchment with the Holy Spirit guiding him through each word, and from that parchment sheet we can see exactly what Heaven looks like. In his company, we wander through golden avenues, listening to noises we’ve never heard before but will instantly identify. No matter what you’ve been taught, the only things you can fully know about Heaven or Hell are the things revealed in the Bible, no matter how many times you’ve been told otherwise.

  1. The Bible, on the other hand, provides us with a glimpse of what Heaven will be like.
  2. His tour guide was a guardian angel who looked after him.
  3. Her radiance was like a rare and beautiful stone, like a jasper stone, and it was as transparent as crystal.
  4. As we go, keep in mind that the human intellect is incapable of comprehending the higher beauties of Heaven.
  5. When Heaven is depicted, we are unable to comprehend it all logically, therefore God recognizes our inability and provides us with wonderful metaphors to help us understand.
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TheGeography ofHeaven

Heaven, on the other hand, is a corporeal location. “I saw a new Heaven and a new earth,” John described his vision. “The holy city, the new Jerusalem, which has come down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband,” says the prophet (Revelation 21:2). Heaven is a real location, and it is not a mythical place. This is confirmed by Paul. Upon being swept up to the third Heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-3), he stated, “Whether I am in the body or out of the body, I do not know.” That means you may either go to Heaven in your spirit or you can go to Heaven in a physical body, according to this.

When He walked out of the tomb, the disciples were able to see Him, touch Him, and feel Him.

In John 14:2, Jesus remarked, “There are many mansions in My Father’s home.” I would have informed you if this were not the case.

The Government ofHeaven

Heaven is a magnificent location because God reigns in grandeur there, where he lives with Christians (Revelation 21:3).

God’s dwelling place in the Old Testament was a temporary tent known as the Tabernacle. However, in Heaven, He will be with us for all time in a permanent home. It is no longer necessary to pray, “Our Father who art in Heaven,” because God has spoken, “I am here here with you.”

The Gladness of Heaven

There is no more grief because there is no longer any sin in a place where the Lord governs with grandeur. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; death, sorrow, and weeping will be no more. There will be no more suffering since the things of the past have passed away. (See Revelation 21:4 for further information.) Every day on our planet brings with it fresh anxieties and heartbreaking news. However, in Heaven, God transforms every trial into a hallelujah, and every cross into an Easter.

The Godliness of Heaven

As a result, the nations of the redeemed will walk in its light, and the kingdoms of the earth will bring their glory and praise to it. It will not admit anything that defiles, or produces an abomination, or a falsehood, but only those who have their names recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be permitted to enter. In the book of Revelation, verses 24 and 27 say What exactly has gone wrong on planet Earth? Sin. Every time you witness misery, heartbreak, disease, and agony, you can be certain that sin is at the root of it all.

God, on the other hand, replies, “No more of that in My Heaven.”

The Glory of Heaven

“.the sacred city of Jerusalem.which reflects the majesty of God” (Revelation 21:10-11a). The apostle John used indescribably gorgeous metaphors to illustrate the higher splendors of Heaven’s capital city (Revelation 21:18-25), which is itself a city of gold (Revelation 21:18). Its diamond-shaped walls and gates are a sight to see in terms of aesthetics. What do you think the brilliance, the light of God’s splendor would seem like? What about the jewel-toned stones, the lush greens, blue skies, reds, and violets?

  1. In its original form, the Holy of Holies was a modest square chamber that represented God’s presence among His people throughout the construction of the Temple.
  2. The Sights and Sounds of the City.
  3. Songs of redemption are sung around the world (Revelation 5:9;14:3;15:3).
  4. Robert G.
  5. ” Among the city’s sights was a huge and high wall with twelve gates.and twelve foundations, on which were inscribed the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:12,14).
  6. The purpose of these glistening walls is to bring God’s glory to light.
  7. We shall be one in the Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven, as we have never been before, Jew and Gentile, little and big, as we have never been before.

Nevertheless, there was no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its stomping grounds (Revelation 21:22).

Jesus is the temple in the afterlife.

In his words, “I am the entrance,” Jesus declared.

Jesus sacrificed His blood on the cross to atone for our sins.

His Word has now cleansed us from every sin.

Jesus is referred to as the “Bread of Life.” It was decorated with golden candelabra.

The Lambisit is a bright light.

Its gates will not be closed at all during the day (there shall be no night there).

21:23-25) Revelation 21:23-25 Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is the light of Heaven.

“There will be no night there; they will not want a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God will provide them with light.” “And they shall reign for all time and for eternity” (Revelation 22:5).

In the event that you have been gone from home for a lengthy period of time, and have been separated from the love of your life, what is the first thing that you want to see upon your return?

We shall see Jesus face to face!

During His time on earth, the Lord Jesus prayed, “Father, I want that those also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may see My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:21) (John 17:24).

We will view the face of Jesus as well as His splendour.

Have you ever shown regret for your sin?

There will be no one present who is over the age of responsibility who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

Not putting faith in your good deeds, not putting faith in your generosity, not putting faith in your religion, not putting faith in your church membership, but putting faith in the spilt blood of the Lord Jesus Christ Have you reached the point of no return?

Come to Jesus, and you will find rest. There’s no time like the present to decide where you would be if you died today or if Jesus came today. You may make that decision right now. To learn more, please visit this page.

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What Does Jesus Look Like In Heaven? Get the Facts

Given the magnificent depictions of heaven found in the Bible, it’s no surprise that Christians contemplate about and anticipate their arrival there. They are excited to see all they will see, to do everything they will do, and to see who they will reconnect with or who they will meet for the first time. Christians, like everyone else, are looking forward with bated breath to the return of Jesus Christ. Many people are also curious as to what he will seem like. The look of Jesus in heaven will be similar to that of his resurrected body on Earth.

  • Additionally, scriptures such as the Transfiguration and John’s account of Jesus in Revelation may give clues as to what Jesus would appear to be like in the afterlife.
  • What was his appearance like following his resurrection?
  • Will Jesus have any scars when he gets to heaven?
  • Continue reading to find out the answers to these and other related topics.
  • in order to find out more.
  • Please see the section below.

Jesus in Heaven: A Glimpse at the Transfiguration

A well-known tale in the Gospels is that of Jesus taking Peter, James, and John up to a mountain to pray, which is known as the Transfiguration of Christ. When the disciples were praying, Jesus’ appearance altered in front of their eyes — he was transfigured— as if by magic. “Now, about eight days after these sayings, he gathered his disciples, Peter, John, and James, and went up to the mountain to pray. During his prayer, the look of his face changed, and the color of his attire changed from black to brilliant white.” The ESV translation of Luke 9:28-29; also see Matthew 17:1-8 and Mark 9:2-8) The transfiguration has nothing to do with Jesus’ presence in heaven, do you believe?

  1. Although Jesus’ new look and garments may not have been a perfect representation of his heavenly appearance, his transfiguration did show his splendor (Luke 9:32), which was previously veiled from view.
  2. Although Jesus’ appearance was transformed in front of Peter, James, and John on the mountain, this was not his first transfiguration.
  3. His first one came when he took on human flesh, so obscuring his actual magnificence (cf.
  4. The transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain occurred during a brief period of time when there was no eclipse and Peter, James, and John were able to see Jesus’ brightness (Luke 9:32).
  5. The first thing that happened was that Jesus’ face transformed.
  6. The wording does not indicate that his physical characteristics changed in terms of shape or size in the literal sense.
  7. As opposed to this, the Gospel authors mention that something about his entire face transformed.

‘Then Moses descended down Mount Sinai, holding in his hand both of the tablets of the testimony.

Yes.

(ESV).

In a later part of the account, Luke refers to Jesus’ transformed look as “revealing his splendor” (Luke 9:32).

There is a strong focus on his nature, which is holy and righteous, as well as his connection with the Father: ‘And there was a cloud overshadowing them, and a voice spoke out of the cloud, ‘This is my beloved Son; listen to him,'” says the Bible.

Even though Jesus’ bodily appearance was described at the transfiguration, this does not necessarily imply that people would have to hide their eyes from his splendor in heaven since it will be so piercingly brilliant.

What was Jesus’ physical appearance like following his resurrection?

This might imply that, while Jesus will be absolutely holy and virtuous in heaven, his appearance will not be uniquely lit indefinitely, as it was in the first century.

Halos are rings of light that appear around or hover above a person’s head, and they are widely seen in works of art such as frescoes and paintings, as well as in real life.

They predate Christianity in terms of art and may be found in a variety of ancient cultures.

Jesus will not have a halo in heaven, and there is no evidence that he will. Also read Are Babies Who Die on Earth Considered to Be Babies in Heaven? in order to find out more. In heaven, would Jesus have blazing eyes like a flaming torch? Please see the section below.

Jesus Physical Appearance: His Scars

The physical scars of Jesus’ crucifixion remained on his resurrected body after his resurrection. According to a well-known exchange between Jesus and Thomas — who was properly dubbed “Doubting Thomas” — the suspicious disciple postponed belief until he got evidence to the contrary. “As a result, the other disciples informed him that they had witnessed the Lord. They responded by saying, “Unless I see the nail marks on his hands and press my finger into the nail marks on his hands, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (John 21:25, English Standard Version) Eight days had passed after Thomas made his proclamation when Jesus came to the disciples.

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“At that point, he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and you’ll see my hands; and put your hand forth, and you’ll lay it in my side.'” ‘Do not be skeptical, but rather believe.’ “‘My Lord and my God,’ Thomas said in response.” (John 21:27-28, English Standard Version) Will Jesus have nail marks on his body when he enters the kingdom of heaven?

All Christians will one day be able to see, and maybe even touch, the wounds that were used to redeem them from their sins.

Rom 5:8).

Jesus’ Appearance in Revelation

Is there any clue from John’s portrayal of Jesus in the book of Revelation as to what he would look like in heaven? Only the last book of the Bible contains such an astounding portrayal of Jesus as the book of Revelation. The gospel of John describes Jesus as being “.clad in a long robe with a golden ribbon around his breast.” His locks were white, like white wool, like snow, and he had a white beard. His eyes were like a blaze of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze that had been purified in a furnace, and his voice was like the thunder of many seas combined together.

7:13-14).

It is more likely that this specific image represents the strength of Jesus’ directives, decrees, and judgements than anything else.

For further information, read Will There Be Marriage in Heaven?

What Is Heaven Like?

Our answer: Yes, there is such a thing as a heaven. What the majority of people refer to as “heaven” is actually an everlasting metropolis that the Bible refers to as the “new Jerusalem.” 1 It’s going to be great. As an example of what paradise will look like, consider the following. Flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb down the centre of the city will be a river as pure as crystal. On either side of the river will be a tree of life, which will produce twelve different kinds of fruit every month.

  1. The city’s walls will be decked with every type of jewel, including emeralds, onyx, amethyst, topaz, and other gemstones.
  2. The Lord’s presence will serve as its illumination.
  3. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and serve as their God throughout the entire process.
  4. Because the old order of things has gone away, there will be no more death, grieving, weeping, or suffering in this world.
  5. He was the one who invented it.
  6. All things were made through and for him, and he is the source of all things.” Although Jesus first came to earth as a Savior, he will one day sit as a Judge in the presence of all people.
  7. Consequently, it may be beneficial to consider what Jesus taught regarding how a person enters into paradise.

“However, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus declared with regards to entering the kingdom of heaven.

They were the nice folks, the “holy” people, as the saying goes.

No one has earned their way into paradise.

That is not the path that leads to paradise.

And here’s how to do it.

In fact, God did not bring his Son into the world in order to condemn the world, but rather in order to rescue it through him.” 6 We begin a relationship with Jesus that will continue forever when we accept him as our Lord and Savior.

“Whoever hears my message and believes in him who sent me has everlasting life and will not be condemned, but has crossed over from death to life,” Jesus declared in the Gospel of John.

“For it is my Father’s desire that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him will have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the final day,” Jesus explained.

What does it mean to put your faith in him?

If you believe Justin Bieber is a fantastic music performer, there is a difference between thinking that and knowing him personally.

Here’s how you may put your faith in him and be confident that you will enjoy eternal life.

Footnotes: (1) Revelation 21:2(2) Revelation 21 and 22(3) Revelation 21:3-5(4) Colossians 1:16(5) Revelation 20:11-13(6) Revelation 20:11-13(7) Revelation 20:11-13(8) Revelation 20:11-13(9) Revelation 20:11-13(10) Revelation 20:11-13(11) Revelation 20:11-13(12) Revelation 20:11-13(13) Revelation 20:11-13(14) Revelation 20:11-13(15) Revelation 20:11 You might also be interested in any of the following articles and videos.

What is heaven like & where is heaven?

According to John 14:1-3, Jesus is now in heaven creating a place for us to live in. Those who are rescued by God will be given new bodies in paradise, free from the curse of sin! In paradise, there will be no one who is blind, deaf, or has a physical disability (Isaiah 35:5, 6 and Philippians 3:21). Although Jesus constructs dwellings in heaven, the Bible also states that individuals who are redeemed will construct and inhabit their own dwellings, as well as grow and harvest grapes from vineyards (Isaiah 65:21).

He desires to spend time with you and to wipe away all of your tears (Revelation 21:1-4).

Browse topics about heaven

  • What is heaven like
  • Is heaven real
  • Will we have new bodies in heaven
  • How do you go to heaven
  • Are there any rules in heaven?

What does the Bible say about heaven?

Is there a place called heaven? Is there a place called heaven? There are several prevalent beliefs regarding heaven and the location of the afterlife that lead to confusion. According to the Bible, not only is the cosmos boundless, but it is also teeming with intelligent, kind, and benign entities that wish to help us. The most incredible and seemingly astonishing reality is that the road to paradise is not difficult to navigate. When we acknowledge that God bore our wrongs against Himself when Jesus died on the cross, we are automatically granted the right to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Three meanings of “heaven”

One possible meaning of the word “heaven” (Hebrew: shamyim, Greek: ouranos) is the location where God resides. “The LORD has set His throne in heaven, and His dominion reigns over all,” according to the Bible’s teaching (Psalm 103:19). The mountain of God is also associated with God’s throne, which is referenced in the Bible (Ezekiel 28:16). The infinite number of planets, stars, and galaxies that make up the cosmos may also be referred to as heaven. When I ponder Your sky, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars that You have appointed, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, according to the Bible (Psalm 8:3).

Please keep in mind that one must examine the scriptural context in order to determine which of the three meanings is being indicated.

The Bible is clear on the following:

After Jesus was risen from the dead, He was taken up into heaven by the Father. According to the Bible: “Why are you standing there, men of Galilee, looking up into the sky? This same Jesus, who was carried away from you into heaven, will return in the same manner in which you witnessed Him ascend into heaven ” (Acts 1:11). Prior to this, Jesus instructed His followers as follows: “There are many mansions in My Father’s home; if this were not the case, I would have informed you.

I’m going to go set up a space for you. I will come again and accept you into Myself if I go ahead and create a space for you. This will allow you to be where I am, and I will be where you are ” (John 14:2-3).

What is heaven like?

1) Everything is brand new “After that, I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the first earth were no longer there. In addition, there was no longer any sea. And then the holy city of New Jerusalem, as prepared as a bride for her husband, came down from heaven to me, John, as if it were a woman adorned for her husband ” (Revelation 21:1, 2). 2) There are no tears or pain “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor weeping in the world anymore.

3) Perfection in tranquility “In the same way as wolves and lambs feed together, the lion will eat straw like an ox, and dust will be the meal of the snake.

Construction of dwellings and the establishment of vineyards “They shall construct houses and occupy them; they shall cultivate vineyards and consume the fruit of them.” (See Isaiah 65:21.) Gardens that produce fruit “The wilderness and wasteland will delight over them, and the desert will rejoice and bloom like the rose” (Isaiah 35:1).

Is heaven real?

1) Heaven is surrounded by substantial real estate. Heaven, according to popular myth, is a fantastical region where souls perch on clouds playing harps or drift around in nebulous space, among other things. The Bible, on the other hand, states in John 14:2-3 that Jesus is constructing houses in paradise for people who embrace redemption. For the actual people who will live in these buildings, he is constructing real structures out of real physical elements. As an added bonus, as Jesus ascended into heaven, he informed his followers, “But I say to you, from now on, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it fresh with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29).

  1. Heaven is even referred to as a country in the Bible (Hebrews 11:16).
  2. The same way, when sin is completely banished from our universe, we will be able to experience life as God originally intended for mankind when He first created the Garden of Eden — not as spirits floating through space, but as physical, material beings in a tangible, material Heaven.
  3. With our growing awareness of solar systems, planets, stars, and galaxies, it is becoming increasingly difficult to accept that human beings are the only sentient species on the face of the universe.
  4. Both heaven and earth are mentioned in the Bible as having hosts or populations.
  5. Other planets were said to have delighted at the creation of the world, according to the Scriptures.
  6. Micaiah, the ancient prophet, described his vision as follows: “I saw the LORD seated on His throne, with all of heaven’s army standing on His right hand and His left” (2 Chronicles 18:18).
  7. It is said in the Bible that “he who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8).

The residents of heaven follow God’s commands of love without exception (Psalm 103:19-21).

Our body will be free of sickness, agony, and death when we reach the afterlife (1 Corinthians 15:40-49).

Our citizenship is in heaven, from whence we anxiously await the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our humble body so that it may be conformed to His magnificent body, according to the Scriptures (Philippians 3:20, 21).

Jesus said the following: “Take a look at My hands and My feet, and you will see that it is I Myself.

(Luke 24:39).

According to the Bible: “To begin with, we see in a dim mirror, but eventually we will see each other face to face.

(1 Corinthians 13:12).

Considering that the Bible states that the majority of human beings’ future life will take place right here on our planet Earth, which will be regenerated and restored to its original perfection, this seems more plausible to us than before.

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The greatest aspects of current existence will be combined with extra pleasures that we cannot imagine in the future.

Prophecy in the Bible indicates that Jesus will come for a second time.

For a brief period of time, people who have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior will be transported to the heavenly realm of the living God.

Afterwards, He will bring the New Jerusalem down to the surface of the planet. God will resurrect a new world with a fresh atmosphere, and our heavenly existence will take place right here on this planet, in this spot. (See Second Coming, Millennium.) (See Second Coming, Millennium)

How do you get to heaven?

Contrary to popular belief, the Bible teaches that we do not go to either heaven or hell when we die, but instead remain in our current state. According to the Bible, we will sleep in the grave until the resurrection: “And many of those who slumber in the dust of the ground will awake, some to eternal life, others to shame and everlasting scorn, and some to everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2). (SeeDeath,Hell,Resurrection) People who have only attempted to be decent will not automatically get entry into paradise, notwithstanding their efforts.

The presence or absence of their names in the Lamb’s book of life will serve as the determining criterion for individuals who choose to participate.

In certain cases, a simple prayer can bring the reality of heaven and the new world into focus.

What Jesus Really Said About Heaven and Hell

Everyone dislikes thinking about death, yet there are moments when we have no option but to confront it. As the infection spreads, hospitals become overcrowded, and systems become overburdened. Survival is the most pressing of our concerns, both personally and nationally. Many individuals – including the apparently healthy – have, however, found themselves confronted with the shadow of death itself, which has become our daily companion, despite our best efforts to ignore it the majority of the time.

  • While NBC’s huge hit comedy seriesThe Good Place was the most recent and most memorable effort, the humor even there was founded exactly in horror, as Eleanor Shellstrop and her pals desperately tried to avoid the eternity they earned in the Bad Place and its unending torments.
  • After learning he will spend forever groveling in dust and being devoured by worms, Gilgamesh writhes with misery in the epic poem The Epic of Gilgamesh.
  • The prospect of endless sorrow, on the other hand, makes many people shiver.
  • In the globe, there are more than two billion Christians, with the great majority of them believing in the existence of a heaven and a hell.

In spite of an increasing number of “nones,” Americans continue to expect a version of the options shown in The Good Place: independent of religious affiliation, 72 percent believe in a genuine paradise and 58 percent believe in a literal hell, according to the Pew Research Center.

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The great majority of these individuals understandably believe that this is what Jesus personally told them. However, this is not the case. Neither Jesus nor the Hebrew Bible, which he translated, supported the notion that departed souls went to either paradise or everlasting punishment. Ancient Jews, in contrast to the majority of Greeks, historically did not think that the soul could exist independently of the body. The opposite was true for them; they saw the soul as more like “breath.” Adam, the first human being God created, began as a lump of clay, then God “breathed” life into him after that (Genesis 2: 7).

  1. Afterwards, everything was reduced to dust and ashes.
  2. It is not true that when we cease breathing, our breath does not leave our body.
  3. In the same way, the “soul” does not continue to exist outside of the body, where it may experience postmortem joy or anguish.
  4. It is assumed by the Hebrew Bible itself that the deceased are simply dead—that their corpse rests in the grave and that they will never regain awareness again.
  5. However, in the majority of cases, the term “Sheol” is just a synonym for “tomb” or “grave.” It’s not a location where people really go to hang out.
  6. The fact that there was no life at all, and so no family, friends, talks, food, drink – and even communion with God – made death so depressing: nothing could make an afterlife existence more pleasant since there was no life at all, and hence no wonderful afterlife existence.
  7. To be honest, the most one could aspire for was an enjoyable and exceptionally long life in the here and now.

The belief that there was something beyond death—a form of justice to come—began to spread among Jewish philosophers some two hundred years before the birth of the Messiah.

However, the flaws in that line of reasoning were immediately apparent: God’s own people Israel suffered repeatedly, brutally, and frustratingly as a result of natural disasters, political crises, and, most significantly, military defeat.

Some philosophers came up with a solution that described how God would bring about justice, but one that did not require eternal happiness in a paradise above or eternal pain in a hell below, as had previously been proposed.

In spite of the fact that God is the ultimate master of the universe, he has temporarily ceded authority of this planet for an unexplained cause.

Heaven and earth are about to be thrown into chaos when God intervenes to destroy everything and everyone who stands in his way, and to usher in a new kingdom for his loyal followers, the Kingdom of God, a paradise on earth.

Indeed, God will breathe life back into the dead, bringing them back to earthly existence, and God will bring all the dead back to life, not just the virtuous, to be with him forever.

The crowd who had stood in the path of God will also be raised.

During the time of Jesus, this notion of the impending resurrection dominated the outlook of Jewish thought in general.

The end of time is approaching quickly.

God will soon annihilate everything and everyone who stands in his way, and a new order will be established on the planet.

All of the others will be wiped out.

Unlike other Jewish leaders, Jesus preached that no one will inherit the glorious future kingdom by strictly adhering to all of the Jewish laws in their most minute details; or by meticulously following the rules of worship involving sacrifice, prayer, and the observance of holy days; or by pursuing one’s own purity by fleeing from the vile world and the tainting influence of sinful others.

  • For the most part, this is placing God first in one’s life, despite personal difficulties, and dedicating one’s time and energy to the benefit of others, even when doing so is extremely difficult.
  • (Leviticus 19:18).
  • In the same way that the Good Samaritan helped anybody in need, genuine love includes assisting everyone in need, not just those in your chosen social circles, as depicted in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
  • Only a small number of individuals are.
  • It’s no surprise that it’s easier to get a camel through a needle than it is for the wealthy to get entry into the kingdom.

Although Jesus does not explicitly mention “Hell” in the Sermon on the Mount, standard English translations suggest that he does so sometimes — for example, in his cautions that anybody who labels another a fool, or who permits their right eye or hand to transgress, will be put into “hell” (Matthew 5:22, 29-30).

However, the name does not allude to a perpetual tormenting region, but rather to an infamous valley just outside the walls of Jerusalem, which was widely considered by many Jews at the time to be the most unholy, god-forsaken area on earth.

For anyone who died in the ancient world (whether they were Greek, Roman, or Jewish), being refused a proper burial was the harshest punishment they could get after death.

Souls would not be tortured in that place, according to Jesus.

The emphasis that Jesus places on the complete destruction of sinners may be found throughout his teachings.

There are two paths to “life.” One is narrow and demands an arduous road, yet it leads to “life.” That is a route used by few.

However, it results in “destruction.” It is an extremely essential term.

In the same way, Jesus compares the coming kingdom to a fisherman who brings in a vast net of fish (Matthew 13:47-50).

He does not subject them to torture.

Alternatively, the kingdom might be compared to a person who collects the plants that have grown in his or her field (Matthew 13:36-43).

These do not burn indefinitely.

Other verses, on the other hand, may appear to imply that Jesus believed in the afterlife.

Some are referred to as sheep, while others are referred to as goats.

These are welcomed into the “kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world,” as the Bible states.

Upon first glance, that surely sounds like a hellish creation of the public imagination.

They are not “eternal joy” and “eternal misery,” as some people believe.

As a result, annihilation is the penalty.

This is due to the fact that the fire never goes out.

And what is the significance of the term “eternal” punishment?

These individuals will be exterminated for all time.

In this way, Jesus followed in the footsteps of a long line of respectable philosophers who have refused to accept the notion that a benevolent God would torture his beings for all eternity.

Yet neither Jesus nor his early Jewish disciples taught about the torments of hell; rather, they originated among later gentile converts who did not believe in the Jewish concept of a future resurrection of the dead, as did the apostle Paul.

A large number of Greek intellectuals, dating back at least to Socrates’ time, have advocated for the notion of the immortality of the soul.

Following the example of gentile Christians, later Christians who emerged from these groups embraced this viewpoint for themselves, reasoning that since souls are made to survive forever, their final destinies will do the same.

As a result of this innovation, an unsatisfactory combination of Jesus’ Jewish beliefs with those found in elements of the Greek intellectual tradition has resulted.

Nonetheless, in a fascinating and comforting sense, Jesus’ own beliefs on either eternal recompense or full destruction are similar to Greek notions that were taught more than four centuries before Jesus.

His “Apology” (that is, “Legal Defense”), which was recorded by his most renowned pupil, Plato, is still available for reading today.

He is, on the contrary, energised by the prospect of passing from this life to the next.

On the one hand, it may result in the deepest, most uninterrupted sleep that anyone could possibly imagine.

On the other hand, it may involve a conscious existence.

It would mean carrying on with life and all its pleasures but none of its pain.

And so the afterlife presents no bad choices, only good ones.

Twenty-four centuries later, with all our advances in understanding our world and human life within it, surely we can think that that both Jesus and Socrates had a lot of things right.

We should listen to him.

None of us, of course, knows what will happen when we pass from this world of transience.

On one hand, we may lose our consciousness with no longer a worry in this world.

In either scenario, there will be no more pain.

And so, in this, the greatest teacher of the Greeks and the founder of Christianity agreed to this extent: when, in the end, we pass from this earthly realm, we may indeed have something to hope for, but we have absolutely nothing to fear.

Ehrman’s new book, from which this essay is adapted, isHeaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife. Contact [email protected].

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