Background Information
According to Christian tradition, Heaven is an eternal realm of blissful joy. It is believed to be where God has his dwelling, and where all believers will be reunited with deceased loved ones. The Bible is full of references to the glory and beauty of Heaven, and it provides us with a glimpse into what Heaven might be like.
God and the Glorified Church
The Bible tells us that in Heaven we will be with God forever. It also tells us that all true believers, the Church, will be glorified together with Him. In Revelation 21:1-4, we read that God will make all things new:“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. 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.”
The Beatific Vision of God
The Bible teaches us that Heaven is a place where we will experience the beatific vision of God. This is a concept that has been understood to mean that we will see God as He truly is, and be filled with an intense feeling of ecstasy and love. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul says:“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
No More Death or Sorrow
The Bible tells us that when we enter Heaven, we will no longer experience death or sorrow. In Revelation 21:4, we read that God promises to“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.” This is a great comfort to those who have lost loved ones, as Heaven promises an eternity of joy, free from suffering.
The Joys of Heaven
The Bible also tells us that we will experience great joys in Heaven. In Revelation 22:1-5 we read that:“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see His face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.”
The Nature of Heaven
The Bible also provides us with details about the nature of Heaven. In Revelation 21:21, we are told that Heaven is made of pure gold, and that it is filled with precious stones of every kind. Furthermore, its streets are said to be paved with gold, and its gates are made of a single pearl.
Conclusion
In short, the Bible provides us with a rich and detailed description of what Heaven will be like. Despite the fact that many aspects of Heaven remain a mystery, these passages provide us with assurance that it will be a heavenly place of eternal joy, peace and beauty.
God’s Character and Mercy
The Bible speaks to us of God’s character and mercy in a special way. We can learn about Who He is and how He showers His mercy on us when we enter Heaven. The Bible tells us in James 1:17 that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. We can also be reminded that God is just and will reward us according to our deeds (2 Corinthians 5:10). We can also read in John 5:24 that the saved shall never perish and have none to fear.
The Blessings of Heaven
The Bible speaks to us of the glorious blessings that await us in Heaven. We can read in Isaiah 33:24 that no one in Heaven will say “I am sick” and that no sorrow or pain will mar its joy. We are also reminded in Psalm 16:11 that in Heaven, we will have an abode of joy and pleasure. Furthermore, in Revelation 7:17, it is written that the redeemed of God will rest from their labors and their works follow them.
The Wonders of Heaven
The Bible speaks to us of the endless wonders of Heaven. We can read in Ezekiel 1:26-28 that the glory of Heaven is more than one can possibly imagine. We are also told in Revelation 21:23 that the glory of God will lighten the city and nations will walk in the light of Its brilliance. Furthermore, we can read in Revelation 21:22-27 that the gates of Heaven will never be shut.
God’s Love and Forgiveness
The Bible speaks to us of God’s redemptive love and His offer of forgiveness when we enter Heaven. We can be comforted in knowing that in Heaven, there is now no condemnation (Romans 8:1) and that we are pardoned by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7). Furthermore, we can be encouraged to come to God with confidence knowing that He will forgive all of our sins (1 John 1:9).
