Do you ever wonder what Heaven will be like? Growing up I had several misconceptions about Heaven. I think most of us do. One misconception is that we will all be sitting on clouds playing harps. This has never excited me because I cannot play any musical instruments, especially not a harp. It also seems problematic that a cloud could support my 195-pound frame.
Another misconception is that Heaven will be an eternal worship service in the sky. It’s the idea that all we will do in Heaven is pray and sing worship songs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Now, I do think we will spend time singing worship songs in Heaven but to do it all day, every day could get really old and boring.
A final misconception is that Heaven is a spiritual place and not a physical one. The Bible actually teaches that Heaven is a physical place. In Hebrews 11:16, it says, “Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
Heaven is described as a country. It is the Promised Land. It is the country that God has promised to all those who have walked by faith. Now from what we know about earth, which is a shadow of Heaven, we can use our imaginations of what Heaven might look like. We know all about countries. Countries have territories, rulers, and cities. Cities have buildings, streets, culture, art, music, athletics, goods and services, and events of all kinds. And of course, cities have people who are engaged in activities, gatherings, conversations, and work.
The Bible also teaches that we will have bodies in Heaven (1 Corinthians 15:40-42). We will have new, glorified bodies. If Heaven were only a spiritual place, we would have no need for bodies. But since we will have bodies, it supports the truth that Heaven is a physical place.
Jesus also taught that Heaven is a physical place. He told his disciples in John 14:1-2 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going there to prepare a place for you.” Jesus told his disciples that he was going to Heaven to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house. I think it’s OK to use our creativity and imagine what our house in Heaven might look like.
Jesus also referred to Heaven as a paradise (Luke 23:43). The definition of a paradise is “a walled park or an enclosed garden”. So it would be natural to assume that Heaven is a paradise that has trees, plants, flowers, lakes, and streams. In fact, Revelation 21:1-5 says that Heaven will be the new, perfect earth where there will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain. Imagine the earth, God’s beautiful creation in it’s perfect form before the Fall of Man and sin entered the world (Genesis 3). Imagine God’s perfect creation with beautiful mountains, rivers, trees, and wildlife. Yes, the Bible prophesies that there will be animals in Heaven (Isaiah 11:6-9). And think about how incredible the new earth, Heaven, will be with no disease, no sickness, no pollution, no war, no crime, no sin, no death, no poverty, no suffering, no cancer, and no disabilities.
I don’t know about you, but I am ready to go to Heaven. I cannot wait to get there. And I cannot wait to be reunited with my friends and loved ones who knew Jesus personally.
If you would like to study more about Heaven, I would suggest reading the book, Heaven, by Randy Alcorn. It is the best book I have found on Heaven and many of the ideas and concepts in this article come from Mr. Alcorn’s book.
Jonathan Howes has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Jacksonville State University and a Master in Divinity Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the lead pastor for Graystone Church. Locations include the Ozora Campus: 1551 Ozora Road | Loganville, GA 30052 and the Walton Campus: 723 N Broad St Monroe, GA 30655.
Phone: (770) 466-3159
Email: info@graystonechurch.com
Website: GraystoneChurch.com
Blog: http://toliveischrist.cc
Twitter: @JohnnyHowes
