7 Things the Bible Says about Heaven

In this world of suffering and pain it’s sometimes hard to imagine heaven. Yet at the same time, as a believer in the Lord Jesus, there is this quickening of hope that reassures us of heaven’s existence. We know it exists even though its outside of our sphere of experience. What does the Bible reveal about heaven?

#1) Jesus is in heaven right now.

“It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him” (1 Peter 3:21-22).

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He appeared to the disciples for a time and was eventually taken back up to heaven. Once there Jesus took His place at the right hand of the Father and He intercedes for everyone who believes in Him. It’s a great privilege to have other people praying for us, but it’s a huge advantage to have Jesus right next to the Father and praying for us!

#2) Jesus is preparing a place for each of His followers in heaven.

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2).

Not only is Jesus praying for us regularly, but He is also preparing a place in heaven for each of us. He knows specifically what you and I would love for our heavenly home. We have no need of any other interior decorator than our Lord who will bless us according to our rewards stored in heaven.

#3) There are thousands of angelic beings in heaven.

“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly” (Hebrews 12:22).

When angelic beings showed up on earth in their glory, human beings were always brought to their faces. Yet in heaven there are thousands of angels dressed in glory as we will be some day. Heaven is a busy and active place full of joy, peace, and love. One day we will be a part of the angelic and redeemed population.

#4) Our true citizenship is in heaven.

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21).

In this world, every person born becomes a citizen of their birth country. Many people have dual or multiple citizenships around the world. Those who belong to Jesus have an eternal citizenship that will never be changed or revoked. Everyone in heaven wants to be there and our hope lies in one day taking that first step in our heavenly home.

#5) Heaven is a place where there is no sorrow, suffering, or pain ever.

“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” (Revelation 21:4)

Some unbelievers have made jokes about how boring heaven will be (everyone sitting on clouds and playing harps). However heaven will be a place of unending joy—minus the pain and sorrow of this world. The old way of being born and suffering through this life will never happen again for those who put their trust in Christ.

#6) Jesus will come down straight from heaven to earth one day.

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Jesus is at the right hand of God, but one day He will stand up and make His move towards the earth. His majestic presence will break open the clouds and everyone will see Him as He is. At that time every single knee will bow and tongue confess His lordship over heaven and earth.

#7) Heaven is a place of magnificent glory and majesty.

“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” (Revelation 21:23).

The beauty and majesty of heaven will never fade or lose its intrigue. One day we will walk streets of gold and dip our hands into the river that will have the appearance of crystal. The foundations of the gates of the city will all be made from the most precious and beautiful of stones. We will be enamored by its beauty and yet comforted because it will be our home.

Will you be there?

Heaven is a gift from God to those who follow after Jesus with all their hearts, souls, and minds. He has prepared a place of beauty and peace that can’t be compared with anything on this earth. We must keep heaven alive in our hearts so that we don’t forget where our true home really is.

Article by Crystal McDowell

Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.  

Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at http://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.