What is heaven?
Quick Answer
Heaven is the dwelling place of God and the eternal home of believers - a place of perfect joy, worship, and fellowship with God, free from sin, suffering, and death.
Understanding Heaven
Scripture uses 'heaven' in multiple senses: the sky/atmosphere, outer space, and God's dwelling place. The third meaning - God's throne room and believers' eternal home - is the theological focus. Heaven is where God's presence is fully manifest and His will is perfectly done. It is a real place, not merely a state of mind. Jesus ascended to heaven and is preparing a place for His followers (John 14:2-3). Believers who die are immediately present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Heaven is described with images of worship, feasting, reunion, and service - though its glories exceed human imagination. The ultimate hope is the New Heaven and New Earth where God dwells eternally with His people in resurrected bodies.
In the Old Testament
The Old Testament depicts heaven as God's throne room from which He governs all creation (Psalm 11:4, Isaiah 66:1). The heavens declare God's glory (Psalm 19:1). Enoch and Elijah were taken to heaven without dying. Daniel saw visions of God's throne and heavenly beings. The hope of being 'received' by God after death appears in the Psalms (Psalm 73:24). However, the Old Testament focuses more on earthly blessings, with the full revelation of heaven awaiting the New Testament.
In the New Testament
Jesus frequently spoke of heaven - it is where the Father dwells, where treasure should be stored, and where believers' names are written. He promised the repentant thief paradise that very day (Luke 23:43). Paul was caught up to the 'third heaven' (2 Corinthians 12:2). Revelation provides the fullest picture: a throne room of worship, the Lamb who was slain, and ultimately the New Jerusalem descending from heaven. The hope of heaven motivates holy living and provides comfort in suffering. Heaven is not escapism but the fulfillment of creation's purpose.
Key Scripture References
“In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.”
Read full commentary →Revelation 21:4“And God shall 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.”
Read full commentary →Philippians 3:20“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Read full commentary →2 Corinthians 5:8“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
Read full commentary →1 Corinthians 2:9“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
Read full commentary →Revelation 21:1-2“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away... And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven.”
Read full commentary →Related Concepts
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What is salvation?
Salvation is God's deliverance of humanity from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ, restoring our relationship with God and granting eternal life.
What is grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor and lovingkindness toward humanity - the free gift of salvation and blessing that we could never earn or deserve.
What is faith?
Faith is complete trust and confidence in God - believing His promises, accepting His truth, and committing one's life to Him even when circumstances seem contrary.
What is redemption?
Redemption is God's act of purchasing believers out of slavery to sin through the payment of Christ's blood, setting them free to belong to Him.
What is justification?
Justification is God's act of declaring guilty sinners righteous based on Christ's perfect righteousness, received through faith - as if they had never sinned.
What is sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ in character and conduct, separating them from sin for holy purposes.