10 Questions About Heaven

The promise of Heaven is clear for all believers.  We can count on God to always keep His promises so we know that heaven is our eternal home.  While we know without a doubt that we are going to heaven, we have questions about heaven.

Many people have questions about heaven, as it is often considered the ultimate destination for believers in Jesus Christ. Below are some common questions people have, along with biblical answers:

1. What is heaven like?
Heaven is described in the Bible as a beautiful, perfect place where believers will experience the fullness of God's presence, peace, and glory. It is often referred to as the "new heaven and new earth," where there will be no more pain, suffering, or sin.

• Revelation 21:1-4: Describes heaven as a place where God will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.
• John 14:2-3: Jesus promises that He is preparing a place for believers in His Father’s house, where there are many rooms.

2. Will we recognize each other in heaven?
Yes, believers will recognize one another in heaven. Though our bodies will be transformed and perfected, the Bible indicates that we will know one another.

• 1 Corinthians 13:12: "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." This suggests that believers will have perfect knowledge and understanding, and recognition will be part of that.
• Matthew 17:1-3: At the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah were recognized by the disciples, even though they had lived centuries before. This points to the continuity of identity in heaven.

3. What will we do in heaven?
In heaven, believers will worship God, serve Him, enjoy fellowship with other believers, and experience perfect peace and joy. There will also be meaningful work, but without the frustrations of earthly labor.

• Revelation 22:3: "The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him."
• Revelation 4:10-11: Elders in heaven worship and glorify God, acknowledging His worthiness.

4. Will we have bodies in heaven?
Yes, believers will have transformed, glorified bodies in heaven. These bodies will be free from sickness, decay, and sin.

• 1 Corinthians 15:42-44: Paul compares our current bodies to seeds that are sown, but are raised as imperishable, glorious, and powerful bodies. They will be spiritual bodies suited for eternity.
• Philippians 3:21: "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."

5. Can people in heaven see us on earth?
The Bible doesn't provide clear evidence that those in heaven can observe everything that happens on earth. However, Hebrews 12:1 describes a "great cloud of witnesses," which some interpret as people in heaven who are aware of believers' lives and cheer them on.

• Hebrews 12:1: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."
• Revelation 6:9-10: The martyrs in heaven ask God how long it will be until their blood is avenged, suggesting that there may be some awareness of earthly events.

Others, reject the idea that those in heaven can observe what happens on earth because that would bring sadness, reminders of loss, and pain.

6. What about pets or animals in heaven?
Heaven will include animals verses point to a redeemed creation where animals are included.  Including animals in heaven is another proof that God’s creation has been returned to its original design.

• Isaiah 11:6-9: Describes a peaceful kingdom where predators live in harmony with prey, suggesting that animals will be part of God's renewed creation.
• Romans 8:19-21: "For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in the hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay..." This suggests that the creation itself, including animals, will be restored in the new heaven and earth.

7. Will there be marriage in heaven?
Jesus taught that there will be no marriage in heaven. In heaven, believers will have a direct, personal relationship with God, and earthly institutions like marriage will no longer be necessary.

• Matthew 22:30: "At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven."
• Revelation 19:7-9: While there is no marriage in heaven, there is a "marriage supper of the Lamb," which signifies the union between Christ and His church.

8. How can I be sure I’ll go to heaven?
The Bible teaches that the only way to heaven is through faith in Jesus Christ. By believing in Him as Savior, believers are promised eternal life with God.

• John 14:6: Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

9. Will there be any sadness or tears in heaven?
No, there will be no more sadness, tears, or pain in heaven. God will wipe away every tear, and the former things will be gone.

• Revelation 21:4: "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."
• Isaiah 25:8: "He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces."

10. How long will we be in heaven?
Heaven will be eternal. There will be no end to the life believers experience with God.

• John 3:16: Believers are promised eternal life.
• Revelation 22:5: "There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever."

These questions reflect common curiosities and uncertainties about heaven. The Bible assures believers that heaven will be a place of joy, worship, rest, and service, where we will enjoy perfect fellowship with God and others, free from pain, sin, and suffering. The promises of heaven should bring hope and comfort to all believers as they look forward to eternal life with God.