A year or so ago I read through the New Testament and underlined every verse that had to do with heaven. I wrote all of the verses down, organized them by topic, and here’s what I found. You may find some surprises. I certainly did. I invite you to come with me on a journey where you will get a sneak preview of heaven. Dig out your New Testament, a pen and some paper, and join me in this study. You’ll have to look up the verses as there were too many to write out. In broad terms, here is what the Bible has to say about heaven. HEAVEN WILL BE A PLACE OF ETERNAL REST & PEACE There will be nothing to make us afraid. At last, we can rest from our earthly labors and concerns (Hebrews 4:1,3, 10-11). Interestingly, while heaven is a place of rest, it is not necessarily a quiet place. In fact, it is often very noisy. There is thunder coming from the throne of God, great multitudes of people will be shouting and rejoicing, there are mighty angels speaking with loud voices, etc. (Hebrews 12:26; Revelation 1:13- 16; 6:1; 7:10; 8:5; 10:3; 11:15,19; 14:14-15; 16:1; 18:2; 19:1,6,17-18). BEAUTY & CELEBRATION I once took a trip to Colorado to go hiking in the mountains with a friend. As we were ready to leave he said, “I hope you brought two pairs of socks.” I said, “How come?” He said, “It’s so beautiful up there your first pair will get knocked off!”—That is how I like to think of heaven. We’ll each need an extra pair of socks. In I Corinthians 2:9 Paul says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” The leaves of the New Testament rustle with tales of vibrant colors around the throne, of streets of gold, of foundations of precious jewels (Revelation 19-22). The Bible speaks of incredible brightness and light What Will Heaven Be Like?
(versus hell which is absolute darkness: Jude 13; II Peter 2:17). According to Paul, God dwells in “unapproachable light” (I Timothy 6:16). The glory and brightness coming from God will fill heaven and earth (Revelation 21:23; cf. Ezekiel 43:2 in the Old Testament). Heaven will be filled with color and light beyond comprehension. Angelic beings and glorified saints, it says, will shine like the sun or the morning star (Matthew 4:16; 13:43; 17:2; 28:3; Mark 9:3; Luke 2:9; 9:29-31; 24:4; Acts 9:3; 12:7; 22:6,11; Ephesians 5:27; II Thessalonians 1:7; 2:8; I Peter 2:9; II Peter 1:17; I John 2:8; Revelation 1:13-16; 18:1; 21:23). Everyone in heaven is said to wear white or white with gold. What color is the embodiment of all colors? It is white. All the colors of the rainbow are in white. What one color best reflects true color? White. Imagine all God’s children dressed in white, as colors from the throne of God reflect on everyone’s clothing. It will be beautiful beyond words (See: Mark 9:3; Luke 9:29-31; John 20:12; Revelation 1:13-16; 19:8; 21:3). We will not only see glory, but we will enter into it, bathe in it, embrace it, and rejoice in it (Matthew 24:27; 25:31; Mark 8:58; 13:26; Luke 9:26,29-31; 21:27; 24:26; John 1:14; I Corinthians 2:7-9; II Corinthians 4:16-18; Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:27; I Timothy 1:17; II Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 1:3; 2:7,10; I Peter 5:1; II Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6; 4:2-3; 21:19-26). While heaven will be beautiful beyond expression, Paul also says something very interesting. Following his vision of heaven, Paul did not focus on what he had seen, although it had to be incredible; instead he said he “heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell” (II Corinthians 12:4)—Paul, one of the wisest, most intelligent men to ever live, was overwhelmed by the profound wisdom and the things which were talked about in heaven. Imagine sitting at the feet of infinite wisdom. In heaven there will also be joyful celebration and feasting (Matthew 8:11; Luke 12:33-37; 14:24; 22:30; Revelation 19:9). Can you imagine sitting in glorious light, with music and angels; fellowshipping and talking with
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