What is Heaven like?
Heaven is a concept woven throughout the Bible, revealing both present and future aspects of its nature. Descriptions of Heaven in scripture provide a glimpse into its splendor, purpose, and divine order. These accounts are found in both the Old and New Testaments and paint a picture of Heaven as a place of profound beauty, holiness, and fellowship with God.
Present Nature of Heaven
Heaven as the Dwelling Place of God: The Bible often describes Heaven as God's dwelling place. It is portrayed as His throne, where His divine presence is most fully realized. In Isaiah 66:1, God declares,
Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.
This indicates that Heaven is where God rules and reigns in absolute sovereignty. Similarly, Psalm 11:4 states,
The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven,
suggesting that Heaven is a holy sanctuary where God resides.
A Place of Perfect Worship: Heaven is depicted as a place where God's glory is continually praised and where worship is central. The book of Revelation, especially, offers vivid imagery of worship in Heaven. In Revelation 4:8-11, we see four living creatures and twenty-four elders worshipping God without ceasing, saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
This emphasizes the holiness and eternal nature of God and Heaven's role as a place of unending worship.
Angelic Beings and Their Role: Heaven is also home to angelic beings who serve God and perform His will. The Bible describes various ranks of angels, including archangels, cherubim, and seraphim. Angels are often depicted in Heaven worshipping God (Isaiah 6:1-3) and carrying out His commands, such as ministering to humans (Hebrews 1:14). Angels' continuous worship and service reflect Heaven's order, purpose, and the fulfillment of God's divine plan.
A Place of Peace, Joy, and Righteousness: Heaven is portrayed as a place of perfect peace and joy. In Psalm 16:11, David writes,
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
This suggests that in Heaven, there is fullness of joy and eternal pleasure in God's presence. Furthermore, Heaven is a place of righteousness, where there is no sin, sorrow, or pain (Revelation 21:4). The absence of suffering and the presence of perfect joy characterize the current state of Heaven.
Future Nature of Heaven (New Heaven and New Earth)
The New Heaven and New Earth: The Bible also speaks of a future Heaven—a new heaven and a new earth. Revelation 21:1 says,
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
This new creation signifies the renewal of all things, where Heaven and Earth will be united under God's perfect rule. The concept of a new heaven and a new earth echoes Isaiah 65:17, where God promises to create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
The New Jerusalem: In Revelation 21:2-3, John sees the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. This New Jerusalem represents the dwelling place of God with His people—a place of intimate fellowship where 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 (Revelation 21:4). The New Jerusalem is described as a city of immense beauty, built of precious stones and metals (Revelation 21:10-21), with streets of pure gold, gates of pearl, and foundations adorned with various jewels.
A Place of Eternal Life: In the new Heaven, believers will experience eternal life in God's presence. Revelation 22:1-2 describes a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, and on either side of the river is the tree of life, which bears twelve kinds of fruit and yields its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. This imagery suggests a place of continual sustenance, renewal, and healing, symbolizing the eternal life promised to God's people.
No Temple, Sun, or Moon: In the New Jerusalem, there will be no need for a temple, sun, or moon, for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof (Revelation 21:23). This signifies that God's presence will permeate all of Heaven, rendering any physical source of light or a temple unnecessary. God's glory will fill the entire city, and His presence will be fully accessible to all.
A Place of Perfect Fellowship with God: One of the most significant aspects of Heaven's future nature is the perfect fellowship believers will have with God. Revelation 21:3 declares,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
This intimate communion reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people, free from sin, suffering, and separation.
Absence of Sin and Evil: In the new Heaven and new Earth, sin and evil will be completely eradicated. Revelation 21:27 states,
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
This underscores that Heaven will be a place of absolute purity, where no sin, corruption, or deceit can exist. The eradication of evil marks the ultimate triumph of God's holiness and justice.
Reunion with Believers and Loved Ones: Heaven is often described as a place of reunion, where believers are united with those who have gone before them. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul writes,
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
This passage promises that believers will be together with the Lord and with one another forever.
Summary of Supporting Scriptures
Heaven as God's Dwelling Place: Isaiah 66:1; Psalm 11:4
Worship in Heaven: Revelation 4:8-11; Isaiah 6:1-3
Angelic Beings: Hebrews 1:14; Isaiah 6:1-3
Place of Peace, Joy, and Righteousness: Psalm 16:11; Revelation 21:4
New Heaven and New Earth: Revelation 21:1; Isaiah 65:17
New Jerusalem: Revelation 21:2-3, 21:10-21
Eternal Life: Revelation 22:1-2
No Temple, Sun, or Moon: Revelation 21:23
Perfect Fellowship with God: Revelation 21:3
Absence of Sin and Evil: Revelation 21:27
Reunion with Believers: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
These scriptures provide a multifaceted picture of Heaven, reflecting both its present glory and the promised future of renewal and eternal fellowship with God. Heaven is not just a place but a profound experience of God's presence, holiness, and love, where believers will dwell with Him forever.
The criteria for entrance into Heaven
The criteria for entrance into Heaven, as revealed in the Bible, centers on faith and relationship with God. This standard is consistent both before and after the death of Jesus, though the specific expressions of faith and obedience are framed within different contexts: the Old Covenant (prior to Jesus' death) and the New Covenant (after Jesus' death).
Criteria for Entrance into Heaven Prior to the Death of Jesus (Old Covenant)
Faith in God and His Promises: Before Jesus' sacrificial death, entrance into Heaven was grounded in faith in God and His promises. The key example of this is Abraham, who believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Abraham's faith in God's promise was the basis of his righteousness, setting a precedent that is affirmed throughout the Old Testament.
Obedience to God's Law: Obedience to the Law given by God through Moses was a fundamental aspect of the Old Covenant. The Law, including the Ten Commandments and other statutes, was intended to guide Israel in righteousness and distinguish them as God's chosen people. Deuteronomy 6:25 states,
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.
Obedience to the Law was a sign of faith and devotion to God.
Sacrificial System for Atonement: The Old Testament sacrificial system, established under the Mosaic Law, was crucial for atonement and maintaining a right relationship with God. Leviticus 17:11 states,
For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls.
The sacrifices, such as the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16), symbolized repentance, and their purpose was to point towards the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which would fulfill and supersede them.
Repentance and Turning Back to God: Even under the Old Covenant, God called for repentance and a return to Him when His people sinned. In Ezekiel 18:21-22, God declares,
But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Repentance was a sign of a contrite heart and an intention to return to God's ways.
Hope in the Coming Messiah: Even before Jesus' death, there was an anticipation of a coming Messiah who would bring salvation. Prophets like Isaiah spoke of a future Redeemer who would bear the sins of many (Isaiah 53:4-6). The faithful in Israel held onto the hope that the Messiah would come and bring ultimate redemption and restoration.
Criteria for Entrance into Heaven After the Death of Jesus (New Covenant)
Faith in Jesus Christ: The New Covenant, established by Jesus' death and resurrection, shifted the focus to faith in Jesus Christ as the primary criterion for entrance into Heaven. Jesus himself declared,
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
Belief in Jesus as the Son of God and acceptance of His sacrificial death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins is now the core requirement for salvation and entry into Heaven.
In the New Testament, this is reiterated in numerous passages, such as Romans 10:9-10:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Faith in Christ is both an acknowledgment of who Jesus is (the Son of God) and trust in what He accomplished (atonement for sin through His death and resurrection).
Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins: After Jesus' death, repentance remains essential for salvation. Peter, in his sermon at Pentecost, declared,
Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
Repentance involves recognizing one's sins, turning away from them, and seeking forgiveness through Jesus. It is a sign of genuine faith and desire for reconciliation with God.
Grace Through Faith, Not Works: A key aspect of the New Covenant is that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains,
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
This means that entrance into Heaven is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than something earned by human effort or adherence to the Law.
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: Under the New Covenant, believers are marked by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who is given to all who have faith in Christ. Ephesians 1:13-14 states,
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
The Holy Spirit is a guarantee of the believer's inheritance in Heaven and empowers them to live according to God's will.
Living a Transformed Life: While salvation is by faith and not works, a true faith in Christ results in a transformed life characterized by good works and obedience to God's commands. James 2:17 states,
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Genuine faith produces fruit in the form of love, service, and righteousness.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:21,
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Therefore, a transformed life is evidence of saving faith.
Perseverance in Faith: Entrance into Heaven requires perseverance in faith. Jesus frequently taught the importance of remaining faithful until the end. In Matthew 24:13, He said,
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
The New Testament encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's promises despite trials and tribulations (Hebrews 10:36-39).
Summary of Criteria for Entrance into Heaven
Prior to Jesus' Death (Old Covenant):
Faith in God and His promises (Genesis 15:6)
Obedience to God's Law (Deuteronomy 6:25)
Sacrificial system for atonement (Leviticus 17:11)
Repentance and turning back to God (Ezekiel 18:21-22)
Hope in the coming Messiah (Isaiah 53:4-6)
After Jesus' Death (New Covenant):
Faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6, Romans 10:9-10)
Repentance and forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)
Grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Living a transformed life (James 2:17, Matthew 7:21)
Perseverance in faith (Matthew 24:13)
Before Jesus' death, the criteria for entrance into Heaven were centered on faith in God, obedience to His Law, repentance, and hope in the coming Messiah. After Jesus' death, the criteria shifted to faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation, accompanied by repentance, transformation, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Both before and after Jesus, faith remains the core requirement, reflecting the continuity of God's plan for salvation throughout the Bible.
Heaven and Paradise
The terms Heaven and Paradise are both used in the Bible to describe the afterlife, but they may carry distinct connotations depending on the context.
Understanding Paradise in the Bible
Luke 23:43 – Jesus and the Thief on the Cross:
In Luke 23:43, Jesus tells the repentant thief on the cross,
Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
The term paradise (Greek: παράδεισος, paradeisos) here refers to a blessed, restful state where the righteous are comforted after death. This passage is significant because Jesus specifically says today, indicating that the thief would be immediately in a place of blessedness with Jesus after death.
2 Corinthians 12:4 – Paul's Vision of Paradise:
In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Paul recounts a man (likely himself) who was caught up to the third heaven, where he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Here, paradise is equated with the third heaven, suggesting that Paul experienced a vision of the highest or most complete form of Heaven. The phrase third heaven reflects a Jewish understanding of multiple heavens, with the third heaven being the dwelling place of God. This vision suggests that paradise is within the highest Heaven where God resides.
Revelation 2:7 – The Tree of Life in Paradise:
In Revelation 2:7, Jesus promises,
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
This paradise of God is depicted as the ultimate destination for those who overcome, where the tree of life is located. The tree of life, last seen in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9), symbolizes eternal life and restored fellowship with God. Revelation places this paradise within the new Heaven and new Earth, indicating a future state of ultimate blessedness in God's presence.
Differences Between Heaven and Paradise
Based on these passages, here are the key points to understand the differences, if any, between Heaven and Paradise:
Paradise as a Place of Immediate Blessedness (Intermediate State): In Luke 23:43, paradise is presented as the immediate state of the righteous after death—a place of comfort, peace, and fellowship with Jesus. This use of paradise seems to align with the concept of an intermediate state, where believers' souls are in a blessed, conscious existence in God's presence, but not yet in the final, resurrected state that will occur after the final judgment and the creation of the new Heaven and new Earth. In this sense, paradise is a part of Heaven but specifically refers to the state of rest and comfort that souls experience after death and before the resurrection of the body.
Paradise as the Dwelling Place of God (Ultimate Heaven): In 2 Corinthians 12:4, paradise is synonymous with the third heaven, the highest Heaven where God dwells. This suggests that paradise can also refer to the ultimate, most exalted state of Heaven, where God's throne is located, and where His presence is fully manifest. This indicates that paradise can describe the very heart of Heaven itself, where God resides and where believers will enjoy eternal communion with Him.
Paradise in the New Heaven and New Earth (Eternal State): Revelation 2:7 places paradise in the context of the new Heaven and new Earth, where the tree of life is located. This description points to a future, eternal state where believers will have resurrected bodies and enjoy eternal life in God's presence, in a restored creation. In this sense, paradise is part of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, representing the final, perfected state of Heaven, where sin, death, and sorrow are no more.
Summary: The Relationship Between Heaven and Paradise
Present Use of Paradise: In the present context (Luke 23:43), paradise refers to the intermediate state of blessedness for the righteous dead, a place where souls are at rest and in the presence of Jesus immediately after death. It is part of Heaven but may not encompass its full, ultimate scope.
Paradise as the Third Heaven: In 2 Corinthians 12:4, paradise is used interchangeably with the third heaven, indicating that it can also refer to the highest Heaven, the very dwelling place of God. Here, paradise suggests a deeper, more complete experience of Heaven.
Future Paradise: In Revelation 2:7, paradise represents the restored state of creation—the new Heaven and new Earth—where believers will enjoy eternal life and fellowship with God, embodying the final and perfected state of Heaven.
Conclusion
The term paradise in the Bible can have overlapping meanings with Heaven, depending on the context. Paradise can refer to:
1. The immediate state of the righteous after death, where they experience rest and comfort with Jesus.
2. The highest or most complete form of Heaven, where God dwells in glory.
3. The future state of eternal blessedness in the new Heaven and new Earth.
Thus, paradise and Heaven are related terms, with paradise often emphasizing the blessedness, peace, and presence of God experienced by the righteous, whether in the immediate afterlife, the present Heaven, or the eternal state.