We all want to know what’s next – especially when life feels uncertain or when we’ve lost someone we love. The Bible doesn’t give us every detail, but it does give us a glimpse. And that glimpse is enough to know that heaven is real, physical, and more beautiful than we can imagine!
Some descriptions in Scripture are symbolic, but they still paint a clear picture: heaven is filled with light, peace, and the presence of God. Let’s take a look at what the Bible actually says:
What heaven looks like according to Revelation
The most detailed description of heaven shows up at the very end of the Bible – almost like it’s teasing what’s next! Chapters 21 and 22 of Revelation describe what’s known as a new heaven and new earth where followers of Jesus will live with God forever.
Here’s how it’s described:
- A river of life flowing from God’s throne, with the tree of life on each side (Revelation 22:1-2)
A place filled with light
One thing that stands out in the Bible’s description of heaven? It’s never dark.
There's no sun or moon because God’s presence provides the light (Revelation 21:23). That’s not just about visibility – it's about what it feels like to live in a place where everything is clear, good, and whole. There’s nothing hidden or broken. Just light and life!
What heaven feels like
It’s not just what heaven looks like – it's what it feels like that makes it so amazing. The Bible says that in heaven:
In other words, Heaven is the opposite of everything that weighs us down now. Heaven is where everything wrong is made right.
Is heaven a physical place?
Yes! Heaven is described as a real, physical place. But some of the Bible’s language is symbolic, meant to help us understand something that’s beyond our current experience.
Philippians 3:20-21 tells us that followers of Jesus will receive resurrected bodies. Real bodies, not just spirits floating around. We’ll live, move, and relate to others in a way that’s even better than what we know now. So while we don’t know exactly what heaven will be like, we do know it’s not just a concept or a feeling. It’s an actual place God is preparing for us.
What’s the best part of heaven?
As incredible as heaven sounds, the most important part isn’t the golden streets or pearly gates. It’s being with God.
Revelation 22:4 says, “They will see his face.” That means complete connection. No barriers. No wondering where you stand with God. In heaven, you’ll be fully known and fully loved – and you’ll experience God’s presence in a way that’s not possible here on earth.
How to go to heaven
Maybe you’ve read all of this and thought, “I want to go to heaven – but how do I know I’ll go there?” The Bible is clear: heaven isn’t something we earn by being good enough or doing the right things. It’s a gift.
The way to heaven is through a relationship with Jesus. God loves you so much that he sent his son, Jesus, to take the weight of your sin – the things that separate you from God – and offer you a new life.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
When you trust Jesus, believe in who he is, and follow him, you can be confident that your future includes eternity with him.
Heaven is real. It’s beautiful. And it’s not out of reach! If you’ve never said yes to Jesus, there’s no better time than now.
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Along with what heaven looks like, a lot of us wonder if we’ll see our families again. Here’s the truth.
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