Heaven
The eternal dwelling place of God and His redeemed people
Overview
Heaven represents the Christian's eternal home, the ultimate destination of all who trust in Christ. Scripture presents heaven both as God's present dwelling and as the future inheritance of believers. It is described as a place of unimaginable beauty, perfect fellowship, and complete joy—where sorrow, pain, and death are forever banished.
Central to heaven's glory is the presence of God. "In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalms 16:11). Heaven's supreme attraction is not golden streets or pearly gates but face-to-face communion with the Triune God. "They shall see his face" (Revelation 22:4)—the beatific vision that satisfies every longing and surpasses every earthly pleasure.
The Bible reveals that believers who die go immediately to be with Christ, which is "far better" (Philippians 1:23) than earthly existence. Yet this intermediate state awaits the final resurrection when glorified bodies reunite with perfected souls. The new heavens and new earth will provide the eternal dwelling place where righteousness dwells and God's kingdom is fully consummated.
Heavenly hope transforms earthly living. Those who truly anticipate heaven hold earthly possessions loosely, endure suffering patiently, serve sacrificially, and witness urgently. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2). This is not escapism but proper perspective—living in light of eternity.
Subtopics
God's Dwelling
Heaven as God's throne
-
Psalms 11:4
— The LORD's throne is in heaven
The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
-
Matthew 6:9
— Our Father which art in heaven
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
-
Isaiah 66:1
— Heaven is my throne
Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
-
Revelation 4:2
— A throne was set in heaven
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
Believers' Hope
Heaven as inheritance
-
John 14:2-3
— I go to prepare a place for you
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.
-
1 Peter 1:4
— Inheritance reserved in heaven
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
-
Philippians 3:20
— Our conversation is in heaven
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
-
2 Corinthians 5:1
— House not made with hands
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Heaven's Glory
The beauty of heaven
-
Revelation 21:4
— No more death, sorrow, or crying
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.
-
Revelation 22:5
— No need of sun
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
-
Revelation 21:21
— Streets of pure gold
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
-
1 Corinthians 2:9
— Eye hath not seen
But as it is written, 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.
Study Guidance
Topical study benefits from reading verses in their broader context. Click any reference above to view the complete passage and surrounding verses. Consider comparing how different biblical authors address the same theme across various contexts and time periods.
Cross-reference study deepens understanding. Many verses listed here connect to other passages—use the cross-references provided on individual verse pages to trace theological themes throughout Scripture.