Lets talk about what the Bible says about Heaven, the new creation, and the life to come. We’re not going to base this on cultural images of harps and clouds, but on the truth of God’s Word. Let’s explore the biblical use of “Heaven,” “Heavens,” and “Heavenly,” as well as the incredible promise of the new Heavens and new Earth.
Understanding “Heaven,” “Heavens,” and “Heavenly”
The Bible uses the word “Heaven” in different ways, so we need to be clear.
The Sky (Atmosphere)
The first use of “Heavens” refers to the sky above us, where the birds fly. Genesis 1:20 describes this:
“Then God said, ‘Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.’”
Outer Space (Celestial Heavens)
This is the realm of the sun, moon, stars, and planets. In Psalm 19:1, David writes:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”
The Spiritual Realm (God’s Dwelling Place)
This refers to the third Heaven, the dwelling place of God. Paul speaks of this in 2 Corinthians 12:2:
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.”
The third Heaven is where God’s throne is, as described in Isaiah 66:1:
“Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool.”
The New Heavens and New Earth
The Bible is clear that this world will not remain as it is. God promises a new creation, free from sin and death.
A New Creation
Revelation 21:1 gives us this glimpse:
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.”
Peter confirms this in 2 Peter 3:13:
“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
Physical, Not Abstract
The new Earth will be physical, not just a spiritual place. We see this in Revelation 21:2-3:
“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.’”
This new creation will be a restored and perfected world, free from sin and its curse (Revelation 22:3).
What We Will Do in Heaven
The idea of floating on a cloud is far from biblical. God has planned meaningful responsibilities for His people.
Ruling with Christ
Revelation 22:5 tells us:
“They shall reign forever and ever.”
This reigning involves responsibility, stewardship, and purpose. Just as Adam was tasked to work and tend the garden before the fall (Genesis 2:15), so we will have fulfilling work in the new creation.
Judging Angels
1 Corinthians 6:3 says:
“Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?”
This highlights the significant roles believers will have in the age to come.
Worship and Fellowship
Revelation 7:9-10 paints a beautiful picture of worship in Heaven:
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”
This worship will not be boring; it will be the perfect union of love, joy, and purpose in God’s presence.
What Heaven is Not
Not a Place of Idleness
The Bible never describes Heaven as idle. Instead, it is filled with activity, purpose, and the glory of God.
Not Just a Spiritual State
Revelation 21 and 22 clearly show a physical reality—there will be a city, a river of life, and the tree of life. We will have resurrected bodies like Christ’s (Philippians 3:21).
What This Means for Us
Eternal Hope
Colossians 3:1-2 reminds us:
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
A Call to Holiness
In light of the new creation, Peter exhorts us in 2 Peter 3:11:
“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.”
God’s Presence
Revelation 21:4 offers the ultimate promise:
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
My Final Thoughts
The new Heavens and the new Earth are far more glorious than we can imagine. It’s not about clouds and harps, but about the fullness of life with God. We will dwell with Him, reign with Him, and experience perfect joy forever.
