Heaven is meant to be our actual home as Christians. Therefore, it makes sense that we would be curious in what our “eternal life” will entail. But the Bible does not provide us with a daily itinerary of celestial events. Nevertheless, a few verses in the Bible hint at what to anticipate.
A place of comfort and joy
Jesus narrates the parable of the rich man and the poor man, Lazarus, in Luke 16:19–31. When they both died, the rich man went to a realm of agony because he didn’t care about Lazarus’ suffering, but Lazarus was brought to Abraham’s side by the angels. Since this is a parable, the narrative did not set out to describe what heaven or hell is like. However, here are glimmers of everlasting reality. Among these is the claim that Lazarus was now being “comforted” for all the suffering he had gone through. Many believers suffer greatly from mistreatment, treachery, persecution, and [poor] until they pass away. To them, heaven is
In other parables, such as the one found in Matthew 25, Jesus describes heaven as a location that will host a grand feast, assign duties based on our [loyal service] on earth, and hold an inheritance in store for us.
A paradise
Luke 23:43 records Jesus telling the penitent criminal next to him on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise,” as another hint. The word “paradise” alludes to the garden of Eden, also known as the garden of joy, where God originally created mankind. Men would carry out the lovely task of tending to creation there, in an environment of perfect harmony. It’s possible that actions in heaven will resemble those of Adam and Eve in paradise prior to the fall.
A place of revelation
1 Corinthians 13:12 contains a statement by Paul regarding the end of worldly things. “For now, all we see is a reflection, like in a mirror; later, we will be able to see each other face to face,” he explains. I know a little now; when I am fully known, I will know everything. Heaven is a realm of revelation, where all that is full and unclear today will become plain and complete. Put another way, there will be a ton of information to find and understand!
A place of worship
Perhaps the most striking depictions of heaven found in the book of Revelations. For instance, in chapters 4, 5, and 7, we read of multitudes of people worshiping, praising, and celebrating, together with angels and other celestial beings. Worship must arise when we witness the majesty, beauty, and magnificence of God with our own eyes. We can only get a hint of what it will be like from even the holiest occasions we have here on Earth.
Heaven on earth
However, more splendors are ahead. According to what the Bible says, the status quo will end. There will be a [new world and a new heaven] made. And they won’t be split up any more. The coming of the city of God and God’s announcement that He will now dwell among his people are shown in Revelations 21. And paradise is rebuilt when heaven descends. We read in Revelations 22:1-4:
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”
