“Then I saw a new
heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed
away, and the sea was no more.” Revelation 21:1
Heaven is Real
Have you ever thought about
Heaven and wondered if it’s real? Heaven is a real place. God’s Word, the
Bible, is full of facts about Heaven. Let’s look at five facts about heaven and
learn more about what our eternal lives will be like.
1. We Receive Heavenly Bodies
In Heaven, we will have brand new bodies. When Christ returns,
our bodies will be resurrected (John 5:28-29). In those glorified bodies,
free from sin and selfishness, we will live forever with God in Heaven.
2. God Will Make a New Heaven and New Earth
Just as our bodies will be made new, so will the earth. Though
the Earth now suffers from the results of sin, Paul tells us that “the
creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the
freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:21).
Revelation 21:1 says “I saw a new heaven
and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away”. This will happen sometime in the future.
Heaven and earth will become one, and God’s eternal kingdom will be established
on a brand new, purified earth. This is the New Heaven and New Earth we look
forward to.
3. We Will See God in Heaven
The best thing about Heaven is that it is God’s dwelling place. Revelation 21:3 says, “And I heard a loud
voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He
will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with
them as their God.'" The sinfulness that prevents us from being
able to see God and live (Exodus 33:20) will be gone, and we
will gaze at the most wonderful, beautiful Being in existence.
4. There is No Pain or Sadness in Heaven
While on Earth, we experience pain and sadness. The good news
is, after we get to heaven we’ll never experience pain again! Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe away
every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be
mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed
away.’”
5. There is a “Temporary” Heaven
Until God makes the new heaven and new earth, believers who die
will still enter God’s presence. The Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “Yes, we are of good
courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
Now that you know how to get to heaven, and what heaven will be
like, share the amazing news with others.
(By Dan Lee on Jun 5, 2014; From the series Prayer Letter
< http://www.godlife.com/dan-lee/prayer-letter/5-facts-about-heaven>)
