The question of whether heaven is eternal is one that many Christians ponder. The Bible provides some insight into this, though ultimately there are still some mysteries surrounding heaven and eternity. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about the eternal nature of heaven:
Heaven as an Eternal Dwelling Place
Several passages in Scripture present heaven as an eternal dwelling place for believers. Jesus declared that in His Father’s house are many rooms and that He was going to prepare a place for His followers (John 14:2-3). The author of Hebrews wrote of believers desiring a “better country, that is, a heavenly one” that will last forever (Hebrews 11:16). The book of Revelation describes the New Jerusalem, the holy city where God will dwell with His people, as having foundations, walls, and gates – all indicators of something permanent rather than temporary (Revelation 21:10-27). These verses point to heaven as a place God has prepared for eternity.
Everlasting Life
The gift of eternal life, promised to those who believe in Jesus, also supports the eternality of heaven. Jesus spoke of those who believe in Him living forever and not perishing (John 3:16). Paul wrote that the “gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Eternal life implies an eternal destiny. If believers are promised eternal life through faith in Christ, then the place where they will dwell for eternity must also be without end.
No More Death
The Bible teaches that death will one day be no more. The resurrection of the dead will have occurred, and death will be permanently defeated (1 Corinthians 15:26, 54-55; Revelation 20:14). If there is no more death, and believers have been given imperishable, immortal bodies (1 Corinthians 15:53-54), then the logical conclusion is that believers will exist forever with God in the eternal state. Heaven, by nature of being devoid of death, must also be endless.
God’s Eternal Nature
Heaven’s eternality is also tied to the eternal nature of God Himself. Scripture teaches that God has no beginning or end, but simply exists forever (Psalm 90:2). He is the “Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13). If the eternal God dwells in heaven, then heaven must share His timeless nature. The place where the eternally existent God makes His home will naturally last forever.
Some Important Caveats
When considering heaven’s eternality, there are some important points to keep in mind:
- Our understanding of eternity and forever is limited because we live in time and space. It’s hard for us to fully comprehend.
- The new heavens and new earth described in Revelation 21-22, while eternal, may be part of a renewal or recreation of the original heavens and earth.
- God exists outside of time, so eternity past and eternity future are more fuzzy concepts to Him.
- Eternity does not necessarily mean uniformity or sameness. There may still be change, growth, and development – just without end.
So in summary – yes, the Bible indicates that heaven is eternal because of its enduring nature, God’s eternal presence there, and the eternal life He grants. But there are still human limitations in grasping the full meaning of “eternal.” Ultimately eternity with God is a wonderful mystery awaiting believers.
Objections Some Have Raised
Though the majority of biblical evidence points to heaven’s eternality, some have raised objections. Here are a few:
Heaven is Only a Temporary Holding Place
Some believe heaven is not meant to be the final eternal dwelling place for believers, but rather a temporary holding place until the new heavens and new earth described in Revelation 21-22. However, Scripture does not clearly make this distinction. And even if there is a transition, it seems this “new heavens and new earth” will still be part of God’s eternal state.
Eternity is Only God’s Realm
A minority view believes that only God is inherently eternal, while heaven and those dwelling there eventually may not be. But this seems directly opposed to verses about eternal life, no more death, and heaven’s endurance because of God’s presence.
Eternal is Metaphorical, Not Literal
Others suggest that the biblical authors are speaking metaphorically about eternal life and heaven, not meaning unending existence literally. But this does not seem to fit with the way Scripture speaks of eternity and everlasting life as the clear outcome for believers.
So while a small number object, the majority of biblical evidence still upholds heaven as eternal.
Heaven’s Eternal Joys
Focusing on the eternality of heaven leads to amazing joy and anticipation. Consider just some of what believers can look forward to in heaven’s eternity:
- Everlasting life without death, pain, sorrow, or tears (Revelation 21:4)
- Perfect communion and fellowship with God forever (Revelation 21:3)
- The endless privilege of worshiping God (Revelation 22:3)
- A place of unmatched beauty beyond description (Revelation 21:18-21)
- The infinite exploration of God’s glory and majesty (Psalm 17:15)
- The endless pursuit of knowledge about creation and God (1 Corinthians 13:12)
- Constant growth in Christlikeness and reflection of God’s image (1 John 3:2)
- Eternal rewards for faithfulness in this life (Matthew 5:12)
- The privilege of reigning with Christ forever (Revelation 22:5)
What an incredible hope believers in Jesus have – to enjoy eternal pleasures at God’s right hand! As D.L. Moody put it, “Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.” May this glimpse of heaven’s eternity spur us all to be ready for the home of everlasting life and joy with our Lord.
