The existence of heaven is one of the most fundamental beliefs in Christianity. The Bible has a lot to say about heaven, what it is like, who goes there, and how to get there. Though the full nature of heaven is beyond human understanding, Scripture gives us glimpses of the joy, peace, and rest that await believers there.
What is Heaven?
Heaven is commonly understood to be the dwelling place of God and the angels. It is a realm of perfect communion with God and eternal life. Heaven is not so much a place as it is being in the presence of God (Revelation 21:3).
The book of Revelation describes heaven as a place of dazzling light, beauty, and glory. It is a Holy City called the New Jerusalem where there is no more death, sorrow, or pain (Revelation 21:1-4). Believers will have new glorious bodies and reign with Christ forever (2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Revelation 22:5).
Heaven is often contrasted with hell. While hell is a place of eternal separation from God, heaven is eternal life and communion with God. Hell is a place of pain and suffering, while heaven is a place of joy and peace.
Who Goes to Heaven?
According to the Bible, heaven is only for those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The only way to receive eternal life in heaven is by God’s grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Good works or human effort cannot earn anyone a place in heaven. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a free gift of God to those who believe in Christ.
Not all who call themselves “Christians” will go to heaven. Only those who have sincerely repented of sin and trusted in Christ alone for salvation will enter heaven. Many who profess to know Christ but do not obey Him will be turned away (Matthew 7:21-23).
What Will Heaven Be Like?
While Scripture gives some descriptions of heaven, the full reality goes far beyond what we can understand now. As 1 Corinthians 2:9 says “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” However, we can glean some truths about what heaven will be like.
No More Pain or Suffering – There will be no more crying, pain, sorrow, or death in heaven (Revelation 21:4). Believers will be freed from the sufferings of this world.
Perfect Peace and Rest – Heaven will be a place of supreme joy, comfort, and peace. Nothing will disturb or trouble believers in heaven (Revelation 21:4).
Face to Face with God – Believers will live in the presence of God and enjoy perfect fellowship with Him for eternity (Revelation 22:4).
No Sin – Heaven will be completely free from all sin, temptation, and evil (Revelation 21:27). Believers will have new perfect bodies and hearts that desire only holiness.
Fullness of Joy – Heaven is a place of overwhelming joy. Believers will experience pleasures forevermore in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11).
Eternal Rewards – Believers will receive eternal rewards in heaven based on faithfulness in this life (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). There will be varying degrees of responsibility and types of service in heaven based on obedience on earth.
How to Get to Heaven
The one and only way to get to heaven is by believing in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'” (John 14:6). This salvation is a free gift of God’s grace that anyone can receive by faith.
To receive eternal life in heaven, you must:
- Admit you are a sinner and turn from your sin. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins on the cross and rose again. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come into your heart and life and be your Lord and Savior. “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved'” (Romans 10:13).
Once you sincerely make this decision for Christ, the Bible promises you will receive eternal life in heaven. “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11-12).
Entry into heaven is not based on any human effort or goodness. It is an undeserved gift of God’s grace received by faith alone in Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
What About Those Who Never Hear the Gospel?
One common question about heaven is “What about those who never hear the gospel?” What is their eternal destiny?
The Bible does not give a definitive answer to this question. However, we can draw some conclusions based on what Scripture reveals about God’s justice and mercy.
First, the Bible makes clear that God deals justly with all people based on the knowledge they have received (Romans 2:12-16). God is fair and will judge each person according to the truth they know.
Second, Scripture reveals that creation itself testifies to God’s existence so that all are “without excuse” (Romans 1:20). General revelation in creation gives people some basic knowledge of God. He has not left Himself without a witness.
Finally, the Bible indicates that children, the mentally disabled, and others incapable of comprehending the gospel will be under God’s special care and grace. David expressed confidence that he would one day be with his deceased infant son (2 Samuel 12:15-23).
While we cannot say definitively how God deals with those who never hear the gospel, we can trust Him to judge rightly according to the light each person receives. The crucial thing is responding rightly to the truth we have received.
What About Babies or Young Children Who Die?
Another common question is “What happens to babies or young children who die before they are old enough to believe in Christ?” This is a difficult question, but we can find clues in Scripture.
First, the Bible indicates that children are under God’s special care. Jesus welcomes little children (Luke 18:15-17). Young children have a special place in God’s kingdom (Matthew 18:1-6). God cares deeply for children and values them.
Second, Scripture teaches that children are not born guilty before God but innocent. Sin and guilt come later when a person knowingly transgresses God’s law (Romans 3:23; 7:7-11). Babies do not yet have moral understanding or responsibility.
Finally, some verses imply God may grant salvation to infants or those incapable of conscious faith (2 Samuel 12:15-23; Matthew 19:14). This view aligns with God’s mercy, love, and justice.
While the Bible does not give definitive answers, most Christians believe God applies His grace and takes children who die into eternal life in heaven. We can trust Him to do what is right, just, loving, and merciful.
Should Heaven Be Our Motivation?
While it is right for believers to look forward to heaven, heaven should not be our primary motivation. Loving God and seeking to please Him should be our focus.
Paul said “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He looked forward to being with Christ after death but found joy and purpose in serving Him on earth.
Jesus reproved people who followed Him mainly for the physical blessings rather than spiritual truths He offered (John 6:25-27). Eternal rewards should not be our sole focus.
Seeking heaven for selfish reasons can lead to disappointment. The joys of heaven are not an end in themselves but aoverflow of knowing Christ. Our motivation should be grounded in love for God and others, not just desire for heaven’s pleasures.
Of course, it is right to look forward to heaven and be encouraged by the eternal inheritance awaiting us. But our chief aim should be bringing glory to God by knowing Him now.
Heaven is Certain for Believers
Despite life’s trials and uncertainties, believers can be confident of going to heaven. God guarantees eternal life to all who trust in Christ:
“God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life” (1 John 5:11-12).
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
“Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).
The joys of heaven belong to those who have received Christ. Though unseen now, heaven is as certain as God’s promise. It will be worth any cost or sacrifice to hear Christ say “Well done, good and faithful servant…Come and share your master’s happiness” (Matthew 25:23). The glories of heaven will never end.
In summary, the Bible teaches heaven is a real place where believers will live in God’s presence forever. Though beyond full understanding now, it will be a place of joy, peace, and reward for all who have trusted Christ. Eternal life in heaven is God’s gift to all who call upon Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
