Resources by Topic: Heaven

Some people have asked me if our resurrected bodies will shine. They cite two passages: “The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43) and “Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven” (Daniel 12:3, NASB).

Our dear friend and staff member, Karen Coleman, went into the presence of Jesus on June 10, 2018. Here is her memorial service on Sunday, July 1 at her church, Good Shepherd Community Church. Thank you to Good Shepherd for the filming of this time. This clip is Randy Alcorn's message at the service.

I believe Scripture makes clear that we’ll have the privilege that was experienced by the fictional characters in The Magician’s Nephew and by the real angelic beings who witnessed the creation of the first Earth: We will actually witness the creation of the New Earth.

Question from a Reader: Will there be nation boundaries on the New Earth?

Heaven without God would be like a honeymoon without a groom or a palace without a king. Teresa of Avila said, “Wherever God is, there is Heaven.” The corollary: Wherever God is not, there is Hell.

We’ll have many desires in Heaven, but they won’t be unholy desires. Everything we want will be good. Our desires will please God.

Question from Reader: Does the promise of a New Heaven and a New Earth necessitate new planets, or is that a leap of imagination?

I believe the spirit leaves the body when true death happens, and that true death isn’t the same as “he hasn’t been responsive for months” or “we can’t detect brainwaves.”

We know that on the New Earth, sin will be done away with and will be no more.

Question from a Reader: In our church it was stated that at present Hell is empty. Is this really true?

Revelation talks about the marriage of the Lamb, between Christ and His bride (Revelation 19:7). This bride is made up of His collective people, who are “from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9). Therefore, the New Jerusalem will be the dwelling place of all believers, not just those who are ethnically Jews and have trusted Jesus.

Here are some resources that can help you understand the issue and what the Bible actually says. 

In this audio clip, Randy answers a question about where Satan fell from when he sinned.

The New International Version rendering of John 14:2 is this: “In my Father’s house are many rooms. . . . I am going there to prepare a place for you.” Place is singular, but rooms is plural. This suggests Jesus has in mind for each of us an individual dwelling that’s a smaller part of the larger place. This place will be home to us in the most unique sense.