Resources by Topic: Heaven

Question from a reader: In another article you mentioned that in Scripture some angels have wings and some may not. Why do all of the angels in your graphic novel, Eternity, have wings?

I think about Heaven a lot. Peter tells us, “you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:11). God is the main welcomer, no doubt, but I think there will be a welcoming committee. 

There is a category of created beings that pre-existed the creation of the universe which are generally known as angels. There are two types of these beings in the Bible that are said to have wings: Cherubim (Exodus 25:20; 37:9; I Kings 6:24, 27; 8:6-7; 1 Chron. 28:18; 2 Chron. 3:11; 5:7-8; Ezekiel 10) and Seraphim (Isaiah 6). Therefore, in my thinking and that of most theologians, I believe, we know for sure that some angels have wings.

Earth is unique. It’s the one planet—perhaps among billions—where God chose to act out the unfolding drama of redemption and reveal the wonders of His grace. 

Question from a reader: On the doctrine of rewards, 1 Corinthians 3:15 says some will “suffer loss” though they are saved in and in the New Earth. That’s always bothered me. Loss implies comparison, and something “bad” in Heaven. Do you think that such loss is permanent? Or might there be opportunity to work past the "loss" and improve one's lot?

This is another one of those areas where we have to speculate. We don’t have the direct biblical teaching on this, but we do have the direct biblical teaching of having real actual human bodies as created by God, not subject to sin and death and suffering.

The Bible does not teach there is no marriage in Heaven. The Bible teaches there is one marriage in Heaven: Christ married to His bride, the Church.

There’s no reason at all to think there wouldn’t be. What we see in Revelation 21 and 22 and, for that matter, in Isaiah 60, 65, 66 and other New Earth passages, is that you would expect people to do what they have been able to do—except do it better.

Where did sports come from? Who gave us the ingenuity to even create them as human beings? Clearly it is from God. We are made in His image. Satan did not come up with the idea of sports.

I think there is every reason to expect that in the majority of cases that there would be continuity between the old Earth and the New Earth. If there is a New Jerusalem, why not a new Los Angeles? Why not a New Chicago, a New Paris, and a New London?

Ancient theologians spoke of the “Beatific Vision,” which meant “a happy-making sight.” The sight they spoke of was God Himself.

Someone wrote to me, “My children are hoping extinct animals will be in Heaven, maybe even dinosaurs.” 

Question from a reader: I am wondering what Bible scripture references you are referring to when you say, "the gospel promises us eternal youthfulness and beauty." I am familiar with the scriptures that tell us about no more pain, suffering, etc. but have never heard scriptures that promise eternal youthfulness and beauty.

It’s not having your name in the Book of Life that saves you, rather, we are all saved by our faith in Jesus, and because of His sacrifice and our belief in Him our name is in the Book of Life.