Visiting heaven is a fascinating topic that has intrigued many. The Bible gives us glimpses of heaven and the promise of eternal life. Today, we’ll reflect on what Scripture reveals about the wonders of heaven.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Changing Your Appearance
What Does The Bible Say About Visiting Heaven
John 14:2-3
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
These verses offer the promise of a heavenly home prepared by Jesus for His followers. It assures believers that there is a place in God’s presence for them and that Jesus will personally come to bring them there. It gives hope and comfort to those who long to be in the eternal presence of God.
2 Corinthians 12:2-4
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.”
These verses refer to the apostle Paul’s experience of being taken to heaven. While the details of his encounter are not revealed, it emphasizes the existence of heavenly realms and the incomprehensible wonders and truths that are found there. It prompts believers to recognize the immeasurable greatness of God’s glory and power.
Revelation 21:10-11
“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.”
These verses describe the revelation of the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city that represents the ultimate dwelling place of God and His people. It highlights the remarkable beauty, radiance, and purity of this celestial city, demonstrating the splendor and magnificence of God’s glory in heaven.
Isaiah 6:1-2
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.”
These verses depict the prophet Isaiah’s awe-inspiring vision of God in His heavenly throne room. It reveals the majestic and holy atmosphere of heaven, with angelic beings called seraphim worshiping and serving God. It reminds believers of the transcendence and holiness of God’s presence.
Hebrews 12:22-23
“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect.”
These verses highlight the spiritual reality that believers have access to through faith in Jesus. It depicts Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, as the gathering place of countless angels and the redeemed community. It invites believers to recognize their spiritual citizenship in heavenly realms and the communion they have with God and fellow believers.
2 Corinthians 5:8
“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
This verse expresses the apostle Paul’s desire to be with the Lord in heaven. It conveys the assurance that upon death, believers immediately enter into the presence of the Lord. It instills hope and comfort, knowing that departing from this earthly body means being in the eternal presence of God.
Luke 23:43
“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’
These words were spoken by Jesus to the criminal who acknowledged Him as the Messiah while hanging on the cross. It demonstrates Jesus’ promise that upon death, believers will be immediately in paradise with Him. It reveals His grace and mercy, offering the hope of eternal life to all who put their faith in Him, regardless of their past.
1 Thessalonians 4:17
“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
These verses depict the future event known as the rapture, where believers, both the living and the deceased, will be gathered together with the Lord. It emphasizes the eternal presence of the Lord and the unbreakable union believers will have with Him. It inspires hope and anticipation for the future reunion with Christ.
Philippians 3:20-21
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
These verses remind believers that their true citizenship is in heaven. It encourages the anticipation of the second coming of Jesus, who will ultimately transform believers’ earthly bodies into glorious and imperishable bodies like His own. It reassures believers of their future resurrection and eternal life in heavenly realms.
Colossians 3:1-2
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
These verses urge believers to shift their focus and affection towards heavenly things rather than being consumed by earthly matters. It prompts believers to align their hearts and minds with the eternal perspective of Christ’s exalted position in heaven. It challenges believers to live in the world but not be captivated by its temporary allurements.
Revelation 22:3
“No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.”
This verse speaks of the future state of heaven, where there will be no more curse or sin. It signifies the restoration and perfection of all things. It reassures believers that in the presence of God and the Lamb, they will joyfully serve and worship Him without any hindrance or corruption.
Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”
This verse encourages believers to prioritize heavenly treasures over earthly possessions. It emphasizes the eternal value of investing in God’s kingdom and the importance of generosity towards those in need. It reminds believers that their true wealth and security are found in heavenly treasures, unaffected by earthly uncertainties.
Matthew 6:19-20
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
These verses caution believers against the fleeting nature of earthly treasures and the potential for loss or destruction. It invites believers to focus on accumulating eternal treasures in heaven, which are secure and lasting. It challenges believers to reevaluate their priorities and invest in what truly matters in light of eternity.
1 Peter 1:4-5
“and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
These verses highlight the imperishable and secure nature of the inheritance that awaits believers in heaven. It assures believers that through faith in Christ, they are safeguarded by God’s power until the fullness of their salvation is revealed in the last days. It instills hope and confidence in the promised eternal reward for those who endure in faith.
Matthew 5:12
“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
These words of Jesus encourage believers to rejoice and find comfort in the midst of persecution and suffering. It reminds them that their faithfulness will be richly rewarded in heaven. It provides a perspective shift, empowering believers to find joy in their heavenly reward rather than being discouraged by temporary hardships.
1 Corinthians 15:52-53
“in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.”
These verses speak of the future resurrection of believers at the second coming of Christ. It emphasizes the transformation of mortal bodies into imperishable and immortal bodies. It gives believers hope that they will be freed from the constraints and limitations of their earthly bodies and experience the fullness of eternal life in heaven.
2 Timothy 4:8
“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
These verses express the apostle Paul’s confidence in receiving the crown of righteousness from the Lord upon Christ’s return. It extends the assurance to all who eagerly await the appearance of Jesus. It motivates believers to live with a sense of readiness and longing for the coming of the Lord and the ultimate reward that awaits them in heaven.
Mark 10:21
“Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
This verse recounts Jesus’ interaction with a rich young ruler who desired eternal life. It demonstrates Jesus’ call for total surrender and detachment from earthly possessions. It emphasizes the eternal value of investing in heavenly treasures and the invitation to follow Christ as the pathway to receiving the true and lasting treasure of heaven.
2 Timothy 2:12
“if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;”
These words from Paul’s letter to Timothy highlight the significance of endurance and faithfulness in the believer’s journey. It speaks of the reward of reigning with Christ in heaven for those who remain steadfast in their commitment to Him. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of denying Christ. It calls believers to persevere and remain faithful, even in the face of opposition or temptation.
Galatians 6:8
“Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
This verse underscores the importance of living according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It warns believers about the destructive consequences of indulging in worldly desires, which leads to spiritual death. Conversely, it promises the reward of eternal life for those who sow to please the Spirit, prioritizing obedience and holiness in their lives.
Matthew 19:29
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
In this verse, Jesus assures his disciples that those who sacrifice earthly relationships or possessions for the sake of following Him will receive abundant blessings in this life and inherit eternal life. It acknowledges the cost of discipleship and highlights the incomparable rewards that await believers in heaven. It encourages believers to count the cost and make the necessary sacrifices to pursue a life dedicated to Christ.
1 Peter 5:4
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
These verses refer to the return of Jesus Christ as the Chief Shepherd and the promise of receiving an unfading crown of glory. It emphasizes the eternal nature of the heavenly reward that awaits believers. It motivates believers to stay faithful and steadfast in their service to Christ, knowing that their labor will be eternally rewarded in the glorious presence of the Chief Shepherd.
Luke 10:20
“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
These words of Jesus were spoken to the disciples upon their return from a successful ministry of casting out demons. It redirects their joy and focus from temporary accomplishments to the eternal significance of having their names written in heaven. It reminds believers that the greatest cause for rejoicing is their salvation and eternal relationship with God, rather than earthly achievements.
Ephesians 2:6
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”
These verses speak of the spiritual reality that believers are raised and seated with Christ in heavenly realms. It emphasizes the spiritual authority, position, and privilege that believers have in Christ. It encourages believers to live out their heavenly identity and to walk in the power and victory that comes from their union with Christ.