Continuing with our Heaven theme, here’s a very interesting take from apologist Dr. Richard Deem. He paints a biblically consistent picture using the lens of science. Click on the superscripts to see his references, then use your browser’s ‘back’ button to return from the GodandScience.org website. All of the following text in this post is from that website. (Thank you Dr. Deem for your work and permission to reblog!)
What Will Heaven Be Like?
by Rich Deem
Introduction
People often ask the question, “What will heaven be like.” Although the Bible discusses heaven, it is not possible to understand the full nature of heaven from a human perspective. Since heaven is where God lives, it must contain more physical and temporal dimensions than those found in this physical universe that God created. We cannot imagine, nor can we experience in our current bodies, what these extra dimensions might be like. Even so, we are given enough information in the Bible to understand many of the things that will be different in heaven compared to our lives today. Some of the information on this page is speculation (with alternative possibilities), but is based upon what the Bible says about heaven.
The end of the seventh day
Genesis, the first book of the Bible says that God created the universe in six days.1 By examining all the passages of the Bible that describe the creation of the universe, one can conclude that the six days of creation are six periods of time or ages that God created the universe, the earth, and life on it. The Bible tells us that we are currently in God’s seventh day of rest2 and encourages us to enter into that rest.3 God’s plan for the universe is to allow a large number4 of spiritual beings (both angels and humans) to choose to spend eternity with Him.5 At the appointed time, God will call an end to the present universe6 and judge those who reject His invitation.7
The eighth day
On the eighth day God will create again – this time an entirely new universe.8 The new universe will have entirely different physical laws. Here are some of the differences that stand out:
- The new earth will have no sea8
- There will be no Sun or moon9
- Gravity will be absent or greatly reduced10
- No more death, suffering, pain11
- Believers will receive a new body12
Heaven’s characteristics
The characteristics of the new creation tell us that it will be vastly different from what we are used to on earth. Probably most noticeable difference will be the lack of gravity. The New Jerusalem is described as a 1,500 mile cube. Structures of this size would automatically become a sphere in this universe, because of gravity.10 Therefore gravity will either be absent or significantly reduced in the new creation. There will be no Sun or moon. This makes sense, since there will be little or no gravity. Without gravity, the new creation would not be bound to its source of heat and light. The lack of the Sun is not a problem for the new creation, since the Bible tells us that the glory of God Himself will provide illumination.13 The illumination provided by God14 is probably not the same kind of electromagnetic radiation (photons) that we call light. The illumination provided by God certainly involves the wisdom and knowledge that He possesses.15 With this kind of light, there would be no need to visually see things, since this would severely restrict our ability to “see” everything as God sees them. There will be no oceans, which means that there will be no water cycle. It would be difficult for a water cycle to operate without gravity. There will be the river of the water of life, which flows from the throne of God.16 Given its source, it seems likely that it may not be liquid water as we know it.
The laws of thermodynamics seem to be absent from the new creation, since the Bible tells us that there will be no heat.17 In this universe, the second law of thermodynamics controls virtually everything that happens. The law states that heat flows from hot bodies to cold bodies. Stars cannot shine, animals cannot consume food to produce energy to move, and chemical reactions cannot occur, since all these processes require the exchange of heat. This law is also called the law of entropy or decay, since the ultimate result of heat flow is that the universe continues to become more and more disordered. Science tells us that the universe, as we see it now, is temporary. It has a moment of creation, and without God’s intervention, will eventually expand to produce a collection of cold, lifeless matter. Obviously, such a universe would not be acceptable for housing eternal beings, such as those described in the new creation. As discussed previously, the processes requiring heat flow seem to be absent from the new creation. These include the Sun, the sea and a water cycle, and growing old and dying.11 Although there is described a tree (the tree of life) that bears fruit in heaven, it doesn’t seem to be there for eating. In fact, the Bible says, “the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”18 Given all the violence and genocide that has been perpetrated on the earth over the centuries, there will be need for healing among all the people groups. The lack of eating in heaven19 goes along with the idea that thermodynamics will be absent there. Finally, the Bible says “the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption,”20 suggesting a release from the laws of thermodynamics.
Some Christians believe that there will be eating in heaven. They cite the great wedding feast of the Lamb. Is this meant to be taken literally? Of course, the most important part of the wedding is not the feast, but the marriage. Are we going to be married in a literal physical marriage to Jesus Christ? I think most males would feel uncomfortable with this concept. We will be with our Savior and our Father in heaven and see Him face to face. I believe that the Jewish wedding was chosen to represent the celebration that will happen in heaven, since it was a most joyous and lengthy event known to the people for whom the message was given. One can be certain it will be a great celebration, whether or not we actually eat food.
The new creation will be a place of awesome beauty and is described in terms of precious jewels and metals. Although the description may not represent literal earthly jewels, it is intended to represent the amazing beauty of its appearance, as John, the apostle, saw it. For a preview of the description, see Revelation, chapter 21.
Heaven’s timelessness
Heaven exists outside the dimensions of both space and time. The Bible says that God exists outside of time and created time, probably as the means of implementing cause and effect. Without cause and effect, actions don’t have consequences and choices don’t have repercussions. So, the universe was created temporally for people to choose to love or reject God. Once the choices have been made, there is no longer a need for time to exist at all. So, when the Bible says God destroys the present universe, that includes the universe’s dimension of time. So, in fact, it does not matter when you die, you will end up in heaven with all the other people you know who went to be in heaven—either before or after you (relative to this universe’s time scale). This includes your ancestors and descendants. Since we are not restricted by time in heaven, could you look back at your life on earth and watch it happen? Probably not, since the Bible says that “the former things will not be remembered or come to mind” (Isaiah 65:17). When God destroys the present universe, it will have been as if it had never existed. Not even God would have access to it (Isaiah 43:25). How do things happen in the absence of time? Good question! Obviously instantly! There will be no more waiting for anything. Everybody will be able to talk to Jesus for an infinite “amount of time” all “simultaneously.” The English language doesn’t even have the proper words to describe how things will be in heaven.
Where is heaven?
Asking where heaven exists is a little like asking where the center of the universe is. In fact, the universe doesn’t have a center, since everything is moving away from every other thing. The Bible indicates that heaven does not exist in this universe, but is God’s abode. In fact, the Bible indicates that even the highest heavens (of this universe) cannot contain God.21 Since we human beings are restricted to the space time dimensions of this universe, we can never go in a spaceship and find heaven, since it is not any place to which we can travel. However, there is a way to get there.
What will people be like in heaven?
With physical laws being so different in heaven, it is apparent that our current bodies would not be acceptable in such a place.22 The Bible poses the question, “But someone will say, “How are the dead raised? And with what kind of body do they come?” (1 Corinthians 15:35). The answer to the question is given in a series of comparisons:23
| Mortal vs. Heavenly Bodies |
| Mortal Body |
Resurrection Body |
| perishable |
imperishable |
| dishonor |
glory |
| weak |
powerful |
| natural |
spiritual |
To a certain degree, we will be given some of the characteristics of God in heaven, since we will be like Him and the glorified Jesus.24 Without at least the dimensional characteristics of God, we would not be able to see Him, which the Bible says we will do.24
Contrary to the Mormon view of heaven,25 it doesn’t seem that people in heaven will be either male or female. Jesus was asked a complicated question about heaven by the Sadducees (a religious sect that did not believe in the resurrection of the dead) that directly leads us to this conclusion.26 The Sadducees gave a scenario of a woman who married 7 men (sequentially, since they all died prematurely) in her lifetime. They asked whose wife she would be in heaven. Jesus answered:
“You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures, or the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.” (Matthew 22:29-30)
In other words, there will be no marriage or sexual differences among those in heaven, since reproduction is unnecessary. This concept is supported by other biblical verses that indicate that males and females are spiritually equal.27 The same concept applies to the races.28 I doubt that there will be racial differences in heaven.
The idea that we will no longer be married is disturbing to some people. Personally, I like to be married. From an earthly perspective, the dissolution of marriage in heaven doesn’t sound like a good thing. However, in heaven, we will be “married” to Jesus, who will be our spiritual “husband.”29 If you are not currently a follower of Jesus Christ, you cannot understand what this will be like, and it will probably not have any appeal for you. However, if you have experienced the “highs” of following Jesus as He leads you, you will have a glimpse of how awesome this experience will be. God would not take away something good if He did not replace it with something better.
Besides receiving a new body, those who enter heaven will be given a new name30 and will be incapable of committing sin.31 Therefore, all the problems we have by being mean to each other will be gone. We will be able to enjoy each other’s company without the fear of being hurt by anyone. It will be great to be physically and morally perfect and to have fellowship with others who have been likewise transformed.
What will we do in heaven?
People have the impression that heaven will consist of people sitting around on clouds, playing harps. However, the Bible does not describe clouds, although some of the angels and the 24 elders and some of the saints are described as having harps in heaven.32
One of our first acts in heaven will be to help judge the world – specifically the angels.33 Why do the angels need to be judged? Before God created the earth, He created the angels, who, initially, all worshipped God,34 being led by the most beautiful angel, Satan.35 However, Satan (aka, the devil) became jealous of God and sought to take His place.35 Satan managed to convince one third of the angels to join him in rebellion.36 At this point, there was war in heaven, as the rebellious angels of Satan fought against the archangel Michael and the angels of God.36 Satan and his angels were cast from heaven onto the earth,36 where they attempt to persuade humans to follow him in rebellion against God.37 These rebellious angels are now referred to as demons.38 Since there are no rebels in heaven, the angels who rebelled against God will be judged by God’s people and cast into the lake of fire.39
Besides acting as judges in heaven, the Bible says that we will reign with God in heaven.40 Exactly what this reigning entails is not defined. However, we will also be serving God directly.41 Although this may sound boring at first glance, it obviously won’t be, since we will have direct access to the Creator of the universe. The book of Revelation specifically says that Jesus will be our shepherd, who will personally lead us.11 Paul in 1 Corinthians says that we will see Him “face to face” and “now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.”41 In essence, this verse is telling us that we will have the full knowledge of God, even as He currently knows each of us. This is amazing! Why atheists would not want to be part of this baffles me. Hebrews describes heaven as consisting of “thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly.”42 So, heaven will be a big celebration. However, we know it will also be a place of righteousness and peace.43 The Bible says that we cannot imagine what heaven will be like, but that it will exceed our expectations. Each of us in heaven will be “revealed in glory.”44
Who will be in heaven?
Obviously, since heaven is God’s kingdom, He will be there. What is remarkable is that we have the opportunity to be there45 and see God as He is.24
Who will be in heaven with God? The angels will be there,46 and have been there since God created them. The Bible gives several lists of people who will not be in heaven.47 A summary of the activities that keep people out of heaven is listed in the table below.
| Sins That Keep One From Heaven |
| sexual immorality |
idolatry |
adultery |
prostitution |
| homosexual offenses |
theft |
greed |
drunkenness |
| slander |
swindling |
impurity |
witchcraft |
| hatred |
discord |
jealousy |
fits of rage |
| selfish ambition |
dissensions |
factions and envy |
orgies |
| abomination |
lying |
cowardice |
unbelief |
| murderer |
sorcery |
|
|
The list is fairly extensive and includes some things that all of us have done. At the end of the first creation we will appear before the great white throne of God.48 God will go through the “books” to see if we have committed any of the deeds listed in the table above.49 In addition, our names will be checked to see if they are in the “Book of Life.” Anyone whose name is not found in the “Book of Life” will be thrown into the lake of fire, based upon the unrighteous deeds that they had done in their lives.50 God does not grade on the curve, so all people who have been guilty of any one of the violations above will be sent to the lake of fire, which is the second death.51 However, those who trust (believe) in Jesus escape judgment and inherit eternal life in heaven (see below).52
How do we get to heaven?
So how can we enter into heaven and into the presence of the Holy God? What we cannot do for ourselves, God has already done for us. Jesus said, “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”53 Jesus went on to explain that the second birth is to be “born spiritually.” Those who are born just once will die physically then will die spiritually at the second death,51 following the Great White Throne judgment.48 Those who are born twice (both physically and spiritually) will die physically, but will live spiritually forever.
How are people born again spiritually? Jesus said:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Belief in Jesus removes us from the White Throne Judgment,54 because Jesus took the penalty (death) for our sin at the cross.55 Those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior are justified (declared righteous on the basis of faith)56 before God and can come before Him boldly57 through the grace58 that He has offered to all.59 By accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, we give Him permission to change us into perfect beings (“the spirits of the righteous made perfect,” Hebrews 12:22-23) in the new creation.60 Those who reject God’s provision for sin will be judged on the basis of their sin and will be separated from God forever (the second death51), since God cannot allow sin into the new creation.
How do we enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ? We do this through belief in Him:
- Repent of your sin and selfishness. Repentance is agreeing with God that you have been wrong and being willing to turn from that old life to a new life61 in Christ.
- Receive Jesus Christ as your Lord (God and Master) and Savior (who takes away your sin).
- Receive the Holy Spirit as the promise62 of what God will do in your life.
- Thank God for His grace and the free gift that He has given you.
Once you receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you should walk with Him every day. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Talk to Him every day in prayer and do what He says. Find a good Christian fellowship (church) and read from your Bible every day. These things are not required to keep your salvation, but they will help you to grow in your faith and obedience and to experience more joy in your walk with Christ. When we come before God’s throne in the new creation, it will be good to hear the words…
…Well done, good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.63
Veracity 