What Will Heaven Really Be Like? Insights from Revelation 21

Published On: May 20, 2024

A Glimpse from Revelation 21

The last book of the Bible, Revelation, pulls back the curtain to reveal incredible glimpses of what lies beyond this present reality. In Revelation 21, the apostle John describes the stunning glimpses he is given into the new heavens and new earth—the eternal dwelling place being prepared for those who follow Christ. As we explore these rich descriptions, our hearts can’t help but be filled with awe and longing for the glories yet to come.

A New Cosmic Order “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” (v.1) John beholds the entire created cosmos being reborn, recreated into a pristine, perfected form. Just as Genesis describes the dawn of the old creation, Revelation unveils the dawn of “new heavens and a new earth” unmarred by sin’s curse. This speaks of not just a renovation but an extreme cosmic makeover in which God’s original masterpiece is renewed in all its untainted splendor.

The New Jerusalem Descends “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God…” (v.2) In a stunning vision, John gazes at the New Jerusalem—the pinnacle joy of eternity—descending from the brilliant heavens to unite with the recreated earth below. This isn’t us humans being evacuated to escape the world, but the world being gloriously redeemed and merged with God’s heavenly kingdom and capital.

God’s Eternal Dwelling With His People “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them…” (v.3) The most precious part of this vision is the promise of God’s unbroken, face-to-face presence with His redeemed people forever. No more feeling of distance or separation. Just as God dwelt with Adam and Eve, and later tabernacled with Israel, so He will eternally reside amid the purified citizenship of the new cosmos.

No More Sorrow, Death or Pain “…and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain…” (v.4) The New Jerusalem reality promises the removal of all the primary sources of human suffering and agony. Death, the monstrous curse that separates loved ones, will be no more. No disease, no graveyards, no funerals, no weeping. There will be no physical or emotional anguish, no pain, no sorrow. Only the endless joy of perpetual reunions, healing, and life everlasting.

All Things Made Gloriously New “And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.'” (v.5) This is Renovation like never before—an “extreme makeover” of the universe itself, where all the damage of the Fall will have been undone. Among the wonders described, John marvels “the city has no need of sun or moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23). The radiant glory of God Himself will provide perpetual illumination throughout the New Jerusalem, making the celestial lights of our present universe obsolete. The material cosmos we enjoy now is but a dim preview of what is to come. Radiant colors, precious resources, dazzling landscapes, and unimaginable creative wonders await as all things are renewed.

Lost for Words at Heaven’s Splendor: Reading Revelation 21, we get the feeling words fail John to convey the resplendent glory unfolding before his eyes—sights never before witnessed by mortal man, colors and brilliance defying earthly comparisons. How does one encapsulate in language that which transcends all experience? It’s as if words fail him to relate what his wondering eyes behold—a luminescent city radiating with the very essence of the divine, its foundations adorned with jewels of indescribable quality and hues. Clearly, earthly metaphors fall pitifully short in depicting heaven’s splendor.

Reigning With Christ Forever “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” (v.7) For those who persevere faithfully in Christ until the end, the rich inheritance of the universe itself awaits, as they co-reign with Christ over the pristine New Creation. What an astounding promise of intimate communion and shared dominion—the restored children of God enjoying the intimate Father-child relationship we were made for.

The Fulfillment of all Our Deepest Longings “And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men…'” (v.3) In this vision, every human longing we’ve ever experienced finds its fulfillment. Our ache for acceptance, for beauty, for love, for peace, for joy, for adventure, for companionship, for home—all these longings are answered with absolute perfection in the New Jerusalem where we dwell eternally with our Beloved Creator.

Though just a glimpse, Revelation 21 unveils the splendid prospects reserved for God’s redeemed children. With the promise of eternity in paradise secured, we can echo John’s words: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (22:20)

Our Breathtaking Heavenly Homecoming: As we await our heavenly homecoming, let us take Paul’s reminders in Colossians and Thessalonians to heart. “If then you have been raised with Christ,” he exhorts, “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). Too often our gaze is fixed on the temporary troubles and fleeting pleasures of this life. But we are merely strangers and sojourners here. Our citizenship, our identity, our treasures are kept safe in the imperishable kingdom to come. That’s why Paul could confidently comfort believers with these words: “Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18).

One day soon, Christ will appear and we, God’s redeemed children, will be gloriously transformed, united with our risen Lord forever. So let’s take heart and encourage one another with the promise of our heavenly reality! Oh, what a day that will be!

Related Reads: