Myths & Misconceptions About Heaven – What the Bible Really Says
The Bible describes what heaven is like and it’s different than the way many people think it’s going to be. Even as Christians, our view of heaven is often shaped more by popular books, movies, and traditions than the Bible.
The biblical view of heaven is much better and brings more meaning and hope for life on earth now. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions, so let’s look at what the Bible really says.
What is heaven like? Heaven is a place where God has His way completely. It’s an eternal place of great beauty and glory without any evil. The Bible teaches that heaven will come down to earth. Heaven is not one long church service and people will do meaningful work. Everyone’s reward will be different. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all will be who is in heaven and who is not.
Heaven will not be boring and it’s not an eternal vacation or retirement. People will not be floating around with wings like spirits without bodies. Heaven is not an endless musical production where people sing all day long. These things are not true according to the Bible.
These myths and misconceptions are a distraction from the real beauty and power of what the Bible teaches about heaven. These myths cause us to live disconnected from what seems like a completely different world that we will go to after we die.
Heaven will be much better than people think! Let’s look at what the Bible really says and uncover some of the commonly held myths and misconceptions about heaven.
After you read this article, if you still have unanswered questions about heaven, I recommend you check out this book: Heaven (link to Amazon – opens in a new window). It answers just about any question you might have about heaven and it’s recommended by many respected pastors.
Table of Contents
- Myths & Misconceptions About Heaven – What the Bible Really Says
- Heaven Is a Place Where God Has His Way Completely
- Heaven and Earth Will Be Joined Together
- We Will Do Meaningful Work in Heaven
- Heaven Is Not One Long, Never-Ending Church Service
- Everyone Will Be Rewarded Differently
- You Can’t Go to Heaven by Being a Good Person
Heaven Is a Place Where God Has His Way Completely
Heaven is a place where God’s will is completely done. That’s why Jesus taught His disciples to pray: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” Matt. 6:10 (ESV).
Right now on earth, we live in brokenness. We’ve left God’s perfect design and choose to go our own way. Our sin has led us into this brokenness. There is sickness, crime, war, and death. But in heaven, there will be no more tears, no death, or any pain (Rev. 21:4).
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Rev. 21:4 (ESV)
Heaven is where God dwells. (Deut. 26:15). It’s where people who open to God’s love and forgiveness will go. Jesus says in Luke 18:17 that people need to receive God’s love with faith and trust like a child. It’s through what Jesus did on the cross that would open the door for people to enter God’s Kingdom, heaven.
God is the King and His will is done completely in heaven, His Kingdom. And He wants His Kingdom to fully come to earth
Heaven and Earth Will Be Joined Together
This brings us to our first major myth and misconception.
Most people hope to “go to heaven” when they die and pass from this world. Is heaven on earth or is heaven in the clouds?
The Bible’s teaching on heaven is much more rich and meaningful than that.
“Heaven,” as people usually refer to it, is a temporary place that people go to until God makes a New Heaven and a New Earth.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
Rev. 21:3 (ESV)
What Jesus taught us to pray will be fully answered at that time. This has been God’s plan all along, to unite heaven and earth, through Jesus, when the time is fulfilled.
If there was one verse to summarize the entire Bible, Eph. 1:10 would probably be a great choice.
Most people only think of heaven as a place where we go when we die. But heaven and earth will be united under Jesus as the head over all things. We see in Revelation 21-22 that heaven, the New Jerusalem actually comes down to earth.
There will be a New Heaven and a New Earth. It will still be heaven and earth, but it will be completely renewed.
This table shows how God’s plan from the very beginning, in Genesis, will be fulfilled at the end, as shown in Revelation.
HEAVEN & EARTH (Gen. 1-2) | NEW HEAVEN & NEW EARTH (Rev. 21-22) |
In the Beginning (Gen. 1:1) | All things New (Rev. 21:5) |
God’s Kingdom Lost (Gen. 3) | God’s Kingdom Fully Restored (Rev. 22) |
Mankind Separated from God (Gen. 3:9) | God Dwelling with Man (Rev. 21:3) |
God will dwell with man. We will get to see His face (Rev. 22:4). The tree of life in Genesis 2:9 will be accessible again in Rev. 22:2. Will heaven be like the Garden of Eden? It will be like what Adam and Eve experienced in the Garden of Eden. But it won’t just be restored, it’ll be fully upgraded and fulfilled.
To be precise, the New Earth will be our eternal home. We will be with the Lord forever as He comes to dwell with man once again. (Rev. 21:1-3; Isa. 65:17; 66:22; 2 Pet. 3:13; Eph. 1:9-10)
The Bible speaks many times of the earth as continuing forever. It will be our inheritance (Matt. 5:5; Ps. 37:29; 78:69; 104:5; 105:10-11; 125:1-2; 1 Chr. 23:25; 28:8; Isa. 60:21; Ezek. 37:25; Joel 3:20). Here are 2 verses from this sampling of verses.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Matt. 5:5 (ESV)
The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.
Psa. 37:29 (ESV)
Here’s a diagram from another article that I wrote that gives an overview of the main message of the Bible in a simple way: The Bible Explained for Beginners (Simple Guide & Diagram). It sums up what we’ve been talking about so far.
We Will Do Meaningful Work in Heaven
This brings us to a 2nd common misconception about heaven:
It’s often thought that work is only for this earth. Heaven is often portrayed in movies and books as a place of eternal retirement and relaxation.
The Bible teaches that there will be work “in heaven” and it will be entirely effective and fulfilling. As we looked at in the previous section, our eternal home is the New Earth, where the New Heaven will come to be joined with.
The Bible says that we will have resurrected bodies like Jesus had after He rose from the dead. Jesus is called the first fruit (Col. 1:15, 18) and we will be like Him. We won’t be floating around like spirits without a body.
Also, the Bible never says that people have wings, nor do most angels for that matter. There are several spiritual beings in the Bible like the Seraphim and Cherubim that do have wings, but they are the exception.
Won’t we get bored in heaven? Wouldn’t heaven be boring without anything to do?
We will have a lot of work to do in the New Heaven and New Earth. The difference between now and eternity is that on the New Earth, the curse will no longer be in effect (Rev. 22:3-5; Gen. 317-19). That means work will be entirely fulfilling and meaningful.
Imagine how fulfilling work can be if there is no insecurity, injustice, jealousy, or deception. We will be able to work and cooperate with God and with each other. Work is frustrating on earth right now because we are under the curse of sin (Gen. 3:17). That curse will be completely removed in the New Earth.
No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
Rev. 22:3-5 (ESV)
We will serve God (Rev. 1:6) and we will reign as God’s representatives in His Kingdom (Rev. 1:6; Luke 19:17; 1 Cor. 6:2-3; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 2:26; Matt. 19:28; Matt. 5:5; Rev. 20:6)
We will rule and reign over God’s creation (Rev. 22:5). It won’t be to take advantage of others, but to serve and bring creation to its fullest potential (Matt. 20:25-26)
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Cor. 15:58 (ESV)
Your life on this earth is an internship for the real work “in heaven.” Your work now, whether it’s caring for family, working in an office, or serving others, all matters to God.
One surprise in heaven will be that the strong and powerful in this age will not be the ones who are great in the age to come. It’s those who are meek who will inherit the earth (Matt 5:5) “So the last will be first, and the first last.” (Matt. 20:16).
Heaven Is Not One Long, Never-Ending Church Service
This brings us to our third myth or misconception about heaven.
Some people mistakenly think it’ll be better to party in hell than to be stuck in a boring church service forever. But this is not the view that the Bible presents. Heaven will not be one never-ending musical where we sing in a choir all day long. Rinse. Repeat… Forever.
This doesn’t take away from the fact that God is worthy of worship day and night, forever. There are angelic beings that worship around His throne day and night (Rev. 4). But this does not mean that it’s the only thing going on in heaven forever.
Our worship of God will be more meaningful in heaven than ever before. We won’t be hindered by any doubt or shame, or the limits of our mind. We’ll be able to fully and freely receive from God and give our hearts fully to Him without any sin. We’ll be able to fully and completely love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind.
As we stand on the sea of glass before God’s throne (Rev. 15:2), the gathering place of heaven, our hearts will be fully alive and experience God fully (Rev. 22:4)
There is constant worship in heaven, but we’ll also be doing a lot of other things (Acts 3:21; Rev. 20:1-6; Isa. 2:1-4; 9:6-9; 11:1-16; 51:1-8; 60-62; 65:17-25; Ps. 2:6-12; 110:1-7; Deut. 8; 28; Mt. 5:5; 6:10; 17:11; 19:28; 28:19; Acts 1:6; 3:21).
God doesn’t just create the entire universe and then throw it all away, never to be seen again. God redeems all of creation through Jesus Christ. Even the earth is groaning until that day (Rom. 8:19-23). Right now, there are sickness, earthquakes, famines, and natural disasters. There won’t be any of those in the New Heaven and New Earth.
There is a lot more continuity in the New Heaven and New Earth that we might imagine. The Bible doesn’t give a lot of details, but enough for us to know that it’ll be completely fulfilling and exciting.
Everyone Will Be Rewarded Differently
Another myth or misconception about heaven is about our eternal rewards.
It’s sometimes assumed that being in heaven and being with God Himself are the rewards and there won’t be any need for anything else. That is true, but God Himself chooses to give rewards.
The Bible teaches that the only way anyone can get into heaven is through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the way to open to God’s love (John 14:6).
You can only get into heaven based on your faith in Christ, but your rewards are according to your works. This means that everyone’s reward will be different (1 Cor. 3:8-15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 22:12; Matt. 16:27).
Each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
1 Cor. 3:13-15 (ESV)
What can these rewards be? One of the rewards in heaven, or on the New Earth, is strategic work assignments (Matt. 25:21; 19:28; 20:21-23; 25:23; Lk. 19:17-19; 22:29-30; 1 Cor 6:2-3; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rom 8:17; Matt. 19:30). In ruling and reigning with God, people will have different assignments.
Another reward is heavenly praise or honor from God (1 Pet. 1:7; 1 Cor. 4:5; Luke 19:17).
You can ask yourself: Am I living for the praise that only Jesus can give? Am I being faithful with the resources, opportunities, relationships that God has entrusted into my life and that are in my sphere of influence?
You Can’t Go to Heaven by Being a Good Person
This brings us to our last myth or misconception about heaven.
Will I go to heaven or hell? Many people hope that their good deeds will outweigh their bad deeds and they will somehow make it into heaven.
The Bible teaches that people don’t go to heaven automatically. Heaven is actually not our default destination. No can can go to heaven based on their good works (Rom. 3:23; 6:23) because no one can be “good enough.”
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Rom. 3:23 (ESV)
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rom. 6:23 (ESV)
No one can be good and righteous enough to enter heaven on their own merit (Isa. 59:2; John 14:6)
The Good News that the Bible offers is that Jesus died on the cross to pay for the penalty of your sin. You don’t have to wait until you die to know if you’re going to heaven or not. You can know today and open your heart to God’s love. Is there anything that’s keeping you from opening to God’s love right now?
Here’s an article where I explain how you can know for sure if you’re going to heaven rather than leaving it to chance.: How to Get to Heaven According to the Bible: It’s NOT by Being Good.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 (ESV)
Here on Earth as It Is in Heaven
Heaven is an amazing and beautiful place, full of God’s glory. It’s going to be everything you love about this world without any of the things that make it terrible.
What difference does the Biblical teaching on heaven make in your life right now on earth? How does setting your mind on things above give you a sense of purpose here on earth?
A wrong view of heaven makes people live disconnected with life as it is today. Some people look forward to an endless existence as spirits floating around in the clouds. Because of these misconceptions about heaven, people live disconnected with the beautiful eternal reality that the Bible presents.
You will get to see God’s face, there won’t be a need for the sun or any light because God Himself will be the light. If you believe what the Bible says about heaven, it will help you connect that eternal reality with whatever you’re going through now.
You don’t have to wait until you die. You can live for God today. You don’t have to live life bored or without hope. You can live life with full hope and purpose.
Things on earth can be good, but they’re not meant to satisfy the deepest longings in your heart. You are a person made in God’s image, with a spirit that can only be fully alive if you encounter God’s love.
Faith is more than just about praying and reading the Bible. Your entire life matters to God. Your family, your work, your studies, and your recreation all matter. It can be more meaningful now and in heaven, on the New Earth, where heaven and earth will be joined together, you’ll find your deepest fulfillment in God.
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Rev. 21:5 (ESV)
Here are a few questions that I didn’t touch on in this article, but in case you were wondering:
Will we eat in heaven? The resurrected Jesus ate with His disciples. He prepared them a meal and ate bread and fish with them. (John 21:4-14). The Bible speaks of food in God’s Kingdom (Luke 22:29-30; Rev. 2:7; 21:5-6; 22:2).
Will there be animals in heaven? Isa. 11:6-9 describes the New Earth, where there will no longer be any hurt nor destruction. God saved animals from the flood (Gen. 6:19-20) and He established the Covenant with “every living creature” (Gen. 9:9-17).
Will we be reunited with our pets? Will I see my dog in heaven? The Bible doesn’t say specifically that we will or not. It’s something we “leave on the shelf” until God reveals more. But based on what we know about God, it would not be inconsistent with the Bible for God to reunite us with our pets.
If then you have been raised with Christ, 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. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Col. 3:1-3 (ESV)
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If you enjoyed reading this article, here are a few that I think you’ll also enjoy:
What Does God Look Like – Why It Matters in the Bible. In it, I look at the throne-room scene in heaven. Heaven is a reflection of who God is and what He looks like.
How to Get to Heaven According to the Bible: It’s NOT by Being Good. I share a couple of videos in it that describe how you can be sure you get into heaven and not leave it to chance.
What Is the Meaning of Life According to the Bible? In it, I explore the question of the meaning of life. The point is not to get to heaven but to know the beautiful God who has made a way for us to be with Him.
Photo by Jasper Boer on Unsplash
Like!! Great article post.Really thank you! Really Cool.
Thank you! The reality of heaven and the Kingdom of God gives me such a greater appreciation for who God is and His love and mercy towards us.
My mother had also just passed on after going through so much. I see now that she is the best place possible. Thank you so much for this🙏. May God continue to bless you abundantly
Thank you and God bless you abundantly as well. There are often a mixture of emotions when we grieve: mourning, sadness, relief, anger, and they cycle one and off. Through it all, we can receive God’s comfort and trust in Him. I’m thankful to God with you that your mother is in His hands, and in the best place possible.
My mom just passed away and I am really heartbroken. This article helped me feel better about where she is and I know that one day I will see her again.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I’m grateful to hear you’re finding comfort in God’s Word. I pray that you’ll know God’s nearness in a special way in this season. Psalm 34:18 God is near the brokenhearted..
Lost my son a year ago and miss him every day. He was my best friend. Losing a child is the worst. It was a widow maker heart attack. No warning. Your articles helped. Friday my husband is having open heart surgery. I pray for his recovery. My son was only fifty
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son.. My heart goes out to you. I’m grateful the articles helped. I’m joining in prayer with you for your husband’s recovery after the surgery. I pray that in this difficult season, God would reveal Himself as the Good Shepherd, that He would lead you to green pastures and strengthen you (Psalm 23:1-6).
Wonderful work David! Thank you for sharing these biblical revelations about heaven, indeed this is a very good material which I can share to my friends (with your permission please) especially during this time when we can see ‘the end of all things’ is fast approaching.
May our gracious God fill your heart with joy and reward you abundantly for all your labor in His vineyard! Yours in Christ, Lui
Thank you, Lui! I’m glad to hear it was helpful. Yes, of course, please feel free to share with others who would be encouraged through it. May God continue to give you wisdom and courage as you lead and serve His people and fulfill God’s purposes in this hour!
Wow! That sounds so boring. I’m playing by God’s rules just to live the same way I did before I die, only “happier?” Sorry, but the kind of work that I do is anything but “meaningful.” Hell, my existence isn’t even all that meaningful. So even in Heaven I’d still be nothing special because I didn’t do enough charity work or join in enough church stuff because I’m too busy working. Is that right?
I’m sorry you feel that life is not “meaningful.” I don’t know what you might be going through, but I hope you’ll find kind and caring people and good opportunities in the days ahead. And I hope you’ll find meaning that goes beyond the mundane. I believe the Bible offers that through the value that God puts in us – in this life and in the one to come.
Hey David I’ve been having a little trouble understanding heaven and the new earth a little because people always have different versions of how heaven will be like for instants some people say it’ll be boring and all we’re going to do is worship God and be slaves for all eternity and others say that everything you love on earth won’t be in heaven and that you will forget everything and everyone and I’m just confused because I do wanna go to heaven I just worry that it’s going to be boring sometimes and not full of life with God but I’m still have faith and love Gid but I just need a better understanding I guess and a relationship with God better and well thanks for the beautiful article it kinda helped a little.
You described very well the disconnect that many people have with heaven. Everything that we can enjoy in this world is limited because of sin, brokenness, and death. In the age to come, we will be able to experience life without those limitations. Our body, mind, and emotions will be completely fulfilled.
The invitation of God is to not wait for heaven, but to begin to live for Him and with Him today. I pray that you’ll experience that relationship with Him in a greater way.
Pastor David, my husband has started in the last year getting seizures. The last one was the day after Thanksgiving and this time, I was so so convinced that he wasn’t going to make it. With this fear and desperation, I, who never thought much about his faith, began to try to speak to him about Jesus and heaven. I didn’t realize how much I strayed and how shaky my faith was until I tried to tell him the good word. Can you pray for us- not just for my husband’s health but that I will become firm in my faith, that God will help me believe and deal with my doubt. That he will pave a way for my husband to believe, as he did for me
I’m so sorry to hear about the health challenges your husband has been facing. How alarming that must have been. Yes, I’ll be praying. I know that God is able to turn around what was meant for evil into something for good and for blessing – for you, for your husband, and for the people in your life. I’m reminded of the Scripture that says you can cast your cares on Him because He cares for you (1 Pet. 5:7)
This may seem a bit silly but I have a lot of anxiety about what heaven will be like. I love art, so I wonder if I will get to do it in heaven? My job is making video games, which I also love to play with friends, and I can’t help but wonder if things like that (books, video games, movies and stories) will exist in heaven? They are one of my favorite parts of life. Sorry for the somewhat silly question, but for some reason this worries me. But thank you for your article, it has given me a lot of hope!
I think we get our “creative side” from God because He’s the ultimate Creator and we’re created “in His image.” All creativity, art, technology, and making video games are facets of the expression of God’s creativity in us. So, I’d imagine that we’d see all of those things in the New Heaven/New Earth as well, in some shape or form.
The difference will be that we’ll be able to appreciate everything to the utmost. I would imagine that you’ll get to see and work with colors that you’ve never seen before. Another difference is that we’ll be whole: emotionally, intellectually, physically, spiritually. I’m sure art, entertainment, and everything else will be on a whole other level in heaven!
What Jesus Christ did on the cross is able to bring us, and all of creation, back in line with God’s creation order, without the brokenness from sin and death that we experience now in our world.
Hey David, I’ve grown up a Christian and I turn 18 on the 10th of Feb. I’m going through a questioning phase; I’m wrestling with the theology of the Bible and my faith. I’m still Christian and I still believe that Jesus rose on the 3rd day, but I just want to know more about my faith. I often get existential about what comes next in life, and this article really helped quell that by providing references and explanations.
Hey Taylor, I’m glad to hear this article was helpful in pointing towards the references in the Bible. I hope that in your wrestling with the Bible and your faith, you’ll find the answers you’re seeking. Feel free to email me if you have any questions I can help with in your journey.
Hey david. I loved the article. It was really fun to read. I asked the Lord Jesus Christ to come into my life 4 years ago and it’s been an amazing 4 years. When i was reading the article i was getting more and more excited about the new heavens and new earth. I also love the part where you talked about animals being on the new earth. I’m an animal lover and i love to go outside and look at all the animals that God has made. What i hope to do in the new earth is to study and interact with every species of animal that God has ever made(male and female). I also hope to explore the whole universe and to visit every planet and galaxy in the entire universe. I hope you have a blessed week David.
Hey Jeremy. That sounds amazing to be able to interact with every species of animal on the new earth. When God made everything (Genesis 1), He said that it was good. Everything reflects a part of His wisdom, character, and joy. It’s fascinating to think about how it will all unfold in the age to come! Thanks and blessings to you!
I have a question, so long story short I was training for a half marathon, and I was now to do it, but I got injured after, I’ve been out from running for a long time and I’m very stressed because I was so ready to run cross country in high school, and it makes me disheartened that I cannot run with my friends and have fun racing. I really hope to heal and I’ve been praying and praying that this is in my path. I dream of running in college. Do you think it is a sin for me to love running so much? I love God and I am trying to make my relationship stronger with him. I just don’t know if it is a sin for me to focus time in healing and figuring out my running problems and focusing time on God. I try not to want things, but I do badly want to heal and be able to do my sport, I don’t know how to deal with this and if it is bad for me to want to heal so much. Do you think God gave me this injury so I can realize that running isn’t for me and he wants me to devote even more time to him, I have so many questions, but do you think this is bad for me to want to run in the future?
I’m sorry to hear about your injury. It can be frustrating and stressful when things don’t go the way we had hoped. Sports and running are things that God has given to you to richly enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). I’m sure God also has many more things for you – other gifts, talents, and things that will energize your heart. Some of them, you might not even discover until later on in your life.
God did not give you this injury. But you can still be thankful in every circumstance. No one knows the future, but you can trust God that His plans are for your good. Even when the most difficult times come your way, you can find your rest in Him.
If you’re praying for God’s healing so you can run again, pray with complete faith. And regardless of what happens whether it involves running or not, completely surrender your life to God because He cares for you.
Also, anything can become an idol in your life, even good things like running. Enjoy it fully if you heal and are able to run. But don’t let anything become an idol in your life that takes the place of God. Remember to give thanks in every circumstance. Enjoy every opportunity you’ve had and will have in the future.
In the meantime, you can also look for other ways and outlets to pursue your passion for racing and grow in your friendships. And you can also use this time to deepen your walk with God. Instead of being a setback, it can be a time of blessing to prepare you for the future.
…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Nicole,
I understand and I empathize with your feelings. I feel the same way sometimes. I try to remind myself that God created me and He doesn’t make mistakes. God loves me and He doesn’t love boring, human beings with meaningless lives. I’m currently living on earth, where the enemy and his disciples sometimes treat me like my life is meaningless. Or maybe my lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and my pride tempts me to think that I should be a prosperous doctor, lawyer or Indian chief. In any case, it may take reading the Bible, the encouragement of my church family, God’s Holy Spirit, listening to WGTS FM Christian radio, prayer, or other spiritual blessings to help me find meaningful work in this life so that i won’t think that life after death won’t be boring. I encourage you to find and use your God-given talents to the glory of God. I’m praying for you because I want to meet you in Heaven, my sister in Christ. But later, not now.
Thank you so much! You are a blessing. Your articles are so helpful and hopeful. I believe in God and God through Jesus my whole life. I do get doubtful and lost sometimes, thus I do worry. However, your articles has helped me so much! I do have a few questions if you are able to respond back. When we die, where do our souls go? Do we go straight to God, or do we sleep until God comes for all of us? In heaven, will we be able to recognize or be with our families and husband/wife? Thank you!
Thank you! I’m so grateful to be able to share these articles to encourage you as you keep pursuing God. When we die, we go to “be with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). When Jesus returns, we will be given resurrected bodies like Him (1 Cor. 15:52). He will bring everyone who is in heaven with Him and we will dwell on the New Earth, where God will make His dwelling with man (Rev. 21:3). We call this “heaven” but the Revelation calls it the New Heaven and New Earth which will both be brought under Jesus (Eph. 1:10). Yes, we will be able to recognize people including our families and spouses. Our relationships will be without any sin or pain and it will be rich and fulfilling in Christ. Until then, we live for Him out of love because He loved us first!
Amen. I be with my beloved son Michael
thank you for this article. My daughter who was born with down syndrome has been the most delightful thing in my life. Unfortunately she passed away from covid 2 days later I also lost my husband to covid. I’m having difficulty coping with this loss. I know they are in heaven we are all born again christians. And I know I will see them again but the pain of missing them has been unbearable. I adored my daughter just the way she was I open wonder if she will still have down syndrome in heaven.
I’m so sorry for your loss of your precious daughter and your husband. I’m grateful to hear that they had put their faith in Christ Jesus. But the pain from the loss in this world is still very real and can be overwhelming. I hope that you will have caring people around you to support you through the seasons of grief and mourning, whether it’s friends, family, or church. Please know that God will lead you to more and more comfort and healing in the seasons ahead. Revelations 21:4 says: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” God’s will is going to be fully done in every way, in our spirit, soul, and body, and in the world. Your daughter will not have down syndrome because God will restore all things to His original design. There will be a glorious reunion on that day and she’ll be able to enjoy your company, and be able to fully give and receive without any hindrances.
I have recently lost my beautiful son. He was a very kind and gentle person, I miss him so much. I am struggling with the unfairness of it all that someone so young, strong, and healthy can be gone in an instant. He was only 25, so much more living to do. I enjoyed your article and knowing that he is in heaven brings me comfort, but I am having a really hard time with this. My heart is broken and at times I feel lost. I pray but I have so much hurt inside me.
Maggie, I’m so sorry for the loss of your son, and at such a young age.. I pray that you’ll know God’s nearness and strength as you grieve. I pray that you will also know God’s comfort as you process the pain, sometimes the anger, the brokenness, feeling lost, and all that goes with the grieving process. I hope that you have people around you to strengthen you as you walk through this process. I’m grateful that this article could play a small part in your comfort. I’m praying God’s grace and peace for you.