What is Heaven like and where is it located?
There are some glimpses of Heaven in the Bible that describe what it is like in all of its beauty and splendor.
Revelation 21:9-27 NLT Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” (10) So he took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. (11) It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone–like jasper as clear as crystal. (12) The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. (13) There were three gates on each side–east, north, south, and west. (14) The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (15) The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. (16) When he measured it, he found it was a square, as wide as it was long. In fact, its length and width and height were each 1,400 miles. (17) Then he measured the walls and found them to be 216 feet thick (according to the human standard used by the angel). (18) The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. (19) The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, (20) the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. (21) The twelve gates were made of pearls–each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. (22) I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. (23) And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. (24) The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. (25) Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. (26) And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. (27) Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty–but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
We know that Heaven is 1400 miles wide, 1400 miles deep and 1400 miles high.
We know that the scriptures tell us that there are streets made of gold, jewels in the walls, and pearls make up the gates.
We know there is music and singing in Heaven.
Revelation 5:9 NKJV (9) And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV (17) The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
We know that there is absolute peace in Heaven.
Matthew 6:10 NKJV (10) Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Isaiah 11:6-9 NKJV (6) “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. (7) The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. (8) The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. (9) They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.
We know that we will eat in Heaven, but we will not need to eat to live.
Revelation 19:9 NKJV (9) Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”
How will you find your loved ones when we get to Heaven, especially ones that died long ago? Will they look like they did on earth?
Hebrews 12:1 NKJV (1) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
I believe that our loved ones will pursue locating us when we get there because they have been somewhat aware of what has been going on in our lives spiritually here on the earth.
I believe that we will be able to recognize our loved ones that we knew by natural means but also we will recognize each other by supernatural means.
Luke 16:23-24 NKJV (23) And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (24) “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’
Matthew 17:1-5 NKJV (1) Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; (2) and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
(3) And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. (4) Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (5) While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
One thing to remember is that once you step over into eternity, a sense of time stops. The Bible says that there is no sun in Heaven but that it is lit by the light that comes out of the face of God. Therefore, we do not need our daily cycle of time.
If there is a terribly evil person who did horrible things throughout life, on their deathbed they accept Christ. Does that erase all of their previous acts and they go to Heaven?
The first thing that has to be asked in this situation would be, were they truly repentant and genuinely sorry for their sins and did they truly realize their need for a Savior in Jesus Christ?
If they were going through some religious act in order to avoid the eternal penalty of the sin, then maybe not.
The truth of the matter is that we have no way to know this. Only God knows what is really going on in a man’s heart.
The other thing that we must remember is that a man is not separated from God eternally because of his sins. He is eternally separated from God because of one sin: the rejection of Jesus Christ.
The multitude of a man’s sins are an out working of the one sin: being separated from God.
We also need to remember that sin is sin. We categorize sin based on our standards of conduct, culture, etc. but God does not look at it that way.
Related question: With all of the recent murder/suicides, if the person committing the crimes was to ask God for forgiveness before dying, would God forgive and how would justice be handled/served?
We have to understand that God is always just in all of His ways.
There are going to be times when we are not going to understand how justice will be served and we should leave that up to God and His wisdom.
In my opinion, very often, it is the same twisted, diseased thinking that would cause someone to commit blatant, unprovoked murder that causes them to take their own life.
Luke 23:32-33 NKJV (32) There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. (33) And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.
Matthew 27:44 NKJV (44) Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.
Mark 15:32 KJV (32) Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
Luke 23:39-43 NKJV (39) Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” (40) But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? (41) And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” (42) Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (43) And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Mark 7:1-6 NKJV (1) Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem. (2) Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. (3) For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders. (4) When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches. (5) Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?” (6) He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME. (7) AND IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN.’
We must understand the difference between a conviction of conscience and the commandments of God.
A conviction of conscience is something that my conscience tells me that I should not have anything to do with because of my own life. The commandments of God are always going to be universal and apply to everyone.
Conviction of conscience is shaped by environment and culture and not necessarily the Word of God.
Can Christians drink wine?
The consumption of wine was quite common in ancient Hebrew culture. There are 8 different words in the Hebrew language that refer to wine or strong drink.
This continues to be very common in Jewish culture even today.
Although wine was consumed there was a very strict cultural guideline regarding how much wine was consumed.
In ancient Jewish culture, drunkenness was frowned upon greatly in society and was considered a taboo thing to do. There was great social pressure against it.
It would be similar to the change that we have had in our country in our attitude about smoking. 40 – 50 years ago, smoking was very fashionable and seen in advertisements, on television and in movies. But today it is nowhere what it used to be because of this change of culture. There is an increased pressure on smokers today that was not there years ago.
In Jewish culture, drinking in moderation was acceptable but not intoxication. It was part of the culture.
The following scripture illustrates the attitude of the culture:
1 Samuel 1:12-18 NKJV (12) And it happened, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli watched her mouth. (13) Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. (14) So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” (15) But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. (16) Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.” (17) Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” (18) And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
It was considered an abomination to pray while you were intoxicated.
Over and again drunkenness was condemned in the scriptures.
Proverbs 20:1 NKJV (1) Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Proverbs 21:17 NKJV (17) He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
Proverbs 31:4-7 NKJV (4) It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; (5) Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. (6) Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. (7) Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
You could bring a curse upon yourself for giving someone alcohol and encouraging them to get drunk.
Habakkuk 2:15 NKJV (15) “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor, Pressing him to your bottle, Even to make him drunk, That you may look on his nakedness!
The culture we described among the ancient Jews does not exist today in our culture.
In that day, the worst thing that happened in that day when someone became drunk was that they might get into some kind of fight or physically harm themselves by falling or something like that.
Proverbs 23:29-30 NKJV (29) Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? (30) Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.
The cost of alcoholism and drunkenness today is immeasurable. I would venture to say that there are not too many families that have not been touched by tragedy that comes because someone drove drunk. The toll that it takes is an incredible price.
We live in a different world today. Our cultural norms are different.
Our consumption of alcohol today is totally different because today it is usually not about having one beer to go along with your cheeseburger; especially among young people. For them the goal of alcohol consumption is to see how drunk one can get. “Dude, how wasted am I?”
That is the cultural norm.
When we see people in commercials telling us to drink responsibly, they are not telling you to consume a beer let that be the end of it. The assumption is that you are going to get drunk, so make arrangements ahead of time for a designated driver to get you home.
The believer’s decision in regard to the consumption of alcoholic beverage has to be made with respect to others.
As a Christian, I now have a responsibility to something much greater than myself. I have a responsibility to my church, my community, and my group.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NKJV (14) For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; (15) and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
After we become a Christian and we begin to grow in the things of God, in order to mature we must understand that our lives are no longer about us.
Once we learn this and begin to live our lives as though it is not about us and our needs, God makes sure that it becomes all about you and your needs.
Romans 14:15-17 AMP (15) But if your brother is being pained or his feelings hurt or if he is being injured by what you eat, [then] you are no longer walking in love. [You have ceased to be living and conducting yourself by the standard of love toward him.] Do not let what you eat hurt or cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died! (16) Do not therefore let what seems good to you be considered an evil thing [by someone else]. [In other words, do not give occasion for others to criticize that which is justifiable for you.] (17) [After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
I can tell you emphatically that getting drunk is clearly a sin in the scripture.
Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV (19) Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, (20) idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, (21) envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
With clear conscience however, I cannot tell you that it is a sin to have a glass of wine.
It is a matter of personal conscience and conviction as to whether you drink a glass of wine.
But I am to consider my brother and my sister in my consumption of wine. Is it in the best interest of those around me who may be watching my life as an example for me to do that?
Remember, our culture is not like it was in ancient times. Overindulgence is the norm in the culture in which we live.
Alcohol has never been known to lift any society.
1 Corinthians 6:12 NKJV (12) All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Romans 15:1-6 NIV (1) We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. (2) Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. (3) For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” (4) For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (5) May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, (6) so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The real question to ask is my moderation drinking worth risking causing someone who may be weak or ignorant to stumble and fall? Do I want to be that selfish as to not even take that into consideration?
Someone may say, “I only drink a glass of wine to take the edge off…”
My response to that is: God never wants you to use anything artificial to “take the edge off” of the pressures of life.
Time and time again we are told to think soberly about different things, God does not want anything to have an effect on your mental faculties because it can affect your power of choice, and He is strongly against that.
It is actually a substitute for what God’s has made available for people.
Ephesians 5:18 NKJV (18) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
Ephesians 5:18 MSG (18) Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him.
God’s intent is for the ministry of the Holy Spirit to take the edge off. He wants to be your source of happiness when you need it. (Acts 2:13-15)
When we are filled with the Spirit, we don’t need what alcohol offers to us!!
Why go for the substitute when we can have the real thing in excess?