Is Heaven a Real Place?

Heaven, according to Jesus Himself, is an abode – a real place. While no one can say for sure exactly where Heaven is located, we do know it is a real place. We do believe it is above just as hell is below (Acts 1:10-11, Galatians 4:26, Exodus 20:4, Isaiah 14:13.)

Heaven is an intriguing subject. It’s a subject on the minds of most Christians. We sing about Heaven, we dream about Heaven, we preach about Heaven, and at times, we long for Heaven. When Christians sing the song, "Heaven Will Be Worth It All," they are thinking about the trouble, the tears, and the trials of this life. One of the most popular songs today is "Sweet Beulah Land," written by Squire Parsons. It begins:

I’m kind of homesick for a country
To which I’ve never been before.

I’ve observed over the years that as Christians grow older, they seem to have a greater desire for that country called Heaven. This truth applies to me as well. I long to see my mom, dad, brother, and a whole host of folks that I have pastored over the years. The fact is that Christians of all ages have looked with great anticipation for Heaven. When Christians think of Heaven, we think of reunion with loved ones, rejoicing, rest, a new body, relief from the troubles and trials of this world. We believe the old song, "Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All."

When we go to bury a loved one, it is the thought of Heaven and seeing our loved one on the other side that enables us to bear the sorrow. We look forward to being "absent from the body and ... present with the Lord" (II Corinthians 5:8). The closer we get to leaving this world, the more we think about the old song, "This World Is Not My Home."

Now, there are many questions about Heaven that cannot be answered down here. But the Bible does give us some insight concerning our home in Heaven. The King James Bible uses the word "Heaven" 582 times in 550 different verses. So, it seems very clear that Heaven is not just a dream, but a wonderful reality. It is a real place.

John 14:3 says, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." Somewhere beyond the limits of our visible creation is a place which Jesus describes as "Heaven." It is a locality. It is the Christian’s home—our destination.

Heaven is a real place with mansions for us to dwell in! It is the abode of God Himself. In Isaiah 57:15 we read, "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

Everything about Heaven indicates it is a real place. In Revelation 21:18-21 we are told the foundations are garnished with all manner of precious stones. It says the walls of the city are made of jasper and other stones. Three gates are said to be on the east, three on the west, three on the north, and three on the south. We are also given the measurements of the city. Surely, this is a real place. It is somewhere and it is substantial because Jesus is living there now. Roy Laurin in his commentary on John says, "Heaven is a place. It is not simply a state of mind or a condition of life. The Heavenly life is not going to be less than our earthly life, which is not a state of mind. It is in a body, and that body is in a place."

Some people argue that Heaven is simply a state of mind. But William Edward Biederwolf said, "Well, it is a condition—sure; it’s a state of mind and heart, but it’s more: If Jesus went anywhere, He must have gone somewhere. He couldn’t go nowhere, where is nowhere? Heaven is a place." The great Evangelist D. L. Moody said, "Heaven is as much a place as Chicago. It is a destination; it is a locality." But regardless of what preachers may say, regardless of what scientists may say, regardless of what philosophers may say, regardless of what skeptics may say, Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place" (John 14:2). Jesus is the authority, and He says that Heaven is a place.

Heaven is populated by angels (Matthew 18:10). God lives in Heaven (Matthew 6:9). Jesus is there now preparing a place for us. All those who have died in Christ are there (Matthew 8:11). So Heaven is populated with all kinds of angelic beings, with Christians who have died, with Old Testament saints, and with God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

It is a special place for special people. The redeemed in Heaven will be made up of people according to Revelation 5:9: "And hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."

Yes, Heaven will be well populated. Just think about meeting the great Christians of all ages. Imagine being able to talk to Moses, Elijah, David, Peter, Paul, and John. But then, think how amazing it will be to observe angels as they minister and as they fly from place to place. I remember how fascinated I was the first time I went to a place where I could observe wild animals up close. But how much greater and exciting to see angels up close. And since I have a guardian angel while here on earth, perhaps I will get to meet and personally communicate with my guardian angel in Heaven! I will want to thank him for protecting me from some situations that could have resulted in my death.

Revelation 21:4. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." In Heaven, there is no Satan or sin. No one in Heaven even has a sinful thought. It is a perfect place with perfect living conditions. The music of Heaven is perfect with a great choir of one hundred million voices.

In Heaven, not only will our singing be perfect, but also our service to our Lord will be perfect. We will have perfect security in Heaven, never needing protection from anything. In Heaven, our recognition will be perfect; our knowledge will be perfect. "Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face ... shall I know even as also I am known" (I Corinthians 13:12).

You can search the world and will never find one perfect place, not one. But Heaven is a perfect place. Heaven does not have anyone or anything in it that is not perfect. The fellowship will be perfect. Friendships will be perfect. The climate will be perfect. The worship will be perfect. Praise will be perfect. Everything in Heaven is perfect.

Every so often I hear someone say that such and such a city is a perfect place to live. But it’s not. Eventually the streets will have potholes, the power at times will fail, someone will get divorced, some couple will have a fight, some crime will take place, and someone will die. There are no perfect places here on earth; but Heaven is a perfect place.

One old time writer said, "By Heaven, we understand a state of happiness infinite in degree and endless in duration." Dr. Herbert Lockyer said, "Christ Himself will ever be the source of our unending joy" (Revelation 21:23). Psalm 16:11 says "Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." The pleasures of sin are only for a season, while the pleasures of the Lord and Heaven are forever. Jesus is now at God’s right hand. That’s where we will be. What will we find there?

"Fullness of joy" and "pleasures forevermore." We do not know what all the pleasures will be, but we know they will completely satisfy us. The pleasures of Heaven will be far greater than any pleasures on earth.

I know the greatest pleasure of all will be to see Jesus face to face. What a day that will be! Also a great source of pleasure will be the reunion with our loved ones. Just think about seeing your loved ones with wonderful, glorified bodies. Our fellowship with them will be sweet. The singing in Heaven, all in perfect harmony, will certainly give us pleasure. To some people, eating is a pleasurable thing to do on earth.

I believe we will eat in Heaven and get great pleasure from it. And what pleasure it will be when we see those in Heaven whom we have won to Christ, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?" (I Thessalonians 2:19).

We live in a pleasure-mad society where sports stars are paid as much as ten million dollars a year to entertain and give us pleasure. But the pleasures of this life do not satisfy. We are told in I Timothy 5:6 that "she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." On the other hand, the pleasures of Heaven satisfy. In Heaven, we will be enveloped in pleasures greater and more fulfilling than anything we have ever dreamed about! We will experience rapturous delight and a joy we have never known. Heaven is a pleasurable place.

No one has ever seen a place like Heaven (I Corinthians 2:9). It is a very peculiar place. There are no storms, hospitals, or jails in Heaven. Neither is there any suffering, pain, death, or night in Heaven (Revelation 22:5).

Since there is no strife in Heaven, there will be no need for police. Can you imagine living in a world where everyone loves each other with a perfect love? What a peculiar place that would be. It would, of course, also be a very precious place. And what about the streets? Revelation 21:21 says "the street of the city was pure gold." Steven Lawson writes, "An entire network of super-highways will crisscross the city, taking travelers to all points of the celestial community. In the very center, there is one main avenue proceeding directly to the throne of God." This wonderful Heaven also has gates of pearl. The beauty of Heaven makes it very peculiar; nothing in this world can compare. Everything about this city is designed to reveal the glory of God. The foundation stones around the city are made from precious stones such as sapphire, emerald, chalcedony, jasper, topaz and others. The colors will be dazzling. We will be totally amazed as we view this beautiful city. It is a very unusual, peculiar place.

Revelation 21:25. "And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there." There are no locked doors in Heaven because Heaven is a place of peace ruled by the Prince of Peace. There will be no one in Heaven to disturb our peace. We long for peace here on earth, but there is always some place without it. In Heaven, we will never see an argument or hear an angry word. The peace of Christ will rule Heaven.

Years ago, when I was young man in my twenties, I moved to an apartment. The first night there, a man came home drunk, keeping me up almost all night with his cursing, arguing, and fighting. I lived there for a few months, but it seemed like years because of the fussing and fighting that disturbed my peace. Rowdy neighbors will not exist in Heaven. We won’t ever see or hear a fight. All will live at peace with one another.

Here on earth, we have some peaceful days, but soon something happens to interrupt that peace. We become upset and discouraged. Peace can never last in a world at war with God. But in Heaven, everyone will worship the Lord and peace will reign.

Revelation 21:19 says, "And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones." Heaven is a very precious place, a cherished place. The stones are precious, but far more precious are the saints in Heaven. I Peter 2:4 says we are "chosen of God, and precious." In Psalm 116:15 we are told, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." God says our death is precious to Him. If your son or daughter lived in a distant city and you received word he or she was coming home, that would be precious news to you. Likewise, our death is precious to the Lord because it means we will be present with Him.

So, Heaven is a precious place because God is there, Jesus is there, the Holy Spirit is there, angels are there, and our loved ones are there.

The light of Heaven is the face of Jesus.
The joy of Heaven is the presence of Jesus.
The melody of Heaven is the name of Jesus.
The harmony of Heaven is the praise of Jesus.
The employment of Heaven is the service of Jesus.
The fullness of Heaven is Jesus Himself.

Hebrews 12:28 says, "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved." We have an "eternal inheritance" (Hebrews 9:15). God has called us to "----His eternal glory." In II Corinthians 5:1, Paul said, "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens." Notice that this home built by the Lord is "eternal in the Heavens." We are now living in our temporary home. But one day, we will move into our beautiful new home, Heaven. I like the old song that goes:

I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop,
In that bright land where we’ll never grow old,
And some day yonder we will never more wander,
But walk the streets that are purest gold.

Some time ago I thought about all the different homes I’ve lived in. I counted at least thirty four since I was a boy. I’ve moved a lot, but soon I will move for the last time when I move into my Heavenly home.

There is plenty of everything in Heaven. It is a place of prosperity, with no signs of slums or poverty. The streets are "pure gold." Ruth Paxson said, "There is a vast deposit of riches in the bank of Heaven. It is the oldest bank in existence. It dates way back, to BC—before the world was."

God has placed a deposit of unsearchable riches in Christ that we can withdraw according to our need and desire. In Heaven, everyone is a child of the King and is therefore rich: rich in blessing, rich in happiness, rich in friendship. In Heaven there are no unfulfilled needs.

Early in my ministry in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, one of my church members was a little widow woman. She had a son who was a drunkard and who treated her very badly. She lived by herself in a little shack with, I believe, only two rooms. I would pick her up in my car for church on Sundays. She was about eighty years old. One thing that distinguished her was her sweet spirit. One day she became ill and went to the hospital. When I visited her, she had the glow of Heaven on her face as we talked about Heaven. A short time later she died. She lived in poverty on earth, but in Heaven she is rich and all her needs are fully taken care of.

Heaven is a happy place. There are no tears in Heaven. There are no frowns or grumpy people either. Everyone in Heaven is praising the Lord! The mighty crescendo of praise swells until the whole Heavens resound with the chorus of the people singing "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood" (Revelation 1:5). Someone has suggested that David might be the choir director in Heaven. He certainly was the greatest musician in the Bible.

In the Bay View Baptist Church, which I pastored near Peoria, Illinois, I had a wonderful, elderly couple, Virgil and Josephine Ridings. Everyone called her "Granny Ridings." I visited with them often, and they were great encouragers. Granny would often call me and ask, "Pastor, would you like some cornbread, buttermilk, and fried potatoes?" She didn’t need to ask twice.

And many times, Brother Virgil would slip a ten or twenty dollar bill in my hand as I left. Granny loved to sing, and when she sang in the choir, she would kind of tilt her head back and really sing. There were times when she would burst out in a shout of praise to the Lord. Now she and Virgil are in Heaven, and I’m sure she is praising the Lord as she has never praised Him before. Heaven is a place of praise.

What a privilege it will be spend eternity in Heaven with the Lord. And Christ alone is the way into that permanent paradise. Christ is the way; faith is the key; death is the door.

What a privilege it is to be a part of God’s family. In this family we enjoy the food, the fellowship, the fun, not to mention the provision and protection the family provides.

We are indeed a privileged people, saved by grace with a home waiting for us in Heaven.

When we receive Christ as our Savior, Heaven becomes our future home. It is a home prepared for us by Jesus Himself. When man was created in the image of God, Jesus was there. John wrote in John 1:3, "All things were made by him." He is the supreme Christ of earth and Heaven.

Hell was never prepared for man. Jesus said in Matthew 25:41, "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels."

No lost sinners will ever enter Heaven. Heaven is prepared especially for those who are saved. Jesus said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). To go to Heaven, we must not only have the natural birth (water), but also the spiritual birth—being born again. You can prepare for Heaven today by receiving Christ as Savior.

Heaven is prepared for you and me. Hell was not. But if you will not receive Christ as your Savior, then you cannot go to Heaven. The only place left for you is hell.

Heaven is a prepared place, and He who loves us and died for us has prepared a place for us that is out of this world! Paul writes in I Corinthians 2:9, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."

IS HEAVEN A REAL PLACE?