"OooOo... Heaven is a place on Earth..."

Anyone remember that song by Belinda Carlisle? Probably not, it's kind of old. But has anyone ever wondered what Heaven would be like? What is heaven for?

Considering that the average born again Christian believes that he or she will be spending an eternity in heaven, it is surprising how relatively little is known about heaven. The term "heaven" itself is used in 3 different ways in the bible. The first of which is cosmological, where the expression "heaven and earth" is used to describe all creation. The second is used as a synonym for God in such phrases as "the kingdom of heaven". Thirdly, it is used as describing the abode of God, and this third definition is the one that I will want to focus on.


"Road to heaven" by lightproofbox.com

Since heaven is where God is, it is also where believers will be for all eternity. We are told in the bible to make preparations for heaven (Matt 6:19-20). Heaven is essentially the presence of God and where believers will dwell with him (Rev 21:3). Even from the very beginning, God's intention was to have fellowship with the human race. Heaven is often depicted as a place where everything we have desired on earth is fulfilled to an ultimate degree.


"They say in heaven, love comes first" - Belinda Carlisle

The presence of a perfectly holy God also means that heaven is a place completely void of sin or evil. And since glory is of the very nature of God, heaven will be a place of great glory. There will be no need for any other source of light for the glory of God shall be the source that illuminates heaven (Rev 21:23).


"Since glory is the of the very nature of God, heaven will be a place of great glory"

Sounds good so far? Sure, but what does one do there? Well, besides being completely filled with joy (and feasting), we are told very little about the activities in heaven. For one, we know that there will be a rest. This rest is not to mean that we will be idle, but rather the rest of after having accomplished something; or reaching a goal. Heaven then, will be the completion of the Christian pilgrimage (Heb 4:9-11). Personally though, I can see how not doing anything can be pleasurable. Haha! Ok, next is something that is all to familiar to us. We also know that in heaven, there will be worship. A pretty good description is given us in the book of Revelations chapter 19 in the first few verses, as well as in other scripture passages too. And from these, it seems that praise and worship is something that we'll be doing a lot of too! So how about it? Are we getting enough practice now?

Based on Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson. Chapter 60: Final States

Of Hell and Its Eternity

There is a famous saying by Benjamin Franklin that goes, "In this world, nothing is certain but death and taxes." Although Mr. Franklin made the comment with tongue in cheek, his comparison of life's uncertainties to death is pretty accurate. We all will at some day in the future (unless Christ returns before) face death.

So death is certain, but what is not so certain, or at least often an issue of debate is a place called "Hell". The word is actually translated from the Hebrew word "Sheol" which more or less means "grave", and from the Greek words "Gehenna", "Tartarus" or "Hades" which referred to a place or state of death and/or misery. In the bible, Jesus also spoke of the existence of such a place where both the soul and the body can be destroyed. (Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:4-5). So, hell is very real.

But now, even Evangelical scholars have begun to debate on the duration of hell. Some are arguing that it is unfair of a loving God to punish for eternity the sins committed in a finite time on earth. Therefore, they argue on the position of Annihilationism, where the soul just ceases to exist... a "poof" if you will.

However, we cannot ignore the part of God that is Holy and Just, and sins are committed against an eternal God, and as such require eternal punishment. We also cannot ignore the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:41, 46 that teach on the eternity of punishment of the sinners. Also found in Mark 9:48 is a description of what happens in Hell, where there is an 'undying worm' and an 'unquenchable' fire, both of which suggesting eternal punishment. The book of Revelations, in chapter 20:10 also describes the fates of the devil, the beast and the false prophet, where they shall be tormented in the lake of fire forever and ever.

So not only is Hell very real, it is an eternal punishment, forever and ever.