'An Independent Baptist Church'

        WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE?

BIBLE FACTS ABOUT HEAVEN

IS HEAVEN A REAL PLACE?

Answer - Yes.

John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3  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.
-It is a real place..... not just a state of mind

WHAT KIND OF PLACE IS HEAVEN?

Answer - Beyond our wildest imagination

1 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.

Read Revelation 21 & 22 carefully and it tells us the following:
-a Place of indescribable beauty
-Foundations garnished with all manner of precious stones. Streets are made of gold. The walls of the city are made of Jasper...Gates on each side of city are made of one solid pearl.  It will have a pure river and a tree with 12 fruits.
There will be no night in heaven.
- It is large- 1500 miles square

Illustration
Little boy walking with grandpa at night looked up at stars with the sky deep blue and said, Grandpa, grandpa, if heaven is so beautiful on the outside, what must the inside look like!

HAS ANY PERSON ON EARTH EVER BEEN TO HEAVEN AND COME BACK TO TELL ABOUT IT?

Answer - Yes (Paul)

2 Corinthians 12:2-4 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
3  And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4  How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

DO THE SAVED GO TO HEAVEN IMMEDIATELY?

Answer - Yes

2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.


WHAT HAPPENS AT DEATH?

Answer - The following passages tell us we go immediately to heaven or hell, according to whether we trusted Christ as Savior.  We have a body and recognize others.

Luke 16:22 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21  And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

IS THERE AN INTERMEDIATE PLACE BETWEEN THIS LIFE SUCH AS PURGATORY OR SOUL SLEEP?

Answer - no.  Purgatory, A Roman Catholic teaching, originated from the old Babylonian pagan religion of Baal worship in the Old Testament.

2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

WILL WE KNOW EACH OTHER IN HEAVEN?

Answer - Yes

Luke 16 - The Rich man recognized and called for Abraham
Matt. 17 - The disciples recognized Moses & Elijah at the Mt.
of Transfiguration
1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

WILL WE HAVE A BODY IN HEAVEN?

Answer - Yes

Luke 16 - the rich man had fingers, tongue, etc. in hell
Phil 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body

WHAT WILL I LOOK LIKE IN HEAVEN AND HOW OLD WILL I BE?

Answer - Similar to what I do now, except in a perfected state, without the flaws!  We will be like Jesus when He appeared to the disciples after His resurrection.

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

-We will appear to others with our same unique personality with physical characteristics & racial orientation.

Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

DO THE SAVED IN HEAVEN KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING ON EARTH?  CAN THEY SEE US?

Answer - Yes

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

ELmer Towns 'BIBLE ANSWERS TO ALMOST ALL YOUR QUESTIONS' - Perhaps the answer is this - Those in heaven don't see all that happens on earth.  However, God allows those in heaven to see only what He wants them to see:  joys, victories, and those things that glorify God.  People in heaven don't see the failures, sins, and defeats of their loved ones on earth.  That would not glorify God.  they only know what God wants them to know.

Luke 15:7, 10 - I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 10  Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

In Revelation 6:9,10 those who are martyred during the tribulation period ask the Lord how long before He did something about those who had martyred them.

WHERE IS HEAVEN?
 

Answer - Let's distinguish between the 3 heavens mentioned in the Bible -
1st Heaven - Job 35:5 - Atmosphere
2nd Heaven - Gen. 1:17, Deut. 17:3 - Universe - stars, planets
3rd Heaven - 2 Corinthians 12:2 - Where God dwells

This is now located 'in the sides of the North' the Bible says....in the Northern most part the Universe?

Isaiah 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

When Jesus returns to earth, the 1500 square mile city of Heaven will descend and hover over this earth.

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

WHO IS GOING TO HEAVEN?

Answer - Saved, born again people

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER WORLD RELIGIONS.....IF THESE PEOPLE ARE SINCERE AND BELIEVE IN A GOD, WILL THEY BE IN HEAVEN?

Answer - Only if they have trusted the Christ of the Bible, not Buddha, Allah, or any other pagan God.....You can be sincere and wrong.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

WHAT ABOUT LITTLE BABIES AND SMALL CHILDREN WHO DIE?  WILL THEY GO TO HEAVEN?

Answer - Yes

2 Samuel 12:22-23 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
23  But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

DOES THE BIBLE GIVE AN AGE OF ACCOUNTABILITY FOR CHILDREN?

Answer - No.  It varies from person to person based upon their mental capabilities and makeup.  Once a person can clearly hear the Gospel and reject it or accept, that person is then accountable.

WILL ALL MENTALLY RETARDED PEOPLE GO TO HEAVEN WHEN THEY DIE?

Answer - Yes, They are covered by the blood of Christ, because they did not have the capability to reject Christ.

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:2 seems to teach that Jesus' shed blood covers the innocent little children and mentally handicapped people who are not able to understand the Gospel and reject Christ.

WILL PEOPLE WHO COMMIT SUICIDE GO TO HEAVEN?

Answer - If they trusted Christ as Savior during their lifetime they will go to heaven.  Whether one ended his own life through suicide has nothing to do with whether one goes to heaven or not.  Samson is a good example.  We are told he committed suicide, but yet Hebrews lists him in Heaven's Hall of fame.  Remember the basic premise that nothing we can do or fail to do gets us to heaven or keeps from heaven, other than what we do with Christ.

Hebrews 13 lists the Old Testament Hall of Fame and Samson is listed in that list even though he is said to have committed suicide in 1 Samuel 31:1-13)
Many have been influenced by the false Roman Catholic teaching which says that a suicide victim has committal a mortal sin and thus will not got to heaven.  The Bible teaches not such thing.   
Whether one committed suicide has nothing to do with whether one goes to heaven or hell.  Whether one trusted Christ during his lifetime determines that.  
Many can get into such a depressed state that their mind is not right, and thru Satanic influence or other reasons, are led to feel that ending their life is the only way out of their problems.

CAN THE DEVIL TAKE SOMEONE'S LIFE WITHOUT GOD'S PERMISSION AND WITHOUT GOD ALLOWING IT TO HAPPEN?

Answer -No.  The devil cannot do anything that God does not give him permission to do.  Satan is not all-powerful or omnipotent like God is.  He had to get permission from God before he could send calamity to Job's life in the book of Job. (Job 1:12)
There is no such thing as an ACCIDENT in the life of a Christian.  

IN THIS LIFETIME WILL WE EVER UNDERSTAND WHY SOME CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED HOME THRU DEATH IN SUCH AN UNTIMELY WAY OR AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE?

Answer - Perhaps not.

Deut. 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:

Isaiah 55:8,9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

We may never know until we get to heaven.  We must trust that He had a very important reason for doing so.  You may not always be able to trace God, but you can always trust Him.

IN ACCIDENTAL OR TRAGIC DEATHS OF PEOPLE SO YOUNG, DOES GOD ALWAYS HAVE A REASON FOR ALLOWING IT TO HAPPEN?

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I have often wondered how many people have come to know Christ as Savior because of an untimely death.  Is this the only way several people close to this person would have come to Christ?

For example, I would give my life in a heartbeat if I knew that would be the only way one of my children would be shocked enough to their spiritual senses to trust Christ as Savior.

WHO WILL NOT GO TO HEAVEN?

Answer - Those who never trusted Christ as Savior during their lifetime.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 5:29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

WHAT TYPES OF SINS WILL KEEP PEOPLE FROM TRUSTING CHRIST AND THUS CAUSING THEM NOT TO BE IN HEAVEN?

Answer - The Bible lists the following sins that often keep people from trusting Christ during their lifetime.  Remember, it is not these particular sins that keep us from heaven.....but only if they keep us from trusting Christ as Savior.

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

For Example, Fear keeps a lot of people from trusting Christ.  They are afraid of what other people will think if they become a Christian. 

These types of sins will not be in heaven, nor will there be any people committing them in heaven. On earth , we have people committing these sins all around us, but not so in heaven!

WILL DISOBEDIENT WORLDLY BACKSLIDDEN CHRISTIANS WHO PERHAPS COMMITTED SINS SUCH AS  MURDER, SEXUAL SIN SUCH AS ADULTERY, RAPE, HOMOSEXUALITY, ABORTION, OR DRUNKENNESS AS CHRISTIANS STILL GO TO HEAVEN?

Answer - Yes, if they were born-again and trusted Christ during their lifetime.

  Remember, nothing we can do can get us saved, nor is their anything we can do that get us unsaved.  Salvation is a free gift, not by any works or performance we can do.  Cody Frederick is my son and always will be no matter what HE does. 

Now there may be loss of fellowship, and he may lose inheritance from his dad, and he may shame his dad, but he will always be my son.

1 Corinthians 6:9-12
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Notice the key word here is 'inherit'...it does not say they would not 'enter' heaven.  Inheriting a house for example, is different from 'entering' the house.  Understand?

Notice that some of these Corinthian Believers were guilty of such sins, but they were still justified or saved in God's view and will go to heaven.....they will not 'inherit' reward and privilege in heaven as other more faithful believers will.

WILL PEOPLE OF OTHER  PAGAN NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS WHO ARE SINCERE GET TO GO TO HEAVEN?

Answer - No.  Only if there sincerity was directed toward trusting the Christ of the Bible.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

WILL HEATHEN PAGAN PEOPLE WHO NEVER HEARD THE GOSPEL BE IN HEAVEN?

Answer - No, The Bible says they are without excuse.

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

I believe God will get a missionary to a heathen person in some rain forest, somehow, someway, if in His foreknowledge He knows that this person would trust Christ if he heard the gospel.

HOW COULD A LOVING GOD CREATE SOME OF HIS CREATURES FOR ETERNAL PUNISHMENT AND SEND SOME PEOPLE TO HELL?

Answer - He does not send anyone to hell.  We chose to go ourselves.  He did everything He could do to keep us from going there.  He even died in our place!  Hell was not even prepared for us!  It was prepared for the devil and his angels!

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

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:

IF A PERSON IN A PAGAN COUNTRY WOULD ACCEPT THE GOSPEL IF HE COULD HEAR IT, WILL GOD MAKE SURE TO GET SOMEONE TO THAT PERSON DURING HIS LIFETIME SO HE CAN HEAR THE GOSPEL?

Answer - Yes, I believe so.

1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God
If God knows in his foreknowledge and omnipotence that person from some pagan country would trust Christ if that person would only get the chance, I believe will make sure that person somehow gets the Gospel.  God will get the gospel to that person at some point during his lifetime just as He did for Cornelius in Acts 10.

WILL UNSAVED PEOPLE WHO NEVER TRUSTED CHRIST IN THIS LIFETIME GET A SECOND CHANCE?

Answer - No.  This life is it.

Revelation 20:11,12,15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

WILL HUSBANDS AND WIVES BE TOGETHER IN HEAVEN?

Answer - Yes, it will just not be in an earthly type of marriage.  In heaven, it will be something much, much better!  I believe I will be with my wife Lisa.  How could heaven be anything less, if She was my soulmate and lifelong companion and love during this lifetime. 
Remember, The marriage union is so sacred that God even sees a husband and wife as ONE.

Matthew 22:24-30 Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
25  Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married
a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
26  Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
27  And last of all the woman died also.
28  Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.
29  Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
30  For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

It will just not be an earthly type of marriage relationship in heaven...it will be far above that and much better.  Remember, everything in heaven will be better than it is here on earth.

WHAT SAD THINGS ON EARTH DURING THIS LIFETIME WILL NOT BE IN HEAVEN?

Answer - Revelation 21:4 tells us...

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.

WHAT WILL WE DO IN HEAVEN?

It will be a place of activity......serving the Lord.

We will also praise the Lord and sing unto Him.

But mostly we will be busy serving Him, reigning with Him.  Over other planets?  I don't know, but we will be busy.  We are happiest during this life when are busy doing something we enjoy, aren't we?  Same thing in heaven.

Revelation 22:3,5 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4  And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
5  And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
We will serve the Lord and Reign with Him.
We will judge angels we are told elsewhere in Scripture.
Revelation 19:1-6 says we will worship and praise the Lord

Heaven will be a place of glorious work and service to our Lord. We will be busy and satisfied with our service to Him.  It will not be a burden like much work during this lifetime is.  Anyone looking forward to retirement in this lifetime better get over it fast!
Get rid of the idea of heaven being a place of idleness where we sit on a cloud playing a harp forever.

However, heaven will be a place of rest from worries, stress, and problems associated with our work and toil on this earth according to Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

WILL HEAVEN BE THE SAME FOR EVERYBODY?  WILL SOME PEOPLE HAVE MORE PRIVILEGES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN HEAVEN THAN OTHER PEOPLE BASED UPON HOW THEY LIVED DURING THEIR LIFETIME ON EARTH?

Answer - Heaven will not be the same for everybody.

Our position, privilege, and reward, and responsibilities in heaven all depend upon how we served the Lord on earth during this life time.

Luke 19:17-19And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
18  And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
19  And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

WILL WE REMEMBER OUR SINS AND FAILURES IN HEAVEN?

Answer - Many of us will be ashamed (1 John 2:28) at the Bema Judgment because we didn't serve Christ the way we should have done...but 1007 years later, after the millennium, Jesus will wipe away all tears and sorrow and memories of everything in the past.

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.

Remember this verse's time setting is after the 1000 reign of Christ on earth, just before we have the final heaven which will last for eternity.

HOW CAN WE BE HAPPY IN HEAVEN IF A LOVED ONE VERY DEAR TO US IS NOT THERE BECAUSE THEY NEVER TRUSTED CHRIST AS SAVIOR DURING THEIR LIFETIME?

Answer - God will remove all memory of the unsaved from our minds.

Isaiah 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Revelation 21:4 also said the former things would not be remembered.

WILL THERE BE SOME PEOPLE ALIVE ON EARTH WHO WILL BE TAKEN TO HEAVEN WITHOUT DYING?

Answer - Yes, those believers alive at the rapture.

1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17   Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR DEAD BODIES THAT WERE PLACED IN THE CEMETERIES?

Answer - They will be resurrected and re-united with our temporary heavenly bodies we since we died, and they will be changed into a final heavenly body we will have for all eternity.

1 Corinthians 15:52,53 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

CAN A SAVED PERSON LOSE SALVATION AND NOT MAKE IT TO HEAVEN AFTER THEY HAVE TRUSTED CHRIST AS SAVIOR?

Answer - No.  Salvation is ETERNAL life which lasts forever.  Anything less than that would not be eternal life. God said He gave us eternal life, not probationary life.

John 10:28,29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

WILL ANIMALS BE IN HEAVEN?

Answer - Yes, I believe so.  We see horses in Revelation 19:14 that we will ride back to earth when Jesus Comes back at the 2nd Coming at Armageddon which will occur 7 years after the rapture.  WHERE DID THOSE HORSES COME FROM?  They were in heaven!  Why wouldn't God have animals in heaven?  There is a tree with fruit on it and a river, we are told.

Revelation 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

WILL WE BE ABLE TO EAT IN HEAVEN?

Answer - Yes.

Eating will be one of the joys of heaven, but it will be for enjoyment only, not of necessity to nourish our perfect heavenly bodies.  Jesus in his resurrected body of flesh and bone ate broiled fish and honeycomb with the disciples
after his resurrection. (Luke 24:42-43).
(there will be no flesh and blood bodies in heaven because our new bodies will not need blood - 1 Cor. 15:50)
There will be 12 different kinds of fruit on the tree of life in heaven (Rev. 22:2)

WHAT WILL WE BE CLOTHED WITH IN HEAVEN?

Answer - With white robes of fine linen, evidently with their glamour and brilliance somehow related to how faithful we served Christ during our lifetime.

Revelation 21:8, 14 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 14   And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

CAN ONE BE SURE AND KNOW IN THIS LIFETIME HE IS GOING TO HEAVEN?  

Answer - Yes, according to God's own promise.

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Final question -  Are you sure you are going to heaven?

You had better make sure now.  Realize your lost condition and trust Christ as your Savior now.  Call upon Him to save you as you trust His shed blood at Calvary to pay for your sins.