Resources by Topic: Heaven

Jesus gives us reminders of His presence and peace when we are experiencing grief. He is our ultimate comfort, and He must be our focus and source of strength. 

One of the questions I’m often asked about Heaven relates to Isaiah 65:17. A reader asked, “What does it mean ‘the former things will not be remembered nor will they come to mind’? Is this speaking about the old earth itself or are we not going to have any memories of the past including family, friends, talents, life?”

I recently wrote this to a dying friend, but I’m replacing her name with “dying believer.” The reality is, I am dying and every person reading this is too. Perhaps you have reason to believe that death will come very soon. Or perhaps you have a loved one or friend who is close to death and would benefit from the Scripture and quotes I share. I hope these words will encourage your heart and help you fix your eyes on Jesus.

To rule on the New Earth will be to enable, equip, and guide, offering wisdom and encouragement to those under our authority. 

As to whether God can resurrect a body, whether human or animal, that’s been cremated, that’s no problem whatsoever! As far as pets, that’s a personal decision. We did choose to cremate our pets who have died.

I loved spending time recently with NFL players Nick Foles and Chris Maragos on their great podcast, Mission of Truth, which they just started this year.

A few years ago I was a guest on Desiring God’s Ask Pastor John podcast. In this episode, host Tony Reinke and I discuss the question, “What age will I appear in Heaven?” The following is a lightly edited transcript, and you can also listen to the audio of our conversation.

In what form will we be when we see God? Will we be ghostly spirits, floating about? No, we will be resurrected human beings, standing and kneeling, walking and talking, praying and worshiping and laughing, eating and drinking in our new bodies. As Job cried out, “After my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.”

When believers die and go to the present Heaven in the presence of God, do they face any kind of judgment of works at that point, or does all judgment come at the resurrection?

Though the present Heaven is not our final destination, it’s a wonderful place, and it’s understandable that those who have had loved ones die in Christ wonder what life is like for them there. Based on the Bible’s teaching, we know several things.

Could you explain the difference between Heaven for the saints versus Heaven for the martyred saints? There seems to be a distinction, yet we claim all believers will be given a white robe and their tears will be wiped away. 

I was recently listening to Chris Tomlin’s version of “Is He Worthy?”, and that prompted me to share some thoughts related to two favorite passages of mine, Revelation 5 and Daniel 7. 

In this video clip, Randy Alcorn and Greg Laurie talk about having an eternal perspective and how our belief in the life to come should affect us in the day-to-day. 

In this video clip, Randy Alcorn and Greg Laurie talk about what we can expect when we get to Heaven, what we might wear and what we might eat.