What is heaven like, and what will we do there?
Many people imagine heaven as floating on clouds playing harps forever, and honestly, that sounds boring. The Bible’s picture is far more alive.
Right now, believers who have died are with Jesus, comforted and worshiping (Philippians 1:23; Revelation 7:9–17). After Jesus returns and the final judgment, God makes a new heaven and a new earth, and comes to live with His people: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them” (Revelation 21:3). There will be no more death, crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). And we won’t be idle: “His servants will serve Him” (Revelation 22:3), and “they will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5).
Ready, or close? We’ll walk with you. Take the first step →
John saw it
The apostle John, exiled on the island of Patmos, was shown the end of the story: a holy city coming down out of heaven from God, shining with God’s glory, with a river of the water of life flowing from His throne and the tree of life bearing fruit every month, its leaves for the healing of the nations (Revelation 21:2, 10–11; 22:1–2). The garden lost in Genesis is restored and made even greater.
Heaven now
Believers who have died are “at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8): conscious, at rest, and worshiping, while they wait for their resurrection bodies.
Heaven forever: the new earth
God doesn’t throw creation away; He renews it. “We are looking forward to new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). A real place, with real bodies, real relationships, beauty, culture (“the kings of the earth will bring into it their glory,” Revelation 21:24), and God Himself at the center.
What we’ll do
Worship, not as an endless church service, but as everything we do flowing from love for God. Serve Him, with meaningful work and responsibility, as Jesus’ parables promise (Luke 19:17). Reign with Him (Revelation 22:5). Enjoy relationships without sin, and see God face to face (Revelation 22:4).
What the Bible says
- 01
All things new.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.””
Revelation 21:1–5 - 02
The river and the tree of life.
“Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever.”
Revelation 22:1–5 - 03
Where righteousness dwells.
“But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
2 Peter 3:13 - 04
What God has prepared.
“Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.””
1 Corinthians 2:9 - 05
A place for you.
“In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:2–3 - 06
Far better.
“I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.”
Philippians 1:23
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Read Revelation 21:1–7 and 22:1–5 tonight. Let it change how you see your hardest day this week.
Common questions
Will we be bored in heaven?
No. Being with the infinite God, in a renewed creation, with meaningful work and perfect relationships, will never run out.
Will there be animals in heaven?
Scripture pictures animals in the restored creation (Isaiah 11:6–9). It doesn’t say whether specific pets will be there.
Will we work in heaven?
Yes, joyfully. Work existed before sin (Genesis 2:15), and the new creation includes serving God and reigning with Him (Revelation 22:3–5).
Take your first step with us.
If you prayed today, or you’re close, Become will walk with you: your first days with Jesus, step by step, with people praying for you.