WHAT WILL HEAVEN REALLY BE LIKE?

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth.*1

Note that this expression is not merely symbolic or spiritual. The same language is found in Genesis where it states,

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.*2

The prophet Isaiah refers specifically to the heavens and the earth which were created in the beginning when the Father and the Son decided to create another world. Therefore, when fire and brimstone fall upon this planet it will be to restore it to its original state while at the same time making it even better than before.*3 The apostle Peter emphasized that this land is reserved for destruction by fire. First, he refers to the creation of the heavens and earth by the word of God. Then he brings to mind that the ancient world was destroyed by water but that this world will be destroyed by fire.*4

We are able to see that God’s purpose in creating a new heaven and new earth is so his children can inherit it once again.*5 Just as the ancient world was destroyed by water and then given to Noah and his family so will this earth be given to us once it is destroyed by fire. Finally, will we know what God’s original plan was for humanity. We will live in a new earth, Eden restoredv for after a period of a thousand years (we will study this later) the new Jerusalem will descend and we shall inherit the earth.*6 The Spirit of Prophecy tells us,

While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. While God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11. "I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away." Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.*7

I conclude with the description of Heaven given to us by the servant of the Lord:

The time has come to which holy men have looked with longing since the flaming sword barred the first pair from Eden, the time for "the redemption of the purchased possession." Ephesians 1:14. The earth originally given to man as his kingdom, betrayed by him into the hands of Satan, and so long held by the mighty foe, has been brought back by the great plan of redemption. All that was lost by sin has been restored. "Thus saith the Lord . . . that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited." Isaiah 45:18. God's original purpose in the creation of the earth is fulfilled as it is made the eternal abode of the redeemed. "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever." Psalm 37:29.

A fear of making the future inheritance seem too material has led many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead us to look upon it as our home. Christ assured His disciples that He went to prepare mansions for them in the Father's house. Those who accept the teachings of God's word will not be wholly ignorant concerning the heavenly abode. And yet, "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." 1 Corinthians 2:9. Human language is inadequate to describe the reward of the righteous. It will be known only to those who behold it. No finite mind can comprehend the glory of the Paradise of God.

There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God's people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home.*7

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen.
Revelation 22:20-21

1 * Isaiah 65:17, Revelation 21:1,2, 2 Peter 3:13
2 * Genesis 1:1
3 * 2 Peter 3:7,12
4 * 2 Peter 3
5 * Matthew 5:5, Psalm 37:9
6 * Revelation 21:2
7 * The Great Controversy, "The Controversy Ended", Ellen G. White.