Heaven: Fact or Fantasy?

It seems that we are hearing and reading about the reality of heaven more and more these days. Numerous books are on the market that have been written by people who went to heaven and came back. Movies have been released telling the stories of people who have visited heaven. For those who are not familiar with scripture, heaven may seem like a make-believe place used to comfort people when life is hard. However, heaven is a real place. I know because the Word tells me about it and the Word does not lie. For example, Genesis 24:7 refers to God as the Lord God of heaven.

Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Deuteronomy 4:39 (KJV)

The Lord is in His holy temple, His throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His eyes examine mankind. Psalm 11:4 (Modern English Version, MEV)

From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; Psalm 33:13 (New International Version, NIV)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. John 6:38 (KJV)

Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55 (Christian Standard Bible, CSB)

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Philippians 2:10 (KJV)

Then I looked, and, oh!—a door open into Heaven. The trumpet-voice, the first voice in my vision, called out, “Ascend and enter. I’ll show you what happens next.” I was caught up at once in deep worship and, oh!—a Throne set in Heaven with One Seated on the Throne, suffused in gem hues of amber and flame with a nimbus of emerald. Twenty-four thrones circled the Throne, with Twenty-four Elders seated, white-robed, gold-crowned. Lightning flash and thunder crash pulsed from the Throne. Seven fire-blazing torches fronted the Throne (these are the Sevenfold Spirit of God). Before the Throne it was like a clear crystal sea. Revelation 4:1-6a (The Message, MSG)

These are just a few of the many, many verses that speak of heaven. Heaven is a real place and believers will go there after they finish their earthly life. Jesus himself told the thief on the cross that they would be together after they were crucified. If I am going to be where Jesus is, and Jesus is in heaven, then I will be in heaven too. And saved loved ones who have gone before me will be there to welcome me.

There is a lot told about heaven, but it is sprinkled throughout the Bible. The Word speaks of golden streets, gigantic gates made of a single pearl, a sea that looks like crystal, a magnificent throne surrounded by a rainbow, gleaming lamps shining before the throne, and angels and other amazing creatures that worship God continually. But the best thing about heaven is that Jesus is there. He went there and is making things ready for us to join Him.

Don’t get lost in despair; believe in God, and keep on believing in Me.  My Father’s home is designed to accommodate all of you. If there were not room for everyone, I would have told you that. I am going to make arrangements for your arrival.  I will be there to greet you personally and welcome you home, where we will be together.  You know where I am going and how to get there. John 14:1-4 (The Voice, VOICE)

Heaven is an amazing place. One day I will see and experience it, but for now I must see it through the eyes of faith. The promise of heaven is one way that the Lord encourages us and strengthens us to live the Christian life. We can look forward to a place with no sorrow, no tears, no sickness, no lack. Heaven is in my future because the King of heaven is in my heart.

I seldom promote books or do product reviews, but I must tell you about the best book I have ever read on the subject of heaven. Richard Sigmund wrote a book about his experiences in heaven when he died in a car accident in 1974 and spent several hours in heaven before miraculously returning to his earthly body. His book, My Time in Heaven, gives a detailed glimpse into heaven, and will make you anticipate eternal life with God more than ever. It made me very homesick for heaven- I can hardly wait to get home to be with the Lord! Mr. Sigmund’s book is one I would recommend very highly.

If you are not saved and want to know that you will go to heaven when you leave this life, click on the menu in the upper left corner of this website, and select the page titled “The Most Important Thing.” Follow the instructions provided there to pray and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Once you do, you will be a child of God, with heaven as your guaranteed destination.