Heaven is different than we think

If we are honest, many Christians do not really look forward to heaven. Perhaps because we have an image in mind that is more reminiscent of a foggy cloud than a place to live. An eternal church service with harps? No time, no space, no recognition - for many, that sounds more alien than comforting. So it's no wonder that the longing for heaven has faded in many hearts.

However, this is not because of the Bible, but because of how we talk about heaven or not. For centuries, influences from philosophers such as Plato and theologians such as Origen have led to heaven being understood as purely spiritual, disembodied, almost abstract. Plato, for example, saw the body as disruptive. Origen believed that many biblical statements were to be understood “only” in a figurative sense.

But the Bible paints a different picture. It speaks of a new earth - concrete, earthly and tangible. We find the best description in Revelation 21: it is not man who goes to heaven, but heaven to earth. The New Jerusalem floats down like a beautiful bride. God himself “moves” and dwells visibly and tangibly with people. It is a world full of life, light, joy and justice.

Jesus himself ascended to heaven with a resurrection body. Not a nebulous body, but solid, massive and real. Heaven is not becoming less, but more. More color, more joy, more depth. We will recognize each other, our history will not be erased, but healed. We will eat, celebrate and love. There will be laughter. And above all: we will see God - very close, very tangible.

When we realize that heaven is not a rupture, but the completion of our lives, then anticipation can grow. Then our hope becomes concrete. And then our life here will already be shaped by what awaits us there.

Next Step: Imagine you were given a photo of heaven today - a real, tangible picture of your future. What would it look like? Take some time to imagine it - and thank God for the anticipation you feel.