May 31, 2026

LIFE’S QUESTIONS: WHAT IS HEAVEN REALLY LIKE?

May 31, 2026

Senior Pastor Jonathan Falwell

There can be few sermons preached that are more interesting than one on the subject of Heaven. After all, this is the place believers look forward to living in for eternity. Even the word “eternity” is filled with uncertainty and incomprehensibility. During the Renaissance, artistic interpretations of Scripture showed angels sitting on clouds with the “harps of God” (Rev. 15:2). Apparently, the imagery became someone’s idea of truth, though it is not at all consistent with God’s preparations for His saints. Today, we will see that when believers die, they go to a place called Paradise, where Jesus is (Lk. 23:43). After the Tribulation and the Millennium, God will usher in a new Heaven and a new earth where we will dwell forever (2 Pet. 3:13).  Also, this must be very clear: there is only one way to go to Heaven when you die. It is through confessing complete belief in Jesus Christ that one can be saved. ‘No other name under Heaven is given among men, whereby we can be saved!’ (Acts 4:12). Heaven will not have even one person who names any other name as their Savior, and the good that people do in order to go to heaven will be counted as nothing. Join us!

Focal Passages: Isaiah 65:17-25; Revelation 7:9-10, 21:1-5, 21:22-27, 22:3-5; 2 Peter 3:13.

Heaven will be like Eden (Part 2), but better:

  • Read Isaiah 65:17-25. What are some facts you remember about Adam and the Garden of Eden after he was created? Did he sit on a cloud playing a harp? What passage of Scripture do the verses from Isaiah remind you of?
  • Why would God usher in a new heaven and earth for His children at the end of time (Gen. 3:17-19)? What are some questions about heaven that Isaiah answers in vv. 17, 19, 21, and 23? Why did the pastor say there will be humans in the Millennium who will bear children?
  • How do you know you will enjoy living in Heaven just as you do here, but things will always be good? Read 1 Cor. 2:9. How does this thrill you when you think of Heaven? Why? What would be a life that you would consider ‘happy’?
  • When Isaiah speaks of building a house and having a garden, do you wonder at the lack of ultimate comparisons, jealousies, or rivalries that would have ensued here on earth? Why will those feelings no longer be an issue in Heaven?
  • Read Psa. 139:2, 4, and compare it with vs. 24 in the Isaiah passage. Is there anything about us that God doesn’t know, even before we do it, say it, or think it? Can we trust Him?
  • After the 1000-year reign of Christ, can you imagine a life where the animals are free to roam (vs. 25)? Do you see this as the restoration of God’s original plan for mankind in the Garden of Eden? When you think of Adam, living in Eden, what were some of his duties? Is it hard for you to comprehend the glory of God’s preparations for His children?

The Ultimate Melting Pot:

  • Read Rev.7:9-10. What is happening in this scene in Heaven? Will there be any racism in heaven? Why must we see this as sin now? Do you realize racism has been a holdover from previous generations and needs to be repented of? If you are someone who was taught to hate those who do not look like you, what are some steps that you must take to get your heart right concerning other nationalities? What will be our ultimate joy in Heaven?

Beyond Our Wildest Imagination:

  • Read Rev.21:3-5. Why is this like a restatement of the passage in Isaiah? Why is it so difficult to comprehend how wonderful Heaven will be? Read 1 Cor. 15:20. What was Paul saying?
  • Read 1 Cor. 20:34-36. What important information did Christ give the Sadducees? Should that remove our worldly ideas about marriage in Heaven?
  • Why is this a place of nothing but joy?

With a Full Schedule:

  • Read Rev. 22:3-5. Why will the work we do in Heaven bring us such joy? Will we be serving Christ always, without any part of the curse that we have known throughout our lives?
  • Can we really understand a lifestyle where there is no night (to rest!), or the beauties of the night sky, stars, and more? Does it overwhelm you just to consider activity that continues at a pace that seems—to us—unsustainable? Praise God, we can trust Him wholly!

In Absolute Perfection:

  • Have you ever considered that most of your likes and dislikes are formed by knowing people who ‘push your button’? Can you consider a lifestyle of perfection? Yet, can you trust God that He knows every beat of your heart, and has made a place where you will be happy for eternity?
  • Rather than feeling as if you won’t be happy in Heaven, can you trust Him here on earth?
  • The new Heaven and the new earth will not be a remake of the Garden of Eden, for it will be so much better. What is the best way we can prepare for eternity?

Close: Does it absolutely boggle your mind to ponder what you know now about Heaven? We all have different ideas of perfection: for some of us, that might be a ranch with animals, work, happy days, and friends. Others may prefer to never see another animal, happy to never mow grass, and love the thought of living in a tall condominium. Others may think it to be a place where one never sees children. Goodness! How will Heaven cater to all of us—or will our preferences change? Aren’t you glad you weren’t responsible for preparing it for all believers of all ages? We have two truths to lean on: Jesus has gone to prepare that place for YOU—with all your likes—and He will one day come back and get you. And, secondly, nothing you can imagine will even be close to what He has prepared for you. He knows you so well that everything about you is important. He took all of it into consideration when He prepared your place. It’s almost hard to wait, isn’t it?

Sandy Day

May 31, 2026

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