Heaven is one of the most fascinating and mysterious topics in Scripture. Many people wonder: What will it be like? Where is it? What does the Bible actually say about heaven?
In his recent series on Hope Worth Having, Pastor Mike Sanders unpacks these questions by walking through 2 Corinthians 12 and other key passages. The Apostle Paul described a vision of the “third heaven”—a place so glorious that words could not fully express it. Unlike popular books or personal stories about heaven, Paul did not try to profit from the experience or even describe it in detail. Instead, he pointed believers back to the ultimate authority: the Word of God.
Let’s look at some of the truths about heaven revealed in Scripture.
Heaven Is the Dwelling Place of God
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began with, “Our Father, which art in heaven.” Throughout Scripture, heaven is described as the place where God dwells.
- His presence is there (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
- His throne is there (Psalm 103:19).
- His glory is revealed there (Revelation 14:3).
Even though God is omnipresent—meaning He is everywhere—His throne and unique dwelling are in heaven. From there, He hears the prayers of His people, rules over the nations, and receives the worship of believers.
Heaven Is the Dwelling Place of Angels
Jesus Himself taught that angels are present before the Father in heaven (Matthew 18:10). These messengers of God serve important roles:
- Announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds (Luke 2:8–14).
- Proclaiming His resurrection to the women at the tomb (Matthew 28:5–7).
- Ministering to and protecting God’s people (Hebrews 1:14).
While angels should not be worshiped or exalted, Scripture shows that God uses them to intervene in our lives and carry out His purposes.
Heaven Is Where Jesus Ascended—and From Where He Will Return
After His resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days on earth before ascending into heaven (Acts 1:9–11). There, He now sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us.
But the story doesn’t end there. Scripture promises that Jesus will one day descend from heaven:
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
This return will be visible, victorious, and literal. Believers will be held accountable, rewarded for their service, and reunited with loved ones in Christ.
Heaven Is the Home of Departed Saints
For the believer, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). When a Christian dies, they are instantly with Christ—no delay, no in-between state.
Jesus promised, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Every believer has a place prepared in heaven, where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death (Revelation 21:4). One day, at the resurrection, our bodies will be raised and transformed, and we will live forever with Christ and with all who love Him.
Why Heaven Matters
Studying heaven is not just about curiosity—it is about hope. The promise of heaven strengthens us when life is hard. It motivates us to stay faithful when the world is dark. And it reminds us that no matter the pain, loss, or uncertainty we face, eternity with Christ is secure.
Listen to the Full Series
You can listen to Pastor Mike Sanders’ full teaching on this topic through the Hope Worth Having podcast:
- What Does the Bible Mean When It Speaks of Heaven? – Part 1
- What Does the Bible Mean When It Speaks of Heaven? – Part 2
Are you ready to meet Jesus Christ? Join us at The Open Door Church!