Is "going to Heaven" biblical?
Q: Someone told me going to heaven is not biblical. We are earthlings. What does Scripture say?
A: Earth was made for humans to dwell in. But, going to heaven after we leave this sin stained body behind is biblical. Remaining there for all eternity is not. Those who die go to heaven and remain there until the new earth is brought into existence by God. There will be a new Earth and new Heaven. Both will be sin free places for all eternity.
Historically, classical Christian theology speaks of what we call the status intermedius, or the intermediate state. That has to do with where we go immediately upon death, as distinguished from our state after the final resurrection.
This is what the New Testament indicates when Paul says that it was more needful for him to stay here for us, but to depart and be with Christ would be far better (Phil. 1:23–24). He indicates that, as soon as we die, our souls go immediately into the presence of Christ.
In the intermediate state, however, we are disembodied souls. We won’t have our glorified bodies until after the rapture/coming of Christ and the great resurrection. At that point, our souls will be reunited with our bodies.
Even as disembodied souls, there will be a continued consciousness of our personal existence. The instant we die, we go into heaven in our soul-state, and then we await the final consummation of the resurrection of our bodies.
Christ ascended to a place called, 'heaven.' We will too.
Heres verses on the topic.
Heaven as a Prepared Place
• Jesus speaks of Heaven as a place prepared for believers. In John 14:2-3, He says, "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you."
Heaven; Where We Will Meet Jesus Upon Entering Eternity
• Upon death, believers immediately enter the presence of Jesus, as indicated in Philippians 1:23-24, where Paul expresses that being with Christ is far better. This assures believers that theyll be in the actual presence with their Savior, (just as Moses and Elijah were on the mount).
Heaven is where the Wedding of the Lord and His Bride Will Be
• Revelation 19:7-9 describes the marriage of the Lamb (Jesus) and His Bride (the Church), symbolizing the intimate relationship between Christ and believers. This event signifies eternal unity and joy, marking the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Believers are in Heaven
• Revelation 7:9-17 describes a great multitude of believers from every nation, tribe, and people standing before the throne and the Lamb (Jesus Christ). They are clothed in white robes, symbolizing purity and victory, and they worship God, proclaiming salvation.
The Souls of Martyrs are in Heaven
• In Revelation 6:9-11, the souls of those who had been martyred for their faith are depicted as being in Heaven and under the altar. They cry out to God, asking how long it will be until their blood is avenged. This passage highlights their faithfulness and the hope of ultimate justice.
Eternal Life begins in and Rewards happen in Heaven
• The depiction of believers in Heaven emphasizes the reward for their faithfulness on Earth. They are granted eternal life and a place in God's presence, free from suffering and sorrow.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
Romans 8:18
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Revelation 21:4
"And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
2 Timothy 4:7-8
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."
Matthew 25:21
"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'"
Anyone who talks as if believers dont go to Heaven, is trying to decieve. He knows not Scripture and doesnt have the hope that's in us. They're chasing vain philosophies, and know nothing. Avoid them, and trust God. His Word is the authority on all matters for faith and life, as our Creator left us the Bible to guide us into all truth.
God bless
