The question of whether heaven will be on earth is an interesting one that the Bible provides some insight into. At the center of this question is what the Bible says about the new heavens and new earth that God will create.
In the book of Revelation, John writes about seeing “a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away” (Revelation 21:1). This new creation follows the final judgment, when God will make all things new and death, sorrow, and pain will be no more (Revelation 21:4). John goes on to describe the New Jerusalem, the holy city, coming “down out of heaven from God” to the new earth (Revelation 21:2).
From these passages, we can gather a few key points about the new heavens and new earth:
- There will be a literal, physical new heaven and new earth created by God after this current age passes away.
- The New Jerusalem will come down from heaven to the new earth.
- God will dwell with His people on the new earth. “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man” (Revelation 21:3).
So in one sense, heaven and earth as we know them now will no longer exist. There will be a new heaven and new earth. However, there are also indications that “heaven,” in the sense of God’s dwelling place, will be joined to the new earth in some way. This union of heaven and earth is also described in Revelation 21: “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God…” (Revelation 21:2).
Some key characteristics of this new heaven and earth give us insight into what it might be like:
- No more curse – “No longer will there be any curse” (Revelation 22:3). The brokenness and sin of our current world will be no more.
- Healing of the nations – “On either side of the river was the tree of life…And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2). There will be life, health, and wholeness for all peoples.
- Unhindered presence of God – “They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads” (Revelation 22:4). We will be with God and know Him in unfettered relationship.
- Rule of Christ – “They will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5). Christ will be on the throne, and we will reign with Him.
When it comes to what we’ll be doing in this new heaven and earth, the Bible gives us a few tantalizing glimpses. Isaiah describes people building houses and planting vineyards (Isaiah 65:21). The kings of the earth will bring their glory into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:24). Work and responsibility seem to continue, but without frustration or futility. Above all, we will worship God, serve Him, and rule under Christ’s loving Lordship.
In summary, the new heavens and new earth promise the restoration of all that was lost at the Fall. The paradise we were created to inhabit will be fulfilled in an ultimate sense, with heaven and earth joined together under Christ’s reign. God will dwell eternally with His resurrected people on this renewed earth. There will still be a new physical universe, work to accomplish, and responsibilities to carry out, yet elevated and enhanced by our direct presence with God. The longing for harmony between heaven and earth will finally be realized.
While this gives us a basic picture from Scripture, many details remain a mystery. As Paul says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). The full glory awaits our eyes. Until then, we can trust that this new creation will far exceed our current imaginations. The hope of being with God forever in a resurrected world sets our hearts yearning, no matter the unknowns. Heaven will indeed come down to earth. There the adoring redeemed will exalt the Lamb of God while enjoying intimate communion with their Creator for all eternity.
Some key Bible verses about the new heavens and new earth include:
- Isaiah 65:17 – “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.”
- Isaiah 66:22 – “‘As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,’ declares the Lord.”
- 2 Peter 3:13 – “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
- Revelation 21:1-4 – “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth…He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
- Revelation 22:1-5 – “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life…The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.”
The hope of the new creation reminds us that this current fallen world is not all there is. God will bring restoration and renewal beyond what we can imagine. The Bible’s vision of heaven meeting earth propels us forward in eager anticipation of God’s glorious plan for the future. Though details may remain hazy, we can trust the One who promises to make all things new. The certainty of eternity with Christ inspires us to live fully now in light of forever.
The glimpse we get from Scripture of the new heavens and new earth coming together paints a picture of intimate closeness with God, right relationship between humanity, and the end of sin’s curse. Everything broken will be made whole. All of creation will worship the Son in joyful perfection. Heaven and earth will unite in a marriage feast that never ends. God has promised it, and He will bring it to pass. What a glorious day that will be!
Though this unity of heaven and earth is still in the future, we can experience glimpses of it even now. When we gather to worship, pray, and study God’s Word, heaven meets earth as we enter God’s presence. When we serve others and help advance God’s Kingdom, we partner with what He is doing on earth as it is in heaven. While we await the fullness still to come, we can actively anticipate it each day. Every act of obedience and step of faith brings us closer to experiencing the consummation of all things in Christ.
The joining of God’s dimension and ours at the end of time cannot be grasped fully now. But it is sure and true. Heaven will come down to earth. There we will bask in the glory of God’s presence, free from all sin and pain. What a joyous hope this brings! Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly.