How I Imagine Heaven

When you hear the word “heaven,” what image comes to mind? Is it one of saints in white robes, sitting on clouds and playing harps for all eternity? If so, I wouldn’t blame you if you weren’t too thrilled about going there (whether or not you believe in it). But that is not at all how I picture it.

When I originally started this blog post about two years ago, I wanted to describe how I imagine Heaven based on the small hints of it in the Bible and my own deepest longings. I chose the cover photo, made a rough outline, and then forgot about it. About two months ago I had what I believe to be a prophetic dream that rekindled the desire to write it.

In my dream, I saw a glowing field of flowers on a patch of soil descending from the sky. Even in my dream I knew it to be the Kingdom of God. It lost its glow as it got planted into the earth and became a part of it, and as the seeds of the flowers spread, the field started getting bigger.

In the next scene I was lost in a cold and mirky forest. When I finally found my way out of it into an equally desolated but open field, I discovered the flowers again. I was amazed that they were still there and continuing to spread, even when most people were unaware of or had forgotten about it.

When I woke up, the dream felt just as vivid and glowing, if not even clearer in its meaning. It was telling me that Heaven is not far away in time and space. Jesus already planted it into this earth when he came, and it is growing, even when it isn’t always so obvious

One of my favorite YouTube Channels, The Bible Project, illustrated this idea so beautifully in their video called “What is Eternal Life?” The video talks about how the reality of Heaven exists simultaneously with our current reality, and with his death and resurrection Jesus created a “portal” between the two, making it possible for us to experience glimpses of Heaven even while on this earth. But one day when Jesus comes back again, Heaven will fully take over the earth and death will be no more.

When I decided to return to my blog post, imagine my amazement when I saw the photo I had selected for it almost two years before! A field of flowers, glowing in the sunlight… Then, when I picked up where I had last left off in the Bible, I was amazed once again to read parable after parable about the Kingdom of God.

The one that stood out most to me—and gained a whole new meaning due to my dream—was the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32): “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

Jesus planted Heaven on this earth when he came. Even though earlier He describes it as a “secret” that not everyone can see or understand (Matthew 13:11), it is constantly growing in hidden places and will one day be visible to everyone. A bit later Jesus explains that one day He will weed out all evil and the earth will be as it was when He created it, as it was always meant to be. God isn’t planning on rescuing us from this earth. He plans on restoring it. The earth will once again give birth to the tree of life (Revelations 22) and the whole earth will become an Eden. 

But what exactly does that look like? I believe humanity got the biggest taste of it through the life of Jesus. He began spreading His Kingdom values by healing the sick, comforting the lonely, and raising the dead (which His followers are meant to continue through the Holy Spirit), because none of those things exist in Heaven—neither sickness nor sadness nor death.

It is promised in the Bible that “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Can you even imagine such a world? No more wars, no more sadness, no more suffering. Whenever I have been brokenhearted or in physical pain, this promise has been my comfort. Recently, someone I loved very much passed away and I can’t even imagine how hard it would be if it weren’t for the conviction that I will see her again.

In contrast, I imagine there being a lot of joy and dancing. The warmest sense of community and belonging. Think of all the people we will get to meet in person (or meet again) in Heaven! Ancestors. Loved ones we have lost. Favorite authors. Characters from Bible stories. Whoever chose to be there through the free gift and invitation of Jesus. And there will be no need to rush as we walk through the trees and talk. We will have all of eternity to get to know each other.

And most importantly, God Himself. I have spent so much time in my imagination lying by the riverside or sitting by the fire with Jesus. Similar to what David described in Psalm 23: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” I have shared so much with him about my deepest pains and the most ordinary events of my day and listened to his response with the “eyes and ears of my heart.” There is nothing I look forward to more about Heaven than being able to sit in Jesus’ embrace as physically and tangibly as I can with people in this world.  

Aside from all the rest we will have, I do believe that we will also work and have a role to play in this beautiful world. After all, we humans feel most ourselves when we can create and contribute. Even in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were to care for the earth. Our unique personalities, talents, and dreams aren’t a result of the exile from paradise, nor do I believe they will disappear when the earth is paradise again. They are woven into our DNA and I am certain they will serve a purpose, even if different from that on this earth. Maybe I won’t need to write for a living (as if I do that now) but can do it as an act of worship, without all the anxieties and insecurities that accompany it in this world.

Jesus also promised his disciples that he is going back to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house (John 14:2). Whether or not he meant this literally, I imagine that we will have dwelling places in Heaven. Maybe we will get to build our homes like on this earth or maybe “home” will have a completely new meaning. As of now, I would be so content living in a cozy cottage with a fireplace.

I know that I am a dreamer and often have idealistic expectations that get disappointed, but in this one instance, I know that the reality will far exceed whatever expectations my imagination could come up with. If like me you have found yourself with a desire for a world that is peaceful and green and full of love, don’t settle for the idea that it is impossible. After all, as C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, “If [you] find in [yourself] a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that [you were] made for another world.”