Doesn’t the Bible say we can’t know about Heaven?

Many people believe the Bible teaches that we can’t know anything about Heaven. However, a closer examination of Scripture reveals a more nuanced perspective. Let’s explore what the Bible says about our ability to understand Heaven:

1. Misinterpreted Verses

Some Bible verses are often misused to suggest we can’t know about Heaven:

1. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 is frequently quoted out of context:

**”But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”**

2. Deuteronomy 29:29 is sometimes partially cited:

**”The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”**

3. 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, where Paul mentions hearing “unspeakable words” in paradise, is contrasted with John’s detailed visions in Revelation:

**”I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.”**

2. God Wants Us to Understand Heaven

Randy Alcorn, a leading scholar on Heaven, argues that God has revealed information about Heaven in His Word because He wants us to understand and anticipate what awaits us. The Bible provides numerous insights into Heaven, indicating God’s desire for His people to know about their eternal home.

3. Our Current Knowledge is Partial

While we can know some things about Heaven, our understanding remains incomplete:

**”For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”** (1 Corinthians 13:12)

This verse suggests that our current understanding of spiritual matters, including Heaven, is partial but will be fully realized when we are in God’s presence.

4. Heaven’s Full Nature Surpasses Human Comprehension

The true glory of Heaven goes beyond our current ability to fully grasp:

**”But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”** (1 Corinthians 2:9)

5. Continuous Learning in Heaven

Scripture indicates that our knowledge will continue to grow even in Heaven. We will progressively discover more of God’s glory with increasing joy.

6. Jesus’ Unique Knowledge

**”And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.”** (John 3:13)

This emphasizes Jesus’ unique and complete knowledge of Heaven.

7. Biblical Descriptions of Heaven

While our understanding is limited, the Bible does provide several vivid descriptions of Heaven:

– The New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10-27)

– The Tree of Life (Revelation 22:1-2)

– God’s Throne (Revelation 4:2-11)

– Worship in Heaven (Revelation 5:11-14)

These passages offer glimpses into the beauty, majesty, and worship that characterize Heaven.

8. The Purpose of Heavenly Knowledge

Understanding Heaven serves several important purposes for believers:

1. **Encouragement in trials:** Knowing about our eternal home can provide comfort during difficult times on earth.

2. **Motivation for holiness:** A clearer picture of Heaven can inspire us to live more godly lives.

3. **Evangelistic zeal:** Understanding the reality of Heaven can fuel our desire to share the gospel with others.

4. **Proper perspective:** Knowledge of Heaven helps us maintain an eternal perspective amidst temporal concerns.

9. Common Misconceptions About Heaven

As we study Heaven, it’s important to address some common misconceptions:

1. **Heaven is not an ethereal, disembodied state:** The Bible describes a new heaven and new earth with physical properties.

2. **Heaven is not boring:** The Bible portrays Heaven as a place of joyful activity, creativity, and worship.

3. **We don’t become angels:** Humans and angels are distinct creations with different roles in God’s plan.

4. **Heaven is not just “up there”:** The final state of Heaven involves a renewed earth where God dwells with His people.

10. Practical Applications

How can we apply this knowledge of Heaven to our daily lives?

1. **Study Scripture:** Regularly read and meditate on biblical passages about Heaven.

2. **Cultivate anticipation:** Foster a longing for Heaven through prayer and worship.

3. **Live with eternity in mind:** Make decisions based on eternal values rather than temporary pleasures.

4. **Share the hope:** Use your understanding of Heaven to encourage others and share the gospel.

Consider This:

While the Bible doesn’t provide an exhaustive description of Heaven, it does offer significant insights. God encourages us to seek understanding about our eternal home, even as we acknowledge that some aspects remain beyond our current comprehension. As Randy Alcorn puts it, “God tells us about heaven in his word, not so we can shrug our shoulders and remain ignorant, but because he wants us to understand and anticipate what awaits us”.

By studying what Scripture reveals about Heaven, we can cultivate a deeper longing for eternity and a greater appreciation for God’s promises to His people. This knowledge should not only comfort us but also transform how we live in the present, inspiring us to store up treasures in Heaven and share the hope of eternal life with others.

As we continue to explore the biblical teachings on Heaven, may we approach the subject with humility, wonder, and a growing excitement for the day when we will see our Lord face to face in the place He has prepared for us.

Citations:

[1] https://contenthacker.com/how-to-write-a-feature-article/

[2] https://sciencepod.net/how-to-write-a-good-article/

[3] https://mindesigns.com.au/blog/how-to-write-a-feature-article/

[4] https://contentatscale.ai/blog/what-makes-a-good-article/

[5] https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-writing-a-captivating-feature-article

[6] https://www.9marks.org/article/book-review-heaven-by-randy-alcorn/

[7] https://www.bible.com/bible/1/1CO.2.9.KJV

[8] https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heaven-randy-alcorn/1100319191

Tags:

• Bible
• Heaven
• imagine
• 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
• Deuteronomy 29:29
• 2 Corinthians 2:2-4