Revelation: What Will Heaven Be Like? Part 3

Revelation 21-22:5

As we close this year with the book of Revelation, God shows us that his story is about making all things new: a new heaven, a new earth, and life fully restored with him. That’s why 2026 matters. Beginning January 5, God’s Story in God’s People will take us from Genesis to Revelation to see how God works through real people to accomplish his eternal purposes—and how he’s writing a new story in us today.  

Revelation 21–22 pulls back the curtain, revealing where everything has been heading all along: complete renewal in God’s presence. Let’s continue to consider what heaven will be like. 

What will heaven look like? 
We know that all the redeemed from all ages will be in heaven. We will worship Jesus face-to-face, catch up with loved ones, and meet the saints of old. And as we meet up with Christians from history in our favorite coffee shop (there has to be coffee!), what will our surroundings be like? 

Heaven will be brilliant beyond imagination.
John explains that he was carried away “in the Spirit” to a great mountain, where he saw the holy city. He says that heaven shone with “the glory of God” (Rev. 21:11). God’s glory provides such magnificent light that “the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Rev. 21:23).

In John’s vision, heaven’s walls were made of jasper, and the city itself was made of pure gold, “like clear glass” (Rev. 21:17-18). On the walls of the city were the names of the “twelve apostles of the Lamb” (21:14). The twelve foundations of the walls “were adorned with every kind of jewel” (Rev. 21:19-20). John saw twelve gates leading into the city, each made of a single pearl (Rev. 21:21). The city’s street was pure gold, “like transparent glass” (Rev. 21:21). 

Many specifics about heaven are not detailed; however, based on John’s description, we can infer that it will be beyond imagination in its beauty and brilliance.

Heaven will be spacious and multidimensional.
John said that the angel who spoke to him “had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls” (Rev. 21:15). John described the holy city as a spacious, multidimensional cube: fifteen hundred miles long, wide, and high, with walls over two hundred feet thick (Rev. 21:16-17). Some of you may be trying to calculate the square footage of the heavenly cube and how big your “mansion” will be. But that’s not the point of this passage. In heaven, there will be plenty of room for all the redeemed. 

It seems the cube described by John will not be the only place of eternal existence. We will be able to move from this multidimensional eternal dwelling into the immeasurable vastness surrounding it. John describes three gates on each side, inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev. 21:12-13). The gates imply that there will be other places to visit. 

Heaven will be heaven because of what is there and because of what is not there. 

What will be missing from heaven?
No sea (Rev. 21:1). John says that in heaven there will be no sea (Rev. 21:1). Why is that important? First, the sea is often seen as a dangerous, treacherous place. Second, it is not permanent. You don’t live on the sea; you cross it to reach your destination. In heaven, you have arrived! 

No death (Rev. 21:4). Death and everything that causes it are the result of sin. Sin and death have no place in heaven. No cancer. No diseases. No shootings. No plane crashes. No last breaths. No caskets, funerals, or walking away from a grave. The last enemy is destroyed forever (1 Cor. 15:26). 

No mourning (Rev. 21:4). The grieving process is brutal, and there is no way to avoid it. But in heaven, no one ever has to say “So long for now” again. 

No crying (Rev. 21:4). Tears come from scraped knees, broken bones, and broken hearts. But in heaven, there are no accidents, rejection, depression, loneliness, or fear. 

No pain (Rev. 21:4). In heaven, nothing will harm your mind, emotions, or body.

No temple (Rev. 21:22). John said, “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb” (Rev. 21:22). In the Old Testament, the temple was the place to meet with God. Sacrifices were offered as reminders of sin and as a means of maintaining fellowship with God. But in heaven, there is no sin; therefore, we will be in God’s presence continually. 

No night (Rev. 21:25; 22:5a). In ancient cities, the gates were shut at night to protect the inhabitants. Darkness can bring fear and uncertainty. But in heaven, the gates are always open because “there will be no night there” (Rev. 21:25). The lamps for the night and the sun for the day will not be needed, “for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever” (Rev. 22:5a). The glory of God’s presence will provide light for all eternity.

No curse (Rev. 22:1-4). The angel showed John “the river of the water of life, bright as crystal” (Rev. 22:1a). The river flowed from “the throne of God and of the Lamb,” nourishing the “tree of life,” which provided the “healing of the nations” (Rev. 22:1-2). What Adam forfeited in his disobedience, God now gives freely to all in heaven. The curse, brought on by Adam’s sin (Gen. 3), has been rectified and removed by Jesus’ work on the cross (Rom. 8:18, 25; Gal. 3:13; Eph. 2:13-16). 

The curse of sin is gone…forever. We belong to Jesus. We will see his face (Rev. 22:4), and “his servants will worship him” for eternity (Rev. 22:3).

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD

Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 21:1-22:5. Reflect on the splendor of heaven.

Talking to God: What does the vast, multidimensional nature of heaven teach us about God’s capacity and care for his people?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to assist as we explore God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll respond soon. If you're interested in learning more about a relationship with Jesus or seeking spiritual guidance, let us help you take the next step.

REVELATION ZOOM CALL
We’ve spent many weeks in Revelation together—thank you for walking through these daily devotions! We’re excited to invite you to a special Zoom call where we’ll talk about what God taught us through the study. Monday, January 5 at 7:00 pm. Zoom call details will be at the bottom of January 5 Daily Devotion.

2026: A New Year. A New Series. A New Way to See Your Life in God’s Story.

Starting January 5, 2026, jump into our most engaging series yet—God’s Story in God’s People. From Genesis to Revelation, you’ll discover how God works through real people with real struggles and real purpose—and how he wants to do the same in you. Don’t just read the story—step into it—and apply it to your everyday life. 

RE-IGNITE YOUR MARRIAGE IN 2026!
Refocus, reconnect, and recharge your marriage—starting January 10 with an in-person kickoff and online classes, ending with a Valentine’s Day recommitment ceremony.
Make this the year your love grows stronger than ever!
Learn more and register: livinggrounded.org/marriage

SAVE THE DATE: Bible Immersion trip to Israel: November 4-14, 2026.