Can We Really Look Forward to Heaven?

If we’re honest, many of us find aspects of eternity… a little scary.

Those long-held images of halos, angel wings, and harp music might make us wonder: Are we really going to float around forever? And for the record—I’m not a harp girl, so that version of heaven doesn’t exactly thrill me.

Part of the reason we struggle to feel excitement about the New Heavens and the New Earth is because imagining it takes faith. Deep, stretching faith. God has given us promises, yes—but not a step-by-step brochure. And there's a reason for that: where certainty ends, trust begins. Where faith is required, our confidence in God grows.

We live by faith now. And we will also die in faith—entrusting ourselves fully to the Savior we have never seen. What greater expression of trust is there than closing our eyes in this life with the assurance that we’ll open them to see Jesus’ face?

Still, part of our fear comes from simply not being able to picture eternity. We have no box to put it in—no comparison for a perfect, everlasting life.

So how do we move from hesitation to anticipation?

We anchor ourselves in the concrete truths God has given us, and we let our sanctified imagination fill in the rest:

1. Our bodies will be immortal and spiritual
1 Corinthians 15
What exactly is a spiritual body? We’re not entirely sure—but we’re given glimpses in the risen Christ. Jesus walked, talked, touched, and even ate after His resurrection. So will we! That’s concrete.
Will we fly? What age will we appear to be? That’s where imagination kicks in.

2. Our relationships will be enhanced
Matthew 22
Will marriage disappear? Will friendships fade? Not at all. Relationships won’t be erased—they’ll be redeemed. Every ounce of love we’ve known on earth will be deepened, purified, and perfected. That’s concrete.
What exactly will our connection with a spouse, friend, or child look like? We can only imagine.

3. The earth will be made new
Romans 8
Heaven won’t be unfamiliar or sterile—it will be this world, restored and renewed. Creation itself will be liberated from decay and brokenness. We’ll be perfected people in a perfected place. That’s concrete.
Will there be oceans and mountains? Will we hike without growing tired or garden without weeds? Will there be colors we’ve never seen? Let your imagination run wild.

4. We will be in the presence of Jesus
Revelation 21
This is the heart of our hope: Jesus will dwell with us. We will see Him face to face and worship Him in pure, unhindered joy. No more shame, sorrow, or separation. That is the most concrete promise of all.
Will we sing in every language? Will I finally enjoy playing the harp? We can imagine...

So let’s not fear eternity—let’s long for it.

Yes, it requires faith. But it also invites imagination. And no matter what we picture, the reality will far surpass it.

As Paul reminds us:

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him.”
(1 Corinthians 2:9)

And that’s not scary.
That’s glorious.