What Heaven Is Really Like?
This article has been taken from content of the same information at Whiskey and the Writings. For that video, click here.
Have you ever wondered what heaven is really going to be like?
Not the cartoon version. Not the floating-on-a-cloud, harp-in-hand fantasy.
But the real heaven. The one Scripture points to.
Spoiler: it’s not about leaving earth. It’s about restoring it.
Heaven Isn’t What Pop Culture Says It Is
Growing up, most of us got our ideas of heaven from cartoons like Tom & Jerry or cultural clichés—clouds, halos, harps, and pearly gates. Maybe even a 24/7 worship service in the sky.
But here’s the problem: none of that is actually found in the Bible.
Instead of leaning on tradition or pop culture, let’s go back to the source—Genesis, Ezekiel, and Revelation—and see what God says about our forever home.
What Scripture Says About Heaven on Earth
Let’s start at the beginning: Genesis 1–2.
In Genesis 1:27–28 (NET), God creates humanity in His image and gives them a calling:
“Be fruitful and multiply! Fill the earth and subdue it!”
This isn’t just a command—it’s a vision. It reveals both our identity (image-bearers of God) and our vocation (stewards and cultivators of creation).
God’s plan wasn’t for humans to live in a disembodied spiritual state—it was to live and thrive on earth in His presence. That plan doesn’t change by the end of the story.
Heaven as the Restoration of God’s Original Plan
Fast forward to Ezekiel 47 and Revelation 21–22.
We see:
• A river flowing from the temple of God
• Trees producing fruit every month
• Leaves for the healing of the nations
This is unmistakable Garden of Eden language. It mirrors Genesis 2, where a river flows from Eden, bringing life to the world.
In Revelation 22:1–2, we read:
“The angel showed me a river of the water of life… On each side of the river stood the tree of life, producing twelve kinds of fruit… and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
This isn’t a departure from Genesis—it’s a return. A restoration. A revelation of what God intended all along.
The New Heaven and New Earth Are Here
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away…”
— Revelation 21:1
But here’s what’s key: God doesn’t destroy the earth—He renews it. Just like washing off a dirty car reveals what was always underneath, the old, broken parts of creation are peeled away so the original beauty can shine again.
And the biggest plot twist? We don’t go up to God—God comes down to us:
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people.”
— Revelation 21:3
This is the biblical vision of heaven: a restored earth, fully saturated with God’s presence, purpose, and peace.
What Will We Do in Heaven?
If heaven is earth restored, then what will we do there?
Let’s go back to Genesis 1:
• Be fruitful
• Multiply
• Fill the earth
• Cultivate and rule over creation
In eternity, we will still be human—and we’ll do what humans do best: create, build, relate, and reflect God’s glory.
Think of:
• Artists creating beauty that never fades.
• Engineers building cities without pollution or corruption.
• Baristas crafting the best cup of coffee ever brewed.
This is heaven: life without the stain of sin. Not a boring worship service on a cloud—but a dynamic, embodied, joyful existence with God and one another.
Will We Still Have Relationships in Heaven?
Yes, but they’ll be even better.
While Jesus says there won’t be marriage in the same way (Luke 20:35), He doesn’t say we’ll lose our relationships. We’ll still know one another, love one another, and live together in community—with no pain, loss, or separation.
It’s not the end of family and friendship—it’s the fulfillment of it.
So… What Will Heaven Be Like?
In summary, here’s what a biblical vision of heaven includes:
✅ A renewed earth, not an escape from it
✅ God dwelling with us, not us escaping to Him
✅ A restoration of Eden—only better
✅ Fruitful work, creative life, and deep community
✅ No more death, pain, or chaos
Heaven isn’t about leaving this world. It’s about becoming fully alive in the one God is remaking.
How Do We Live That Heaven Now?
Jesus taught us to pray:
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
— Matthew 6:10
That means heaven isn’t just a future reality—it’s a present invitation.
As followers of Jesus, we get to live that eternal life now. By creating, cultivating, and loving like He does, we bring glimpses of heaven into the here and now.
That’s the mission of Stories of Tov—to help people rediscover God’s story on earth and participate in the wholeness He offers.
Want to Go Deeper?
👉 Check out my other post: What Happens When We Die?
👉 Watch this episode of Whiskey and the Writings on YouTube
👉 Get your own Whiskey and the Writings glass when you donate to Stories of Tov
Let me know your thoughts:
What do you think heaven will be like? Does this challenge or encourage your view? Drop a comment below or reach out on Instagram.
Thanks for reading—and until next time, whether it’s whiskey or tequila in your glass: cheers.
