Most Christians assume that when they die, they go to heaven—and that’s the end of the story. However, as Pastor Vlad Savchuk points out, heaven is real, but it is not our eternal home. Ultimately, for Christians the new earth will be our destination.
The Scriptures reveal multiple layers of heaven. “There is more than one heaven,” Savchuk notes. The first heaven is the sky and atmosphere, where clouds and weather systems exist. The second heaven is the spiritual realm, a place of angelic and demonic activity and spiritual warfare. Finally, the third heaven is where God Himself dwells. Paul describes being “caught up to the third heaven, the paradise,” also referred to as the Father’s house and the “better country.”
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Heaven is meant to inspire hope and joy in the present. As Savchuk explains, “Heaven is our future home, but it’s also our present hope.” Thinking about heaven helps Christians endure the trials of life, much like the excitement of anticipating a new home.
When Christians die, they immediately go to be with Christ. Philippians 1:23 records Paul saying, “I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart… to be with Christ, which is far better.” Likewise, 2 Corinthians 5:8 states, “To be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” Heaven, then, is a temporary stop until the resurrection.
The ultimate eternal destination, however, is the new earth. As Savchuk emphasizes, “The Bible teaches that God will create a new heaven and new earth, and there will be an eternal dwelling place of the redeemed.” Revelation 21:1-4 describes the holy city, the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven and God dwelling with His people. The righteous will inherit and reign on the earth forever, while the wicked will be removed.
This understanding reshapes our perspective on life and mission. Heaven is not a place to escape the world, but a preparation for eternal life on a restored earth. “Heaven may be a waiting room, but the new earth is the throne room where God Himself will be with us forever,” Savchuk concludes.
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By living faithfully and anticipating Christ’s return, Christians participate in God’s plan for redemption, joy and restoration—not just for ourselves, but for the world He made.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
