Introduction

This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite subjects to talk about. Heaven is the eternal reward for all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior. Please keep in mind that the true beauty of Heaven is far beyond anything I (or anyone else) could picture or describe to you. However, I will try to give you an idea about what it will be like based on what Scripture tells us.

I. Basic facts about Heaven

a. It is created by God. (Genesis 1:1)

i. Not only is it created by God, but it’s created with each and every individual Christian in mind! (John 14:2) (II Corinthians 5:1)

b. As wonderful as it is, God Himself is still much larger and greater. (II Chronicles 6:18)

c. Heaven gives testimony to the glory of God. (Psalm 19:1)

II. Description of Heaven (Revelation 21:10-22:5)

a. The city itself

i. Is in the shape of a square (21:16a)

1. Each side is 12,000 furlongs. (21:16b)

a. 1 furlong = 660 feet

b. 12,000 furlongs = 7,920,000 feet = 1,500 miles

ii. The streets- and the entire city itself- are made of gold so pure that it is clear and transparent. (21:18b) (21:21b)

iii. Has no temple- none is needed. (21:22)

iv. Has no sun or moon- God is the light. (21:23)

v. Has a crystal-clear river proceeding from God’s throne. (22:1)

vi. Has trees that yield a different type of fruit each month. (22:2)

vii. Best of all- we will see Jesus! (22:4)

b. The wall of the city

i. Has 12 foundations- 1 for each of the 12 apostles (21:14)

1. Each of these foundations are garnished with precious stones (21:19-20) *Special Note: see included pictures of precious stones.

a. 1^st foundation: jasper

b. 2^nd foundation: sapphire

c. 3^rd foundation: chalcedony

d. 4^th foundation: emerald

e. 5^th foundation: sardonyx

f. 6^th foundation: sardius

g. 7^th foundation: chrysolite

h. 8^th foundation: beryl

i. 9^th foundation: topaz

j. 10^th foundation: chrysoprasus

k. 11^th foundation: jacinth

l. 12^th foundation: amethyst

ii. Is made of jasper (21:18a)

iii. Is 144 cubits high. (21:17)

1. 1 cubit = approximately 18 inches

2. 144 cubits = approximately 2,592 inches = 216 feet

c. The gates of the city

i. Total of 12 gates- 3 gates on each side of the city (21:12-13)

ii. Each gate guarded by angels (21:12)

iii. Each gate made of pearl- 1 pearl per gate! (21:21a)

iv. Will never shut at night because there is no night (21:25) (22:5)

v. Will keep out anything and everything other than those who accepted Jesus Christ as Savior during their lives. (21:27) (22:3)

Conclusion

What an awesome place this truly will be! I only wish that I could describe it to its fullest extent. This is the reward that is waiting for all who put their trust in Christ. Doesn’t this just make you want to share the Gospel with even more people?