When you picture heaven, do you imagine a bunch of clouds, harps, and people in glowing white robes? Or maybe the whole idea of heaven just feels vague, like something you hope is real but aren’t sure how to think about.
Heaven, hell, and generally anything to do with the afterlife comes with a lot of baggage. That’s why, in this article, we’re going to simplify this topic as much as possible.
We’re not doing a deep dive into every view on the afterlife presented throughout church history, and we’re not going to talk about modern-day stories of people who claim to have experienced heaven for themselves.
Instead, we’re going to stick with Jesus. What He said about the afterlife, and what His words mean for us.
Here’s the main point: According to Jesus, heaven isn’t some cosmic waiting room for people who were “good enough.” And it’s not just a comforting idea for when we’re grieving. Heaven is real, it’s attainable, and it’s far more personal and joyful than we often imagine.
The Mystery of Heaven
Nothing in the Bible will give us a Google Maps style view of what heaven’s like.
It seems to be a place completely different from our present reality, which is why the Bible uses so much imaginative and often weird imagery to describe it.
So as we explore what Jesus says, let’s keep in mind that He’s using tangible imagery to describe something impossible to fully explain.
5 Things Jesus Said About Heaven
1. Heaven Is Where God Lives With His People
When Jesus spoke about heaven, He didn’t describe it as a distant escape or a reward for rule followers. He talked about it as a home—a place where we would live with God.
Jesus said:
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3 NIV.
What’s Jesus saying? Well, I don’t think Jesus is saying that heaven is one giant apartment block. Instead, He’s using the imagery to tell His followers that heaven is God’s house, and there’s room for everyone there.
This also suggests that heaven is a place of community and connection with God and others. We’re not disembodied spirits hovering in the clouds. Instead, Jesus seems to be saying that we retain something of our personality in heaven.
Here’s the point: Heaven is not just where God lives. It’s where He invites us to live with Him forever.
2. Heaven Is Like a Celebration
Jesus didn’t give us a full blueprint of what heaven is like, but He did give us glimpses. And what He shared tells us something important. Heaven isn’t just about what we escape from. It’s about what we’re invited into.
He said:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.” Matthew 22:2 NIV
Jesus often described the kingdom of heaven as a feast, a reunion, and a celebration. In other words, it is a place of joy, belonging, and love.
Heaven is where God dwells, which means everything will be good. Every injustice set right. Each tear wiped away. All wounds healed.
Here’s the point: Heaven will be a place of joy, celebration, and renewal.
3. Relationships in Heaven Will Be Different, But Not Less Meaningful
When people asked Jesus what relationships would look like in eternity, He gave them a surprising answer.
He said:
“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” Matthew 22:30 NIV
That might sound disappointing or unsettling at first, especially if marriage has been a meaningful part of your life. But Jesus wasn’t saying relationships won’t matter. He said they’d be transformed. The closeness, love, and connection we long for will be fulfilled in ways we can’t fully grasp on this side of eternity.
In heaven, there will be no insecurity, loneliness, or loss. Every relationship will be whole, and every need for belonging will be met in the presence of God.
Here’s the point: Heaven offers more connection, not less—it just looks different than we might expect.
4. Jesus Is the Way to Heaven
Have you ever wondered how to get to heaven? People asked Jesus that same question. His answer was simple, but it challenged a lot of assumptions.
Jesus said:
… “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV
We don’t find heaven through being perfect or following a formula. We find it through knowing and trusting Jesus Christ.
Jesus didn’t point to a spiritual checklist or a set of religious achievements. He pointed to Himself. We don’t find heaven through being perfect or following a formula. We find it through knowing and trusting Jesus Christ.
Jesus also described the road to heaven as a narrow gate. He said:
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 NIV
Here’s the point: Jesus invites us into heaven through trusting Him.
5. The Kingdom of Heaven Starts Now
When Jesus talked about heaven, He didn’t only describe it as a place we go when we die. He often used the phrase “the kingdom of heaven” or “the kingdom of God” to describe something that was already arriving.
He said:
… “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15 NIV
He also said:
“... the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:21 NIV
Jesus wasn’t just pointing to the future when He spoke about heaven. Every time He healed the sick, welcomed the outcast, forgave sin, or spoke truth with love, He was showing us what life in God’s kingdom looks like.
That same kingdom is still here and still growing. When we trust Jesus, we begin living eternal life now, not just after we die.
The Holy Spirit changes our hearts. We start seeing people differently. We forgive, serve, love, and live with purpose. That’s what it means to live in the kingdom today.
Here’s the point: Heaven isn’t just where we’re going. It’s something we begin to experience when we walk with Jesus now.
What Jesus Didn’t Say About Heaven
Jesus never said that the whole point of being a Christian is to go to heaven when we die.
Instead, He spent a lot of His time talking about bringing heaven to earth. He called people to follow Him now, not just believe in Him for later.
Why does this matter? Because it’s easy to view heaven like an insurance policy. Good to have, but not a daily thing to keep in mind.
But Jesus talked about heaven as an ever-expanding kingdom stretching from this moment into eternity. And our role as followers of Jesus is to expand God’s kingdom through daily acts of love, kindness, and courage.
We see this view of heaven on display in the way Jesus taught His disciples to pray. He began the Lord’s Prayer with these words:
“… ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’” Matthew 6:9-10 NIV
Here’s the point: Our mission isn’t to wait for heaven—it’s to make earth more like heaven today.
FAQs: What Did Jesus Say About Heaven?
What is heaven, according to Jesus?
Jesus described heaven as His Father’s house. It is a real place where God lives with His people. It is not a vague idea or an escape from earth. It is a place of life, joy, and love in God’s presence.
How do I get to heaven?
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” That means the way to heaven is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not something we earn. It is a gift we receive by trusting Him.
Check out this example salvation prayer.
Who will enter heaven?
Jesus said those who know Him, love Him, and walk in faith will be welcomed in. He described the path as a narrow gate. Not because God is trying to keep people out, but because it requires us to trust Him rather than ourselves.
What will heaven be like?
Jesus spoke about joy, reunion, healing, and worship. The Bible says there will be no more pain, no more death, and no more tears.
When does eternal life start?
Eternal life doesn’t begin when we die. It begins when we know Jesus. Life with God starts now and continues forever.