In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells a story that reveals where genuine believers and unbelievers go after they die.  Unbelievers go to a place of torment.  Their status in this life makes no difference at all.  Believers go to be with the Lord in a heavenly paradise.

 

Revelation 20-22 describes the eternal state of believers and unbelievers.  Unbelievers will be thrown into the “Lake of Fire” (Revelation 20:14; 21:8).  Believers will have “Heaven on Earth.”

 

There are many Christians and non-Christians who are confused about their eternal state.  So, let me give a definition of heaven and hell based on the biblical text.

 

Heaven is going to be life on this earth as God originally intended it.  Everything sin has destroyed, God is going to make new.  All believers are going to enjoy for all eternity…

1.  A Perfect Environment (A new heaven and a new earth, Revelation 21:1-2).  God is going to purify heaven and earth and make them new.

 

2.  A Perfect City (“The New Jerusalem”, Revelation 21:9-22:5).  This city is going to come down from heaven and, I believe, rest upon the new earth (Revelation 21:2).

 

3.  Perfect Bodies (glorified bodies, 1 Corinthians 15:35-49).

 

4.  A Perfect Relationship with God, family, and other believers (Revelation 21:1-8).

 

5.  Perfect Ability and Fulfillment in all our activities (Revelation 1:6).

 

This is why Paul says any trials we face on earth cannot be compared to the glory of heaven (Romans 8:18).

 

Hell is giving all unbelievers what they really want.

1.  They don’t want a relationship with God, then they will be separated from God for all eternity.

 

2.  They don’t want to be with God’s people, then they will be in isolation from all people for all eternity.

 

3.  They don’t want to follow God’s laws or accept Christ’s payment for their sins, then they will pay the penalty for their sins for all eternity.

 

This is why Jesus said to avoid hell at all costs (Matthew 5:29-30; 16:26).