The Bible does not tell us all that we would like to know about heaven (Isaiah 64:4). Heavenly things exceed our capacity to understand. The Bible does, however, give us enough information for us to imagine what it will be like.
In heaven, all sins are forgiven (Micah 7:19). Your biggest blunders. Your greatest mistakes. Those things that cause you terrible shame. All these are forgiven. You will also forgive those who sinned against you (Colossians 3:13). That thought might be difficult to entertain now. But in the presence of the One who forgave you so much, you shall forgive generously. Since everyone in heaven is wonderfully changed, you will find forgiveness much easier. A man who murdered another in this world will see his victim walking down the street. We can imagine this ex-murderer darting into some alley to hide from the one he caused soo much pain. Yet, his victim will hunt him down to embrace him as a friend.
In heaven, you are reunited with loved ones who entered before you (Matthew 8:11; John 14:2–3). We shall not dissolve like a raindrop into a puddle. Our uniqueness will not melt into a pool of light. The true you will remain. Is it not foolish to think that you will know less there than you know now? You will recognize all those friends and family members who went before you. You will also wait with expectancy for those who enter after you.
In heaven, you rest in security, safety, and ease (Revelation 21:4). Death will be no more. Illness a thing of the past. War obsolete. Aching bodies a phantom memory in your glorious body. You shall run and not weary (Isaiah 35:6). You will not need to stop to catch a breath. You will not worry about muggings, murders, meanness, not to mention earthquakes and hurricanes. All will finally be what you have always known, deep down, things should be.
Best of all, you will see your Savior face to face (1 John 3:2; Revelation 21:3). In this world, you have not plumbed the depths of his love for you. I hope you have thought of his love. I hope those thoughts have brought you to your knees in worship. Yet, to see the love in his eyes might be the one thing in heaven that undoes you. It will set you free as you have never been before. To fully know you are completely loved and delighted in will change you, all for better.
Why can’t we go there now? We are not ready. That will be the marriage feast (Revelation 19:6-10). This life is but the courtship. We need to say yes to the One who woos us. If we say yes, and only then, he will forever take us home with him (Revelation 3:20). He refuses to play the role of a coercive lover (Ephesians 5:25-27). He will not force himself upon anyone. You must receive his gifts of forgiveness and righteousness. Yet, his offer stands. He would love to take you home. Like a lover on one knee – or a cross – he wants to love you like this.