What does Heaven look like? | MCGI Topic Review
Brother Eli Soriano’s teaching on heaven gives us a deep understanding of God’s dwelling place based on the Bible. He starts by reminding us that while the Bible has some descriptions of heaven, we don’t have the complete picture. This partial revelation is to inform and intrigue us.
The foundation of this teaching is Revelation 4:1-11 which Brother Eli quoted in full. This passage is John’s vision of heaven, a picture of God’s throne room. We see a throne in heaven surrounded by a rainbow “in sight like unto an emerald”. There are 24 elders, 4 living creatures with different appearance and a continuous worship. The sea of glass like crystal before the throne and the proclamation “Holy, holy, holy” is a picture of beauty and reverence like no other.
But Brother Eli said that this is just a glimpse. He mentioned other heavenly elements described in the Bible like the altar in heaven, the Ark of the Covenant, the tree of life and the river of the water of life. But he emphasized that “we cannot see everything that is there in heaven” through the Bible alone.
This limited revelation, Brother Eli said, is intentional. “there must be things that must be kept as a surprise for those who want to go to heaven”. This idea of heaven as a joyous surprise for believers is comforting and exciting.
To emphasize the unparallel of heaven, Brother Eli quoted Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us”. This verse encourages us to look at our present struggles through the lens of eternity. Whatever hardships we are facing now are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us in heaven.
Brother Eli further emphasized this with 1 Corinthians 2:9 “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him”. This scripture reminds us that heaven’s glory is beyond our understanding and imagination.
These teachings make us live with eternal perspective. We may be curious of the details of heaven but what’s most important is our relationship with God and our obedience to His will. Brother Eli said “strive hard in obeying God’s law, follow His will” knowing that the glory is indescribable for those who love God.
As we reflect on this teaching, we are left in awe, anticipation and hope. We may not have all the answers about heaven but we know it will be more wonderful than anything we’ve ever experienced. This partial revelation should motivate us to live faithfully and eagerly wait for the day we will experience the full glorious surprise of heaven.
Let’s be inspired to live with both feet on earth but with our hearts in heaven. May we be among those who through faith and obedience will hear God’s invitation one day: “Come up here and I will show thee things which must be hereafter” (Revelation 4:1).