Life After Death

What Does Heaven Look Like?

Kaylin Kaupish

Learn about heaven from people who experienced life after death during near-death experiences.

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Have you ever tried to picture life after death? John Burke, a pastor and author of the book Imagine Heaven, believes that God has given us glimpses of what Heaven looks like. Burke found that most accounts of heaven from people who have had near-death experiences (NDEs) closely match biblical descriptions—regardless of the experiencer’s faith, age and cultural background. And while each soul may experience heaven differently, there are recurring scenes in Burke’s research that point to how it might appear. “Heaven is vast,” says Burke. “You have to put it all together to paint a vivid picture.” So, what does Heaven look like?

A flower field at sunset can tell us what does heaven look like — Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

1 ^{of 6} A Natural Scene

Heaven is sometimes described as a place of natural wonder, including fields of flowers, vibrant forests or snowcapped mountains. “It’s not just beautiful,” says Burke. “Everything is alive.” Near-death experiencers (NDE-ers) often say the scenery seems to vibrate with vitality. Burke connects this to Psalm 65: “The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.”

A city in the clouds is an example of what heaven looks like — Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

2 ^{of 6} A City in the Sky

Burke encountered three NDE-ers— a surgeon, a pilot and a boy who was blind—none of whom had ever met but who all spoke
of heaven as a city made of crystal-like gold and gemlike gemstones. This vivid depiction aligns with the heaven described to us in Revelation 21: “The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone.”

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A silhouette of a woman standing in water tells us what does heaven look like — Credit: Getty Images

3 ^{of 6} A Body of Water

Bodies of water are frequently reported in NDEs—an ocean, a lake or a flowing river. “Many people say they are invited into the water,” Burke says. “The water can be cleansing or healing.” This water of life is mentioned multiple times in the Bible, including Revelation 22: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God.”

A bright light in the sky with clouds is what heaven looks like — Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

4 ^{of 6} A Place of Otherworldly Light

Many NDE-ers describe a place with no sun or moon but one that’s bathed in an otherworldly glow. “They say the light is full of life and love,” says Burke. “It is the light of God.” According to Isaiah 60, in heaven, “The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light.”

Parents hugging their daughter can be what does heaven look like — Credit: Getty Images

5 ^{of 6} A Reunion

Heaven can be more than just a place‚ it can be people. “A commonality for those who describe a near-death experience is a welcoming committee,” says Burke. “Most of them are relatives or close friends who have passed on.” These joyous heavenly reunions are also mentioned in Scripture. In Luke 16:9, Jesus preaches about our friends welcoming us into heaven.

A house on a corner is what heaven looks like — Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

6 ^{of 6} Outliers

Some glimpses of heaven from NDEs are unique—a childhood home, outer space, a room without walls. But this doesn’t make them less profound. Burke says not all accounts of heaven can be sourced in Scripture. The way heaven looks may depend on the person experiencing it. The Bible says we are all unique, all “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

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