Did You Know that Heaven is Just a Temporary Place? And What About Religious Leaders Who Taught Us WRONG?!?

So, what exactly is Heaven? How long has this place been around, and will it still be around “forever?” Since most of us have never actually had an experience relating to heaven, let’s consider what the scriptures have to say about this place called… Heaven.

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible offers a rich portrayal of heaven, emphasizing its beauty, its eternal nature, and the promise of fellowship with God. Here are some key references:

1. A Place of Beauty and Glory:
   • Revelation 21:18-21 describes the New Jerusalem, saying, “And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones.”
   • The gates are made of pearls, and the streets are paved with gold.
2. Eternal Life:
   • John 14:2-3: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
   • This speaks of the eternal fellowship believers will have with Jesus in heaven.
3. No More Suffering:
   • Revelation 21:4: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
   • Heaven is depicted as a place where suffering is absent, and joy is everlasting.
4. The Presence of God:
   • Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
   • The ultimate reward of heaven is to be in the direct presence of God, seeing Him and experiencing His glory.
5. The Light of Heaven:
   • Revelation 22:5: “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever.”
   • Heaven is portrayed as a place where God Himself is the eternal light, eliminating any darkness.
6. A Place of Worship and Fellowship:
   • Revelation 7:9-10: “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”
   • Heaven is portrayed as a place of eternal worship and praise, where all nations and peoples gather to honor God.
7. An Inheritance for Believers:
   • 1 Peter 1:4: “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.”
   • This emphasizes the eternal, unshakable nature of heaven as an inheritance for those who trust in Christ.

These scriptures give a glimpse into the wonder and promise of heaven, portraying it as a place of eternal joy, peace, and closeness to God.

This certainly sounds like a pretty peaceful place to be, but is there more details in the scriptures that give us any additional information regarding Heaven being a forever destination, or is there something beyond Heaven? Let’s jump back into the scriptures for more guidance regarding this topic.

The idea that heaven is temporary is not explicitly stated in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. However, there are verses that give us some insight that there might be something beyond Heaven…a new heaven and a new earth.

• 2 Peter 3:13 (KJV): “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

A new Heaven and a new Earth? Humm…That’s interesting. Let’s keep looking for more clues.

• Revelation 21:1 (KJV): “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”

For the first heaven, and the first earth were passed away?

Let’s continue with something that most Christians are aware of…The destruction or change of our earth.

We have learned that the final battle upon the Earth, called the battle of Armageddon, will destroy the earth as we know it, and that the earth will be changed into something more glorious than what it is today.

1. 2 Peter 3:10-13:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

2. Revelation 21:1:

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”

These passages highlight a radical transformation, where the current earth will be “dissolved” and replaced by a new, righteous creation in the coming of Christ. The earth will be purified, and God’s kingdom will be fully established.

These verses suggest that the current heaven and earth will eventually be replaced with something new and eternal, which could be seen as implying that the current state of heaven is temporary in some sense.

Another concept of heaven suggests that there are varying degrees or levels of heaven.

The three degrees of heaven are not explicitly outlined in the King James Version (KJV) Bible, but the idea comes largely from 1 Corinthians 15:40-41, which speaks of different types of bodies and glories:

“There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.”
 

Some interpret this passage as referring to different levels of resurrection or rewards in heaven. Biblically, the closest traditional Christian teaching on different “levels” of heaven comes from concepts like:

1. The Third Heaven – Paul describes being caught up to the third heaven, which is often understood as the dwelling place of God (2 Corinthians 12:2).
2. New Heavens and New Earth – Revelation 21 describes the ultimate dwelling place of the redeemed.
3. Judgment and Rewards – The Bible speaks of rewards based on faithfulness (Matthew 25:14-30, 2 Corinthians 5:10).

As we continue studying the bible, I think that it is fair to say that there are still many uncertainties relating to life beyond this life. From the information that we have been given through the scriptures, we must keep in mind that God intends for mankind to progress, from such a broken mortal existence, into something more glorious. It will also be a different physical place for us to reside.

One thing that keeps me grounded in my studies is to remember, it does not matter what opinion someone might have based upon their own studies, church teachings, or personal revelation… There is only one truth! And more importantly, that truth has already been established by God. Our existence in life after death will go according to what God has already set up for us, regardless of our own belief. One God for all of the world, not various God’s based upon each persons believes, and One “Next Step” plan that God has already determined.

Think of this for a moment. There are many different religious teachings upon the earth today, as well as throughout history. Even in Christianity, there are some very big differences in “Gospel Doctrines.” So, what will be the scene when we all die? Will there be chaos, as well as blaming religious leaders who have taught us doctrine that did not turn out to be true?

Remember, when Jesus came to earth and began teaching us “Christianity,” there was rebellion from the majority of those around Him, all the way up to those demanding His death. There was also confusion among the Jewish people who were trying to process the differences of what they had been taught for generations, vs what Jesus was now teaching.

Will this be how it is when we all die, and see the “changes” from what we were taught while here on earth? With all of the different religious teachings today, we KNOW that there will indeed be some who experience life after death which will be COMPLETELY different from their mortal teachings. So, what will this time be like, chaos…blaming others…feeling betrayed?

Let me be bold enough to say that ALL of us will learn something new about the reality of God’s plan for us, as we cross over into life beyond death. Even though YOU might think that you have it all figured out, I dare say that you will still be shown or taught something new.

So, how will we feel when we discover the truth of life after death? Let me answer this question again with scriptures, and not make assumptions. Here’s what they say:

1. God will wipe away all tears

Revelation 21:4 (KJV):

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

This suggests that even if we were hurt, misled, or deceived during our lives—including in matters of faith—those sorrows and regrets will be healed in heaven. The bitterness or anger we might feel here will not carry over into that eternal joy.

2. Justice and truth will be revealed

Luke 12:2 (KJV):

“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.”

When we stand before God, all truth will be made clear. We’ll see things as they truly are—including the motives of those who taught us. Those who led others astray, knowingly or not, will be held accountable by God.

3. We will be like Christ

1 John 3:2 (KJV):

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

Being “like Him” implies not only being purified but also full of love and forgiveness. It’s likely that with Christ-like hearts, we won’t dwell in resentment. Instead, we’ll rejoice in God’s perfect justice and mercy.

So, will we be upset in heaven?

In our current human mindset, it’s understandable to feel anger or betrayal over false teachings. But in heaven, God promises a transformation—tears wiped away, full truth revealed, hearts made like Christ’s. We’ll be filled not with bitterness, but with peace, understanding, and joy in God’s justice and love.

For those of you who might feel betrayed from religious leaders for teaching you untruths, let this information serve as a guide for you to process these mortal emotions. Recognize the good that you have received from the church’s teachings and fellowship, for it indeed has not been a waste of time. Then know that God will show you the full truth when we pass on, and will wipe away your tears which have come from this betrayal. You will then be transformed having peace and joy in God’s justice and love.

We will all MOVE ON, together with the SAME knowledge in a PEACEFUL, LOVING fashion…Essentially leaving this burden behind us. Can you feel the truthfulness of these words?

I find great joy and comfort in these teachings. I also look forward to having us all be united in the same belief, and moving forward as a group. No more hurt feelings due to our differences in religious beliefs, but a united understanding of the one truth.

I’ll see you soon, and look forward to hearing all of your mortal experiences that you have had on this earth, as we set up a NEW neighborhood built upon understanding and love. May God be with you!

-You can read more of River Wilde’s writings by subscribing to his blog at www.riverwilde.blog