Scripture: Revelation 21-22; John 17

• Teaching about Heaven can be found throughout the Bible. One of the most important Heaven passages is the final two chapters of Revelation. Another is Jesus’ prayer in John 17, especially the final section in verses 20-26.

Randy Alcorn, Heaven

• In Heaven, Randy Alcorn takes a deep dive into the biblical teaching about Heaven, answering dozens of commonly asked questions about what Heaven and eternity will be like.

C. S. Lewis, The Last Battle

C. S. Lewis, The Great Divorce

• Unlike Alcorn’s book, these two titles of C. S. Lewis are works of fiction, not expositions of biblical doctrine. However, they are valuable as imaginative depictions of Heaven that bring the Bible’s teaching to life in vivid, heart-stirring ways.

C. S. Lewis, “The Weight of Glory”

• Originally preached as a sermon in 1941, this short essay by Lewis is justly famous for its insightful reflections on desire, love of neighbor, and heavenly glory.

Samuel Rutherford, “The Last Words of Samuel Rutherford”

• Charles Spurgeon once called the letters of Samuel Rutherford (1600-61) “the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men.” After Rutherford’s death, British poet A. R. Cousin adapted material from his letters into a hymn, a wistful reflection on eternity.

Jonathan Edwards, “Heaven Is a World of Love”

• Jonathan Edwards (1703-58) was an American Congregationalist minister and a leader in the First Great Awakening. In this delightful sermon, Edwards beautifully expounds what it will be like to experience full communion with Christ in eternity. Though written in older English, it’s well worth the effort.

“Songs About Heaven” is a diverse musical playlist curated by The Gospel Coalition. We hope it stirs your heart with longing for “what God has prepared for those who love him.”

• Listen on Apple Music

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