Heaven 101: The Hope of Glory

In John 14:2, Jesus promises us that he goes to prepare a place for us that we might be with him. Heaven, therefore, is the promised inheritance for all who trust in Jesus. But perhaps you’ve wondered, what will that place be like? At the top of 2026, Resurrection University will kick off the semester with a series called Heaven 101: The Hope of Glory. Together we will study what Scripture has to say about eternal life, and collectively, we will see that it is infinitely better than we think it is. We will kick off the semester on Wednesday, January 14th, from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Plan to join us as we enjoy good food, good fellowship and the Word of God.

All of the lessons and the corresponding notes can be found below.

Heaven 101, Part 1 - Introduction: The Hope of Glory

In part 1 of our series, we will challenge common misconceptions that heaven is boring or undesirable and reframe heaven as the central, energizing hope of the Christian life. Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and voices like C.S. Lewis, we’ll argue that humanity’s deepest longings point to an eternal home we were made for. Part 1 emphasizes that heaven cannot be separated from Christ, as Colossians 1:27 makes plain: “Christ in you” is “the hope of glory.” Ultimately, our goal will be to recover a rich, biblical, and joyful vision of eternity.

Heaven 101, Part 2 - Ontology: What Will Heaven Be Like? (Intermediate Heaven)

Part 2 of our series explores the ontology of heaven—what heaven will actually be like—by grounding our understanding in Scripture rather than cultural assumptions or speculative imagination. It examines whether heaven involves time, space, and physicality, carefully navigating between overly abstract and overly material views, and introduces the idea of an intermediate heaven experienced immediately after death. Ultimately, the lesson calls us to keep our focus forward, emphasizing that heaven’s greatest reality is not its details but the eternal, Christ-centered joy of being fully embraced by God’s love

Heaven 101, Part 3 - Ontology: What Will Heaven Be Like? (Eternal Heaven)

In this lesson, we move from the intermediate heaven to the eternal heaven that will begin at Christ’s return, when God will dwell with humanity in the new heavens and new earth. In our time together, we will clarify the distinction between the millennial kingdom and the eternal state, emphasizing that eternal heaven will bring resurrected bodies, perfected desires, and a renewed creation far beyond our current experience. Ultimately, the lesson encourages believers to anticipate heaven with hope, while holding humility about the mystery and glory that await.

Heaven 101, Part 4 - Epistemology: What Will We Know In Heaven?

This lesson explores what believers will know in heaven, emphasizing that eternity will be marked by remembering God’s work, continually learning about His infinite nature, and joyfully worshiping Him forever. Rather than a static or boring existence, heaven is presented as an ever-deepening relationship with God where discovery, wonder, and delight never end, all rooted in His grace and glory.

Heaven 101, Part 5 - Axiology: What Will We Do In Heaven?

In Lesson 5 of Heaven 101, we explore the question, “What will we do in heaven?”—framing the answer around the idea that everything we do will magnify the triune God. Scripture reveals that our eternal life will include active rest, joyful residence in the New Jerusalem, meaningful work, and reigning with Christ—each activity free from sin and fully shaped by God’s glory. Far from boredom or passivity, heaven will be a vibrant, worship-filled existence where our values, actions, and rewards are perfectly aligned with God’s presence and purposes.

Heaven 101, Part 6 - Selling the Stairway to Heaven: Near-Death Experiences

Lesson 6 evaluates popular near-death accounts—90 Minutes in Heaven, Heaven Is for Real, and Proof of Heaven—and measures their claims against the authority of Scripture. By highlighting theological inconsistencies, the absence of a clear gospel presentation, and contradictions with biblical teaching, this lesson calls believers to exercise discernment, test spiritual experiences, and recognize that God’s Word is sufficient and complete. Ultimately, the lesson urges Christians to reject counterfeit authority, remain centered on Christ as the true focus of heaven, and respond with both conviction and grace when engaging with these stories and those who believe them.

Heaven 101, Part 7 - The Fear of Death and the Heaven-Bound Life

This final lesson in Heaven 101 moves heaven from a distant concept to a present comfort, addressing the fear of death by rooting our hope firmly in the promises of Christ. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15 and Colossians 3, the message shows how the certainty of Christ’s victory over death both heals our fear and hastens our hearts toward eternity. Through intentional meditation on Scripture, believers are encouraged to live with a steady, joyful anticipation of the “far country” that awaits them.