1 Corinthians 2:9 "However, as it is written: 'What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived' — the things God has prepared for those who love him."
John Newton once said that if we go to heaven, we will be surprised by three things: first, that some people we expected to be there are not; second, that some people we never expected to be there are present; and finally, that we ourselves are there. Here are 7 reasons from the Bible why we will be surprised in heaven.
1. Surprised that Heaven is a Free Gift
Heaven is a free gift from God. While billions worry if they are "good enough," the Bible is clear: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast" (Eph 2:8-9). Heaven is given not because of our good deeds, but through the merit of Jesus' cross.
2. Surprised that God Wipes Away Our Tears
Revelation 21:4 declares, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain." Our memories won't be deleted, but memories of sin, pain, and sorrow will be washed away and healed. The wonder of the new heaven and earth will be so overwhelming that earthly suffering will be forgotten.
3. Surprised to See God Face to Face
The Bible promises, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matt 5:8). The most amazing sight in heaven won't be streets of gold or pearly gates, but seeing our Savior face to face. The joy of looking into the eyes of the One who made us and died for us will be unspeakable.
4. Surprised by the Glory of God
Heaven needs no sun or moon. "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" (Rev 21:23). The light of glory emanating from God's throne will illuminate all of heaven, and we will be overwhelmed by its brilliance.
5. Surprised by the Multicultural Multitude
Revelation 7:9 describes "a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language" standing before the throne. Heaven is not for one ethnic group alone. We will see a multicultural, unified worship of God by people from every nation and language.
6. Surprised by the Abundance of the Saints
Heaven is a place overflowing with rewards and treasures for the saints. Jesus said, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world" (Matt 25:34). God will repay everything sacrificed for the Lord on this earth with incomparable glory and abundance.
7. Surprised by the Size of Heaven
Heaven is not a small place. God's grace is wide and vast, and countless sinners saved by the blood of Jesus will enter. In John 14:2, Jesus said, "My Father’s house has many rooms." Heaven will be vast and magnificent enough for all saved saints to dwell in peace.