People have a habit of saying, “I want to go to heaven.” Or, “I can’t wait to spend eternity in heaven.” While it is certainly true that we will spend some time in heaven, it is also true that we won’t be spending eternity in heaven. Here is what the bible states regarding this:
Will We Spend Eternity in Heaven or a New Earth?
The bible certainly seems to indicate that we will be spending some time in heaven. Some people are taken to heaven and come from heaven back to Earth during the Millenial Reign. Revelation 7:9 describes the 144,000 of Judah, as well as a great un-numbered multitude standing in Heaven. So this indicates that we will definitely spend some time in the realm of Heaven.
It is also debated whether or not we will go to Heaven immediately when we die, or if we are unconscious in a state of rest unti the resurrection and judgement. Religlious leaders have different views on this, but either way, we eventually will go to Heaven for a period of time, until the end of times (also called the apocalypse).
In the very end times, there will be a hectic battle of good and evil. God will temporarily allow Satan to be freed from his prison. But soon after, the beasts described in Revelation will be thrown into the lake of fire, to be tormented in Hell for ever and ever (all eternity).
God Creates a New Heaven and a New Earth
Soon after, God will completely do away with this Heaven and this Earth. God will establish and create a new Heaven and a new Earth (Revelation 21). God will dwell with us in this new Earth. There will be no more sorrow, no more death, no more hunger, no more depression, no more doubts. It will be paradise on Earth for all of eternity. God will rule with us in His presence.
This Earth will be no more, and God will create a better Earth. So clearly, we do not reign with God in Heaven for eternity. Instead, as the bible teaches in Revelation, a New Earth is established, and we will dwell with God and the Lamb in this new Earth.