Question:

Are heaven and hell real places? If so, where are they?

Answer:

The Bible does not specify where heaven will be, but we do know that it will be a place. Jesus told His disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Just where that place will be is not known.

The Bible does indicate that heaven is “above.” Jesus ascended into heaven after his resurrection (Acts 1:9, 1:11).

We also know from Scripture that along with a new heaven, God will make a “new earth” (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1). There is disagreement among theologians as to whether the earth where we live now will be remade, or whether there will be an entirely new earth. We like the position that says it will be remade, and that we will continue to exist and act in it.

As for hell, the Bible indicates that it is also a place, but a place of eternal conscious punishment for the unredeemed (Matt. 25:30). There is no indication where this place is located.