In heaven, what age will everyone be?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Some people believe that whatever age you are at death, that is the age you will be in heaven. Others say that we will all be an "ideal age" in heaven, perhaps the early 30s, the prime of life and the age of Jesus at the crucifixion. The Bible does not directly answer this question. What we do know, though, is that in heaven, we will be given new, immortal bodies that do not suffer from aging, sickness, or death, allowing us to experience the fullness of life in God's presence without the limitations of time. While we wait for this day, we can live with a heavenly mindset, pursuing what will last for eternity and focusing on spiritual growth in preparation for eternity.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Heaven is an eternal place (Daniel 4:34). It isn't natural for us to think of ourselves living forever and never aging. We exist within linear time; our existence is linear, moving from point A to point B. Part of the reality of that linear existence is the process from birth to death. But birth, death, and aging are not a reality in heaven. In God's kingdom, we will live forever, and the idea of aging will likely have no meaning, or at least a very different meaning. Perhaps we will understand that time is passing, but it will have a different effect on our bodies and minds. There is really no way to know until we're there.
• Our existence in Heaven will surpass our existence here on earth in every possible way. The depths of love and purity and joy that we will know in God's presence will be astonishing (Psalm 16:11).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In heaven, we will have a "new body," which God calls our "eternal house" (2 Corinthians 5:1). The bodies we will receive will be entirely new and will replace our earthly bodies—in fact, God says that this new body will "swallow up" what is mortal about us. It will be a heavenly body that does not die, age, suffer, or sin (Revelation 21:4). Still, it makes us wonder: what do those bodies look like? The Bible doesn't say.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The question of what age we will be in heaven reminds us that heaven is a place beyond our earthly experiences of time and aging. Instead of focusing on an ideal age, we can look forward to the fullness of life with transformed bodies that are free from aging, suffering, and sin. This truth should cause us to live with a heavenly mindset today, valuing our relationships, investing in our spiritual growth, and prioritizing what matters most in light of eternity. We are called to live in a way that reflects the eternal purpose God has for us. We can embrace each day as an opportunity to prepare for the future glory we will experience with Him, regardless of what age we will be in heaven.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible doesn’t specify an exact age in heaven.
• The Bible promises new, resurrected bodies free from aging, sickness, or death.
• In heaven, we will have transformed bodies fit for eternity.

REFLECT

• How does the idea of living forever in heaven without aging or sickness change your perspective on life and what you value today?
• What steps can you take now to live with a heavenly mindset and to focus on what will last for eternity?
• How do you imagine your relationship with God will change in a body free from aging and other limitations?

ENGAGE

• What does it mean for us to live with a heavenly mindset today?
• How does the promise of new, immortal bodies in heaven impact your view of suffering, pain, and aging in the present world?
• What does it mean to prioritize what matters most in light of eternity, and how should that influence our daily decisions and actions?