Will it be possible to sin in heaven? Will people in heaven be able to sin?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

It will be impossible to sin in heaven, as Scripture assures us that sin will be entirely removed in the new heaven and earth. Revelation 21:27 states that nothing impure or sinful will ever enter God’s eternal presence, and Revelation 22:3 confirms that the curse of sin will be completely eliminated. In heaven, believers will have transformed, incorruptible bodies and will experience perfect restoration in a world made free from pain, death, and sorrow (1 Corinthians 15:42–44; Revelation 21:4). The focus of heaven will be the worship and glory of God, as His holiness will overshadow all and ensure a sinless state (Revelation 4:8–11). This eternal communion with God fulfills His promise of redemption and secures a perfect, sin-free existence for those in His presence.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament repeatedly emphasizes God’s holiness and the separation from sin in His presence. For instance, the tabernacle and temple were places where God’s presence was manifested, but access was limited by holiness standards (e.g., Leviticus 16:2–34). While the Old Testament does not explicitly describe heaven as a place where sin is impossible, these themes point toward a future time of complete holiness and restoration, where God’s presence is fully realized without sin’s interference.
• The Old Testament prophets often spoke of a future time of restoration when God’s people would live in peace, righteousness, and harmony. For example, Isaiah 65:17–25 and Ezekiel 36:24–38 describe a future new heavens and new earth where there is no more pain or sorrow, implying a state free from sin.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Revelation 21:4 notes the future removal of any pain or problems: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore." This same verse notes the reason there will no longer be death or pain: "for the former things have passed away." The new heaven and new earth will exist without the curse of sin found in this world.
• The description of the new heaven and heavenly city includes an absence of sin. Revelation 21:27 states, "But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life."
• Revelation 22:3 states, "No longer will there be anything accursed." The curse of sin that entered humanity starting with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3 will be removed.
• The focus of heaven will be God and the worship of Him. Revelation 22:3 continues, "but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him."
• Revelation 22:14–15 contrasts the holy ones in God's presence with the sinners who live outside: "Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." These evil ones have no ability to enter into the sinless presence of the Lord in this future eternal state.
• Revelation 22 concludes with the author, John, proclaiming, "Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20). He longed for a future time when sin would be no more.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Scripture provides a clear and comforting assurance that there will be no sin in heaven. In the eternal state, our transformed bodies will no longer be subject to sin, decay, or corruption (1 Corinthians 15:42–44). The curse of sin, which began in the Garden of Eden, will be entirely removed, as Revelation 22:3 declares, “No longer will there be anything accursed.” We will experience perfect restoration, living in a creation that is free from pain, death, and the effects of sin (Revelation 21:4).

In heaven, believers will be in the direct, unmediated presence of God. Revelation 21:3 emphasizes this promise: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people.” This closeness to God ensures that sin will no longer have any place or power, as God’s holiness will completely overshadow and eliminate all impurity (Habakkuk 1:13).

Our focus in heaven will center entirely on the worship and glory of God, as described in Revelation 4:8–11, where the heavenly beings and saints continually declare His holiness and worth. The joy of heaven will be found not in personal pleasures but in the perfection of communion with God and the celebration of His infinite greatness. This eternal worship reflects the ultimate purpose of our salvation: to glorify God forever in perfect unity with Him, without sin.

UNDERSTAND

• In heaven, it will be impossible to sin.
• In heaven, sin and its effects will be entirely removed.
• The focus in heaven will be worshiping and glorifying God.

REFLECT

• How does the promise of a sin-free heaven impact your view of life now and what you value most?
• What comfort does it bring knowing that in heaven, God’s holiness will overshadow everything, and there will be no place for sin?
• How can the focus on worship and glorifying God today prepare you for an eternity centered on Him?

ENGAGE

• What are some implications for our daily choices and actions if we fully believe that sin will be impossible in heaven?
• How does the reality of a sin-free heaven influence your understanding of God’s redemptive work and His ultimate plan for creation, both now and for eternity?
• How can we live out the eternal purpose of worshiping God today, reflecting the sin-free state that awaits us in heaven?