Are people naked in heaven?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Before sin, Adam and Eve were naked without shame, but after their sin, God clothed them (Genesis 2:25; 3:7). In heaven, sin will not exist, yet the Bible indicates that people will wear clothing. Angels in the Bible are always depicted as clothed, as was the resurrected Jesus (Matthew 28:3; Acts 1). Believers in heaven are described as wearing white robes (Revelation 3:5; 4:4; 6:11; 7:9). Heaven is a place where believers have a new body and clothing suited for eternity. This anticipation of heaven calls us to live a life that reflects heavenly virtues and prepares us to serve God faithfully.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Prior to sin impacting humanity, Adam and Eve were described as being naked, having no shame (Genesis 2:25). After Adam and Eve sinned, Genesis 3:7 shares, "Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths." Because sin will not exist in heaven, some have wondered if people will be naked in heaven.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Bible indicates that people will have some kind of clothing in heaven. Angels, when they appear to humans, are always clothed in the Bible (such as the angel in Matthew 28:3).
• The resurrected Jesus was clothed. While one could argue that Jesus was on earth, rather than in heaven, at that point, it is clear that He was clothed and ascended into heaven still wearing clothing (Acts 1). It is unlikely this changed after He entered heaven.
• Those described in the Bible as being in heaven are clothed. For example, believers in Revelation 3:5 are described as wearing clothing in heaven: "The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life." Revelation 4:4 notes the 24 elders at the throne of God are wearing white clothing. The martyrs in heaven in Revelation 6:11 are given clothing in heaven: "Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer." The great multitude from every nation who will worship Jesus in heaven are described as clothed: "a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands" (Revelation 7:9).
• Those in the new heaven, new earth, and new heavenly city at the end of time with the Lord are described as being clothed: "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" (Revelation 22:14).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Every indication of people in heaven is that they will be wearing heavenly clothing appropriate for service to God and in worshiping Him. To suggest otherwise contrasts all of the above passages, which indicate every person will be clothed in eternity with the Lord, or must attempt to allegorize these passages to mean something else. It appears clear that the Bible describes heaven as a place where believers have a new existence, new body, and new clothing perfectly suited for eternity with the Lord. Today, we are called to live in anticipation of that future reality. We must live in light of God’s righteousness, which clothes us, dressing ourselves in spiritual virtues and preparing to serve God in all aspects of our lives. This means we allow God to form a character in us that is godly, humble, and pure. It also means we seek to live in a way that reveals heavenly values, rather than being bogged down by earthly distractions. By doing these things, we demonstrate our true eternal identity and prepare ourselves to serve God faithfully, both now and in the age to come.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible describes people in heaven as being clothed.
• Before sin, Adam and Eve were naked without shame. In heaven, although sin will not exist, it still appears that we will be clothed.
• Heaven is a place where believers have a new body and clothing suited for eternity.

REFLECT

• How does the reality of having a new body and being clothed in heaven influence how you live your life today?
• How can you embody heavenly virtues and values in your daily interactions and decisions?
• How can focusing on our eternal destiny in heaven help us navigate the distractions and pressures of this world?

ENGAGE

• How does understanding that we will be clothed in heaven shape our view of modesty and purity on earth today?
• What do we learn about the way the Bible emphasizes that beings in heaven are clothed?
• How can the anticipation of heaven motivate us to live a life clothed in Christ’s righteousness now?