Throughout history, writers have contemplated various questions regarding heaven. For example, some have questioned whether or not there will be animals in heaven. Others have pondered whether or not the redeemed will have any knowledge of loved ones not present. Similarly, writers also question what heaven will actually be like, with one songwriter exclaiming proudly, “If heaven ain’t a lot like Dixie, then I don’t want to go.”

In Revelation 21 and 22, John writes with a degree of clarity regarding various aspects of the heavenly realm. Indeed, he appears to focus his pen on two areas: what is new and what is “not.”