What are the Final Destinations?

The Eternal Future Realms

 

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” — Revelation 21:1-2

 

A biblically based theological definition of the Final Destinations describes the eternal, permanent realms where all spiritual beings and human souls will reside following the final eschatological events, specifically the Great White Throne Judgment. Unlike the temporary realms of the Heavens and the Underworld, these final destinations are eternal and unchanging.

For the growing Christian disciple, understanding these eternal realms is essential for grasping the full scope of God’s redemptive narrative, from creation to final restoration. Furthermore, one’s eternal destination is determined entirely by biblical faith. Biblical faith is not merely intellectual assent, but a deep, trusting reliance on the person and atoning work of Jesus Christ. It is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1), and it is the sole instrument through which humanity receives salvation by grace.

Realms of Judgment: The Eternal Prisons

Following the millennial reign of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgment, the temporary holding places of the wicked—such as Death and Hades (the Underworld)—will be emptied, judged, and replaced by permanent realms of eternal separation from God’s grace.

The Lake of Fire (Gehenna)

The Lake of Fire is the ultimate, eternal destination for Satan, fallen angels, and all humanity who have rejected God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

• Description and Purpose: Described as a place that “burneth with fire and brimstone” (Revelation 21:8), it is a realm of conscious, eternal torment. It was originally “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41) but becomes the final prison for all whose names are not found written in the Book of Life.
• Location: While its exact physical location is not mapped in Scripture, it is depicted as the absolute lowest spiritual reality, a place of ultimate separation from the presence and glory of God.
• Finality: Revelation 20:14 states, “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” There is no escape, redemption, or annihilation once confined to this eternal state.

Outer Darkness

Often associated with the Lake of Fire or serving as a descriptive characteristic of eternal judgment, the “Outer Darkness” emphasizes the profound relational separation from God, who is Light.

• Description and Purpose: Jesus frequently referred to this realm in His parables, describing it as a place of profound regret and anguish, characterized by “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30).
• Theological Significance: It signifies being cast utterly outside the joyous, illuminated presence of the King’s eternal banquet. It is the ultimate consequence of choosing darkness over the Light of the World during one’s earthly life.

Realms of Eternal Life: The Eternal Kingdom

For those who have exercised biblical faith and are united with Christ, the eternal future is not a disembodied existence in the clouds, but a vibrant, physical, and profoundly beautiful resurrected life in God’s eternal Kingdom.

The New Heavens and New Earth

God’s ultimate plan is not to abandon His creation, but to redeem and restore it, merging the spiritual realm (Heaven) with the physical realm (Earth).

• Description and Purpose: As prophesied in Isaiah 65:17 and fulfilled in Revelation 21:1, God will create a New Heaven and a New Earth, completely purged of sin, decay, and the curse of the Fall.
• Characteristics: It will be a realm of perfect righteousness, where believers will live, work, worship, and rule alongside Christ eternally. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

The New Jerusalem (Mount Zion)

The crown jewel of the New Creation is the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of God with His people.

• Description and Location: Described vividly in Revelation 21, this massive, holy city descends from God out of heaven to rest upon the New Earth. Hebrews 12:22-23 identifies this eternal dwelling dynamically: “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn…”.
• Structure and Shape: While Revelation 21:16 notes that the city’s length, breadth, and height are equal (12,000 furlongs), many theological scholars suggest its structure reflects a colossal mountain or pyramid shape rather than a standard cube. This aligns perfectly with its designation as “Mount Zion,” the ultimate cosmic mountain where God’s throne resides at the apex, flowing down with the river of the water of life.
• The Foundations and Jewels: The city’s foundations are adorned with twelve precious stones, reflecting the glory of God and the redeemed tribes and apostles. These jewels include Jasper (purity and glory), Sapphire (heavenly truth), Chalcedony (faithful service), Emerald (life and resurrection), Sardonyx (strength in suffering), Sardius (redemption by blood), Chrysolite (divine excellence), Beryl (peace), Topaz (joy), Chrysoprasus (triumph), Jacinth (heavenly fire), and Amethyst (royalty and spiritual perfection).

The Importance of Knowing This for a Growing Disciple

Studying the eternal realms is not merely an academic exercise; it has profound practical implications for Christian living.

1. It Cultivates an Eternal Perspective: Understanding the breathtaking beauty of the New Jerusalem and the permanence of the New Earth helps disciples endure earthly suffering. Recognizing that our current trials are temporary compared to eternal glory provides immense hope (Romans 8:18).
2. It Ignites a Passion for Evangelism: A stark realization of the Lake of Fire and Outer Darkness as permanent destinations for the lost should drive believers to urgently share the Gospel. It underscores the vital importance of the Great Commission.
3. It Inspires Holy Living: Knowing that we are citizens of the coming New Jerusalem encourages believers to live lives of purity, obedience, and dedicated worship in the present, anticipating our eternal home.

Next Steps for Your Discipleship Journey

To practically apply this theological understanding to your spiritual growth, consider these next steps:

1. Examine Your Faith Foundation (THEOLOGY): Revisit your understanding of biblical faith. Ensure your hope is entirely resting on the finished work of Jesus Christ. Review the Theology section of your S.T.E.P.S. profile to solidify your grasp of essential doctrines like salvation by grace.
2. Study the Book of Revelation (PRACTICE): Dedicate your next Bible study season to reading the final chapters of Revelation (chapters 20-22). Meditate on the descriptions of the New Jerusalem and ask the Holy Spirit to expand your vision of God’s restorative plan.
3. Share the Hope of the New Creation (SHAPE): Engage in conversations with non-believers about the future. Many people fear the future or believe in a bleak end to humanity. Use the biblical promise of the New Heavens and New Earth as a bridge to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.