Heaven is a trendy topic. It shows up in popular culture—from bestselling books to blockbuster movies and popular TV series. But there is more to the idea of heaven than the puffy white clouds, pearly gates, chubby angels and golden harps that so many people envision. It is a complex theological topic and also a source of great meaning and hope for Christians. That’s why it’s important that we look to what the Bible says on the subject.

So here are five places the New Testament talks about heaven:

1. Matthew 6:19-21
   Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. For your heart will always be where your riches are.
2. Luke 13:29, 30
   People will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down at the feast in the Kingdom of God. Then those who are now last will be first, and those who are now first will be last.
3. John 14:2, 3
   There are many rooms in my Father's house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.
4. Colossians 3:1-4
   You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory!
5. 1 Peter 1:4, 5
   So we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people. He keeps them for you in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away. They are for you, who through faith are kept safe by God's power for the salvation which is ready to be revealed at the end of time.