Table of Contents
The question of whether there will be eating and drinking in heaven is intriguing and often discussed among Christians. The Bible provides insight into this topic, indicating that eating and drinking will indeed be part of the heavenly experience. In this article, we will explore biblical evidence supporting the notion that eating and drinking will occur in heaven, using references from the New King James Version (NKJV).
1. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
One of the most compelling pieces of evidence for eating and drinking in heaven is the description of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
Revelation 19:9 (NKJV):
“Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!”’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.'”
The term “supper” explicitly refers to a meal, suggesting that eating and drinking will be part of this heavenly celebration. This event signifies the union of Christ with His bride, the church, and is described as a joyful banquet.
2. Jesus’ Promise at the Last Supper
Jesus promised His disciples that He would drink the fruit of the vine with them in His Father’s kingdom.
Matthew 26:29 (NKJV):
“But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
This promise implies that there will be drinking in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus specifically mentions drinking the fruit of the vine, indicating a continuation of this practice in the heavenly realm.
3. The Feast on the Mountain of the Lord
Isaiah prophesies about a great feast that the Lord will prepare for all peoples on His holy mountain.
Isaiah 25:6 (NKJV):
“And in this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all people a feast of choice pieces, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of well-refined wines on the lees.”
This prophecy describes a lavish banquet with rich food and well-aged wine, indicating that eating and drinking will be part of the future blessings that God has prepared for His people.
4. The Parable of the Great Banquet
Jesus frequently used the imagery of a banquet or feast to describe the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 14:15-24 (NKJV):
“Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, ‘Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!’ Then He said to him, ‘A certain man gave a great supper and invited many…'”
This parable illustrates the kingdom of heaven as a great banquet, reinforcing the idea that eating and drinking are integral parts of the heavenly experience.
5. The Tree of Life
In the Book of Revelation, the Tree of Life is described as bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month.
Revelation 22:2 (NKJV):
“In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
The continuous production of fruit suggests that eating will be a part of life in the new heaven and new earth. The imagery of the Tree of Life harkens back to the Garden of Eden, where eating from the trees was a normal part of existence.
6. Jesus Eating After His Resurrection
After His resurrection, Jesus ate with His disciples, demonstrating that His glorified body was capable of eating.
Luke 24:42-43 (NKJV):
“So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence.”
Jesus’ post-resurrection eating serves as a model for the resurrected bodies that believers will receive. If Jesus ate in His glorified body, it is reasonable to conclude that believers will also eat and drink in their glorified bodies in heaven.
7. The Kingdom as a Banquet
Jesus often referred to the kingdom of heaven as a banquet, indicating that eating and drinking are part of the kingdom’s activities.
Matthew 22:2 (NKJV):
“The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son.”
Luke 13:29 (NKJV):
“They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God.”
These verses use banquet imagery to describe the kingdom of heaven, suggesting that communal meals are part of the heavenly experience.
8. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the Banquet
Jesus spoke of a future banquet where believers will sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Matthew 8:11 (NKJV):
“And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”
The phrase “sit down” implies a banquet setting where eating and drinking occur. This imagery highlights the continuity of fellowship and feasting in the kingdom of heaven.
9. The New Heavens and New Earth
The prophetic visions of the new heavens and new earth include imagery of feasting and abundance.
Isaiah 65:13 (NKJV):
“Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, My servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry; Behold, My servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty; Behold, My servants shall rejoice, but you shall be ashamed.'”
This prophecy contrasts the fate of God’s servants with those who reject Him, indicating that His servants will eat and drink abundantly in the new creation.
10. The Fulfillment of Fellowship
Eating and drinking are fundamental aspects of fellowship and community. The Bible often depicts heavenly fellowship in terms of a banquet.
Psalm 23:5 (NKJV):
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.”
This psalm reflects the abundance and fellowship that God provides for His people, which will be fully realized in heaven.
11. The Wedding Feast
The relationship between Christ and the church is often depicted as a wedding feast, highlighting the joy and celebration that involves eating and drinking.
Revelation 19:7-9 (NKJV):
“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!”’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.'”
The imagery of a wedding supper reinforces the concept of eating and drinking as part of the eternal celebration.
12. The Eternal Feast
The Bible frequently uses the metaphor of a feast to describe eternal life, emphasizing the abundance and joy that await believers.
Isaiah 55:1-2 (NKJV):
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.”
This passage invites all to partake in the eternal feast provided by God, symbolizing the spiritual and physical nourishment available in His kingdom.
13. The Eternal Satisfaction
The Bible speaks of eternal satisfaction in God’s presence, which includes the imagery of eating and drinking.
Psalm 36:8 (NKJV):
“They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.”
This verse highlights the abundance and satisfaction found in God’s presence, symbolized by eating and drinking.
14. The New Covenant Fulfillment
The Lord’s Supper, instituted by Jesus, points to its ultimate fulfillment in the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 22:15-18 (NKJV):
“Then He said to them, ‘With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.'”
Jesus’ words indicate that the fellowship meal He shared with His disciples will find its ultimate fulfillment in the heavenly kingdom.
15. Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible provides ample evidence that eating and drinking will be part of the heavenly experience. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb, Jesus’ promise at the Last Supper, the feast on the mountain of the Lord, the parable of the great banquet, and the Tree of Life all point to the reality of eating and drinking in heaven. Jesus’ post-resurrection meals, the kingdom as a banquet, the fellowship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the prophecies of the new heavens and new earth further support this notion.
Eating and drinking symbolize fellowship, joy, and abundance, which are central to the biblical depiction of eternal life. The fulfillment of the New Covenant, the eternal feast, and the eternal satisfaction found in God’s presence all affirm that eating and drinking will be part of the heavenly experience. Believers can look forward to the joyous and abundant fellowship with God and one another, as symbolized by the heavenly banquet.
As we anticipate the glorious future that awaits us in heaven, we can take comfort in knowing that God has prepared a place of eternal satisfaction, fellowship, and joy, where eating and drinking will be part of our celebration of His eternal goodness.
Check out the Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team