There is a strong debate regarding eating and drinking in Heaven because the essence of food is to nourish our bodies. However, in Heaven, people will have different new bodies that do not need nutrients. But again, eating food is enjoyable and keeps people happy. So people ask, will people eat food in Heaven?
Interpreting the Bible verses that describe Heaven literally gives a direct answer that there will be food in Heaven. Proponents who argue for this interpretation, like Grudem, say there is no solid reason to say that the verses have hidden meaning.
So, is there food in Heaven? Do Religious Scholars Believe That People Will Be Able To Eat And Drink In Heaven? Does The Bible Mention That People Will Feast In Heaven? Is The Feasting Literal Or Figurative? What Kind Of Food Will People Eat In Heaven? Keep reading to find out.
Is There Food In Heaven?
There is no certainty about food being in Heaven. However, some scriptures in the Bible imply that there will be food in Heaven, and there is currently. Revelation 22:1-3 says, “The Angel also showed me the river of the water of life, sparkling like crystal, and coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb and flowing down the middle of the city’s street. On each side of the river was the tree of life, which bears fruit twelve times a year, once each month, and its leaves are for the healing of the nations. Nothing that is under God’s curse will be found in the city. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship him.” This verse suggests that there is food in Heaven because there are plants; trees that produce fruits, and beside them, there is water also. However, it is not certain that these trees and their fruits are like the food we eat on earth, but it implies that there is food in Heaven even though it might not be the same as on earth.
Also another backup is the idea that when Eve and Adam were created, they lived in paradise because they were pure, flawless, and sinless human beings by then. Some people argue that the food that Adam and Eve ate is in Heaven. God gave them food in Genesis 1:29 says, “I have provided all kinds of grain and all kinds of fruit for you to eat;“
Do Religious Scholars Believe That People Will Be Able To Eat And Drink In Heaven?
Some religious scholars believe that people will drink and eat in Heaven, while others refute the idea. People like Wayne Grudem say that passages in the Bible that imply that food will be in Heaven should be understood literally. In his book Systematic Theology, he says there is no solid reason to support the idea that verses like Luke 14:15 only have symbolic meanings. They can have literal meanings; in most cases, people read writings literally. Luke 14:15 says, “When one of the guests sitting at the table heard this, he said to Jesus, “How happy are those who will sit down at the feast in the Kingdom of God!”
On the other hand, a religious scholar known as Spiros Zophiates refutes the idea and says, “we shall neither eat nor drink in heaven.” He supports the symbolic interpretation of the verses about feasting in Heaven.
Does The Bible Mention That People Will Feast In Heaven? Is The Feasting Literal Or Figurative?
The Bible mentions in several verses about a feast in Heaven. There are two sides to the argument for these verses. Some theologians argue that we should interpret the verses literally because there is no backup in the Bible that demands believers to read and understand it symbolically. Therefore, following their implication, the verses about the feast in Heaven have a literal meaning.
In that regard, we can look at the key verses that talk about the feast in Heaven, including;
Isaiah 25:6 says, “Here on Mount Zion, the LORD Almighty will prepare a banquet for all the nations of the world—a banquet of the richest food and the finest wine.” A literal interpretation of this verse directly suggests that people will eat and drink in Heaven.
Luke 22:18 says, “I tell you that from now on, I will not drink this wine until the Kingdom of God comes.” This verse implies that Jesus can only drink wine when Heaven comes. It implies that when people go into Heaven, they will also drink because Heaven will come for them and that every time is only the time that Christ can drink wine again.
Luke 22:29-30 says, “and just as my Father has given me the right to rule, so I will give you the same right. You will eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and you will sit on thrones to rule over the twelve tribes of Israel.” In this verse are Jesus’s words to His disciples describing what Heaven will be like. According to religious scholar Grudem, such a verse has not required us to analyze it with a symbolic lens. Literal interpretation leads us to think in Grudem’s direction that people going to Heaven will eat and drink precisely how Jesus told His disciples.
Matthew 8:11 says, “I assure you that many will come from the east and the west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of heaven.” Jesus was talking to a crowd about what Heaven will be like. The verse implies that Jesus said there would be food in Heaven because a feast includes food and drinks.
Luke 14:15 says, “When one of the guests sitting at the table heard this, he said to Jesus, “How happy are those who will sit down at the feast in the Kingdom of God!” In this verse, a man asks Jesus about the Kingdom of God, which is often said to be the same as Heaven. Jesus was giving parables, and He gave them a story of the King who had a feast and invited specific people who turned him down. Later the King invited everyone across the nation, and they attended the feast. Verse 24 says, “I tell you all that none of those who were invited will taste my dinner!” Literally, Jesus implies that there will be food in Heaven for those who will make it to go Heaven (Those who accepted the invite,) while those who turned the invite down will not eat the dinner because they will not be in Heaven in the first place.
Revelation 19:9 says, “Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Happy are those who have been invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And the Angel added, “These are the true words of God.” This was an angel instructing the author of the book of Revelation to write about Heaven. If we define this literally, we find that the Angel implies that there will be food and drinks in Heaven because what else is offered in a wedding feast that is greater than food and drink?
What Kind Of Food Will People Eat In Heaven?
Revelation 22:2 talks about a tree of life that bears fruit 12 times a year, with its leaves healing the nations. While the book of Revelation is symbolic, this verse could suggest that there will be fruits and water in Heaven, although it does not mention that humans will eat them. The book of Isaiah 25:6 also mentions the presence of wine in Heaven.
References
Will there be food in Heaven? Will we eat in Heaven?
Will we eat in Heaven? Get the facts
KIDS FEEDBACK: IS THERE ANY FOOD IN HEAVEN?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.