Whether Moses is in heaven has sparked intense curiosity among believers. As the only person to have seen God face-to-face and been buried by Him (Deuteronomy 34:16), Moses’ fate after death is a topic of much debate. Although the Bible does not explicitly state whether Moses went to heaven, examining his life and actions is essential to understanding his potential destination.
Moses was a faithful and obedient servant of God, consistently seeking guidance and direction before taking action. During his mission to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, he followed God’s instructions meticulously, aligning his actions with God’s will. The scripture highlights Moses’ close relationship with God, describing their interactions as friendly and intimate (Exodus 33:11).
However, towards the end of his life, Moses’ actions angered God (Exodus 33:11, Deuteronomy 32:51-52), raising questions about his eligibility for heaven. Did his final mistakes negate his chances of entering heaven, or was his previous devotion and obedience enough to justify his entry?
In Christianity, our actions during life determine our afterlife destination. To better understand Moses’ fate, let us delve deeper into his life and explore whether his faithfulness and obedience outweighed his mistakes.
Reasons We Believe Moses Went to Heaven
The Transfiguration of Jesus
During the transfiguration of Jesus, a pivotal event in the New Testament, Moses and Elijah appeared alongside Jesus, engaging in a conversation with Him (Luke 9:29-31). This extraordinary encounter signifies that Moses is crucial to God’s eternal plan for humanity. The fact that Moses was present with Jesus, discussing His impending crucifixion, suggests that he had already entered heaven.
The transfiguration account describes Jesus’ transformed appearance, radiant with divine glory, and His disciples witnessed this remarkable display. The presence of Moses and Elijah, two prominent figures in Israel’s history, underscores their importance in God’s redemptive plan.
Furthermore, Daniel 7:27 affirms that the holy people of the Most High will inherit eternal sovereignty, power, and greatness. Moses, renowned for his humility (Numbers 12:3), is considered one of God’s holy people. Therefore, he is likely among God’s holy people in heaven, as prophesied by Daniel.
This event and scripture imply that Moses has entered heaven, reinforcing the belief that he is present with God, fulfilling his role in the divine plan.
Moses’ Significance in the Bible
Another indication that Moses entered heaven is Jesus’ recognition and acknowledgement of him as a vital figure. Jesus frequently referenced Moses, demonstrating his righteousness and importance. It’s implausible that Jesus would praise or acknowledge someone who is in hell. In Matthew 8:4, Jesus instructed a healed leper to follow the law of Moses, showcasing His respect for Moses and implying that Moses had attained a better afterlife.
Moreover, Jesus clarified to the Pharisees that He did not come to abolish the laws of Moses but to fulfil them (Matthew 5:17). By doing so, Jesus acknowledged Moses’ work and promised to fulfil the prophecies made about Him, highlighting Moses’ crucial role in God’s plan for humanity. Moses set the stage for Jesus’ ministry, and Jesus came to complete what Moses had initiated.
Acts 3:22 further emphasizes Moses’ significance, as he prophesied about a prophet like himself who would arise, whom the people must listen to. By likening himself to Jesus, Moses demonstrated his importance, making it impossible for him to be in hell. Instead, Moses’ righteousness and role in God’s plan suggest that he is in heaven, where he continues to play a vital part in God’s eternal purposes.
Based on our understanding of Jesus’ life, ministry, and ascension to heaven, it is clear that Moses, as a prophet like Jesus, is also in heaven. In John 5:45-47, Jesus states that Moses will accuse those who refuse to believe in Him, implying that Moses has a role in judging humanity. Moses could not blame or judge others if he were in hell. Instead, his presence in heaven with God enables him to fulfil this role when the time comes.
This idea is reinforced by 1 Corinthians 6:2-3, which declares that God’s people will judge the world and even angels. As one of God’s people, Moses is among those who will judge humanity. Jesus’ statement that Moses will accuse those who did not believe in Him suggests that Moses is indeed in heaven, counted among God’s people.
Moses’ writings about Jesus and his status as a prophet like Him further solidify his position in heaven. Jesus’ words imply that Moses has a unique role in judging those who rejected Him, and this role can only be fulfilled if Moses is in heaven, alongside God and other believers.
Biblical Writers Inspired by God
The Apostles held Moses in high esteem in their writings, recognizing him as a man of unwavering faith who prioritized his relationship with God. The authors of the Bible, guided by the Spirit of God, penned their works with divine inspiration. Consequently, their writings about Moses reflect God’s perspective on him rather than their own opinions.
In Hebrews 11:24-28, the author highlights Moses’ remarkable faith, detailing his courageous choices and unwavering commitment to God. The passage notes that Moses looked forward to his eternal reward, persevering through challenges and trials because he saw the invisible God. This passage suggests that Moses focused on inheriting the kingdom of God, the ultimate reward for believers.
The fact that Moses was looking ahead to his eternal reward implies that he was destined for heaven. What other reward could a believer anticipate besides inheriting the kingdom of God? This scripture reinforces the idea that Moses is in heaven, having received his eternal reward for his faithfulness and devotion to God.
The Book of Jude: A Glimpse into Moses’ Heavenly Fate
In the biblical account of Moses’ death, we find a fascinating narrative in which the devil engages in a fierce battle with the angel of God over Moses’ body. This raises an intriguing question: Why would the devil contest the angel for Moses’ body? Was it because Moses was not destined for heaven?
“But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
Jude 9
To gain insight, let us examine the rich man and Lazarus parable. After Lazarus’ passing, God’s angel escorted him to heaven, where Abraham welcomed him. Notably, there is no mention of any opposition or struggle for Lazarus’ body, indicating that his body belonged to heaven, and no one could dispute that.
In contrast, the devil’s confrontation with the angel over Moses’ body suggests that the devil believed Moses’ body belonged to him, possibly due to Moses’ past transgression against God. However, the angel’s response, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 1:9), implies that the devil’s claim was unfounded. The angel’s declaration serves as a rebuke to the devil, asserting that Moses’ body was not his to claim. Ultimately, the angel successfully took Moses’ body, indicating that Moses was destined for heaven (John 3:13).
This narrative implies that Moses’ body was not subject to the devil’s domain but rather was under God’s jurisdiction, further supporting the belief that Moses was in heaven.
John 3:13 – No One Has Ever Gone Into Heaven
Nevertheless, some individuals counter the notion that Moses ascended to heaven, positing that only Jesus has ever entered heaven. They cite John 3:13, which states, ‘No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.
