What Are the 12 Gates in Heaven?

The Bible describes the 12 gates of heaven as being made of pearls. Each individual gate is made of one single enormous pearl. Each gate has the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel etched into it: Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Gad, Issachar, Joseph, Judah, Levi, Nephtali, Reubon, Simeon and Zebulun. The 12 tribes of Israel were named after the sons of Jacob.

Not everyone who dies will be allowed to enter into the city of heaven through the gates of pearl. Only believers who have turned their backs on the sins of the past and devoted their lives to Jesus will be permitted to enter heaven, according to the Bible. Evil is refused the right to pass through the heavenly gates. The Bible condemns the following to a second death of eternal burning in a lake of sulfur: cowards, people who engage in corruption, murderers, those who engage in immoral activities, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshippers and liars. Anyone who has sinned must confess their sins and start living for God to have his name written in the Book of Life that permits entrance into heaven.

The Bible states the heavenly gates are guarded to prevent evil from entering the city of heaven. Each of the 12 gates is protected by an angel. The Bible does not specify which angels guards the gates.

According to the book of Luke in the Bible, angels carry an individual to Heaven at the moment of death. The gates of Heaven through which an individual may gain entrance into Heaven never close because night no longer exists in this blessed place. Sun is not needed in Heaven because God and Jesus constantly radiate a brilliant holy light. Individuals who gain admittance into Heaven spend eternity in paradise, while Christians believe those denied entry spend eternity in Hell.