The question of what believers will do in heaven is one that has intrigued Christians for centuries. The Bible offers us glimpses into the activities and experiences that await us in heaven, though it does not provide an exhaustive list. As we explore this topic, we will draw upon various scriptural passages and theological insights to paint a picture of what life in heaven might be like for the redeemed.
First and foremost, the Bible emphasizes that heaven is a place of unending worship and adoration of God. Revelation 4:8-11 gives us a vivid description of heavenly worship, where the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders continually praise God, saying:
"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" (Revelation 4:8, ESV)
The elders cast their crowns before the throne and declare the worthiness of God to receive glory, honor, and power. This scene highlights that one of the central activities in heaven will be worship. Our earthly experiences of worship—though often profound—are but a shadow of the perfect and unceasing worship we will engage in when we are in the presence of God.
In addition to worship, the Bible suggests that heaven will be a place of rest and peace. Hebrews 4:9-11 speaks of a "Sabbath rest for the people of God," indicating that believers will experience a profound sense of rest from the labors and struggles of earthly life. This rest is not merely physical but also spiritual and emotional. It is the fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Matthew 11:28:
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, ESV)
In heaven, we will experience the fullness of this rest, free from the burdens of sin, suffering, and sorrow.
Another significant aspect of heavenly life is fellowship with God and with other believers. Revelation 21:3 beautifully captures this reality:
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.'" (Revelation 21:3, ESV)
This verse underscores the intimate communion we will have with God in heaven. No longer will there be any separation or barrier between us and our Creator. We will enjoy perfect fellowship with Him, experiencing His love and presence in ways that are beyond our current comprehension.
Moreover, heaven will be a place of reunion with loved ones who have gone before us in faith. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 provides comfort and hope for those who have lost believing family members and friends:
"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, ESV)
This passage assures us that we will be reunited with our loved ones in the presence of the Lord, and together we will enjoy the eternal blessings of heaven.
In addition to worship, rest, and fellowship, the Bible also hints at the possibility of meaningful work and service in heaven. Revelation 22:3 states:
"No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him." (Revelation 22:3, ESV)
The term "servants" implies that there will be roles and responsibilities for us to fulfill in heaven. However, unlike the toil and frustration that often accompany work in this fallen world, our service in heaven will be joyful and fulfilling. We will use our God-given talents and abilities to glorify Him and contribute to the beauty and harmony of the heavenly realm.
C.S. Lewis, in his book "The Great Divorce," provides an imaginative and thought-provoking depiction of the afterlife. While not a theological treatise, Lewis's work offers valuable insights into the nature of heavenly existence. He suggests that heaven will be a place of continuous growth and transformation, where we become more fully ourselves as we draw closer to God. This idea resonates with the biblical concept of sanctification, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in heaven. As 1 John 3:2 declares:
"Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2, ESV)
In heaven, we will be fully conformed to the image of Christ, experiencing the perfection of our redeemed humanity.
Furthermore, the Bible describes heaven as a place of unimaginable beauty and glory. Revelation 21:18-21 provides a breathtaking description of the New Jerusalem, with its walls of jasper, streets of pure gold, and gates of pearl. This imagery conveys the splendor and majesty of heaven, a place where God's glory is fully revealed and where we will dwell in the midst of His radiant presence.
In summary, the Bible paints a multifaceted picture of what we will do in heaven. We will engage in unending worship and adoration of God, experiencing the fullness of His presence and glory. We will enjoy profound rest and peace, free from the burdens of earthly life. We will have intimate fellowship with God and with other believers, reunited with loved ones who have gone before us. We will find joy and fulfillment in meaningful service, using our talents to glorify God. We will experience continuous growth and transformation, becoming more fully ourselves as we are conformed to the image of Christ. And we will dwell in a place of unparalleled beauty and splendor, where God's glory is fully revealed.
While our finite minds cannot fully grasp the wonders of heaven, the glimpses provided in Scripture offer us a profound sense of hope and anticipation. As we look forward to our eternal home, let us live our lives in faithful obedience to God, seeking to glorify Him in all that we do, knowing that the best is yet to come.
