Before we get into what we will do in Heaven let's briefly consider exactly when do we go to heaven or hell.
When do we go to heaven? As with numerous Biblical topics, many diverse church groupings under Christianities umbrella believe differently.
As a believer, as soon as you die you go to heaven. The briefest and most precise biblical verse addressing this issue is Luke Chapter 23, verse 43. Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Truly I say to you. Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
As a person not saved, as soon as you die you go to Hell. This is described in Luke Chapter 19, verses 22-23. “The time came when the beggar (a believer) died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man (non-believer) also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
Possibly, the Biblical verses causing the most consternation's is John Chapter 5, verses 25-29. “Verily, verily I say unto you, the hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself, so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself, and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice and shall come forth — they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
This particular passage allows some to purport that we will be bound in our earthly graves until the resurrection. Based on this and other passages, Seventh-Day Adventists teach that when believers and nonbelievers die they are in an unconscious state until the resurrection of the dead. Most of Christianity, however, does not agree with this philosophy. Southern Baptist, as do most Protestant Churches, believe those that die in Christ go immediately to Heaven. Many students of the Bible believe that “those in which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice and shall come forth” refers to those in the grave until Jesus was born to his ministry here on earth.
Let Scriptures Enlighten Us. When Jesus was on the cross He promised one of the thieves, “Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23, verse 43). Not to be flippant, Jesus did not say, “Just wait until I come back two more times and I will give you a new body.” He said, 'TODAY!'
Hebrews Chapter 12, verses 22-24, “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to a place where thousands of angels have gathered to celebrate. You have come to the meeting of God’s firstborn children. Their names are written in Heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all people. And you have come to the spirits of good people who have been made perfect. You have come to Jesus—the one who brought the new agreement from God to his people....”
Within these few verses we are told that in Heaven today, there is a general assembly of angels, God's firstborn, and the believing women and men who are made perfect. These individuals are not decomposing in some grave awaiting their resurrection, but have preceded us to Heaven and await us to join them.
Are We Spirits In Heaven Or Do We Have Bodies? Luke Chapter 16, verses 20-24 “There was also a very poor man named Lazarus. Lazarus’ body was covered with sores. He was often put by the rich man’s gate. Lazarus wanted only to eat the scraps of food left on the floor under the rich man’s table. And the dogs came and licked his sores. “Later, Lazarus died. The angels took him and placed him in the arms of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. He was sent to the place of death and was in great pain. He saw Abraham far away with Lazarus in his arms. He called, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to me so that he can dip his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am suffering in this fire!” One was in Heaven and one was suffering in fire.
Both men were dead to the world. But now, seemingly, Lazarus, the 'Rich Man', and even Abraham, were alive and conscious. Thus, when we presently die, we who trust in Christ go to be with Him in a conscious state. At that moment, we are embodied beings. As Paul states, we have a spiritual body, eternal in the Heaven. Based on those verses, I believe even our Spiritual Bodies have some sort of form or materialization. Abraham had arms. The “Rich Man” (eyes?) saw Lazarus and just wanted Lazarus to dip a finger in water to cool his tongue. Those seem like attributes of our bodies.
So maybe the day we die we become 'Conscious Spirits' with some shape and form. Not totally disembodied beings. Paul states, we have a spiritual body, eternal in the Heavens, but our physical bodies remain on this earth until the resurrection of the dead that died before the coming of Christ. Then, at the 2nd coming, our old bodies are raised, changed and rejoined with our spiritual bodies and we then live forever with Christ. But until then our dead lifeless bodies remain on this earth. That is what I gleaned from these and other verses. What I can't answer is: “How could the 'Rich Man', who is in hell, see Lazarus who is in Heaven? My only guess is, God wanted this episode to be a teaching point.
I think Paul was addressing the troubles that some believers had with the concept that certain friends, faithful to God, had died before the coming of Christ. Paul tells them not to be troubled. Paul tells us that Jesus “will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 4, verse 14). 1 Thessalonians 5, verse 23 states that our bodies will be preserved blameless at Christ’s coming. We are told in 1 Corinthians 15, verses 35-49 that the dead bodies will be raised and changed. Our bodies are important to God and form an integral part of His plans for us. He wants to continue to know us in our new, perfect, bodies which will be, once again, glorified in His image.
That is the best explanation I could come up with but please keep in mind I have no knowledge of the original languages, nor a Seminary degree in Theology. I'm just a believer with a good study Bible and a will to explore and share His Word. If I confuse you, seek out someone more qualified. It could be your Pastor or any other Disciple of Jesus.
Our main purpose in Heaven. Isaiah Chapter 43, verse 7, “Even Every One That Is Called By My Name, For I Have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” That makes it explicitly clear that God created all of mankind for His glory. But don't let this puff up into a false pride or a 'Big-Head.' The entire universe and all the worlds within were created to show His majesty. We also glorify God by believing in and glorifying Jesus the Christ. Revelation Chapter 5, verses 12-13, “Saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
Therefore, our ultimate purpose, according to the Bible, is to glorify God the Father and his Son. That is why we were created and placed on this Earth and why later we will be taken to our permanent eternal home. God has unique plans and purposes for each person. Jeremiah Chapter 29, verse 11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Let's explore what those plans might be?
Heavenly Plans And Our Work Therein. Yes, there is work to be done after our earthly demise and when the New Earth and New Heavens will be created. There will be different tasks for each of us and our daily tasks probably will change from season to season if not more frequently. While residing in Heaven we will never be bored. Listen to this next verse and think of the enjoyment of those acting as servant to the Lord. Isaiah Chapter 40, verse 31, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”(KJV)
We Will Have Work To Do. The idea of working in Heaven or on the New Earth is a foreign concept to many people. Yet Scripture clearly teaches the satisfying righteousness of work. When God created Adam, he “took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Genesis 2, verse 15). Work was part of the original Eden even as that place was 'Paradise on Earth! It's a part of human and spiritual life. God Himself is a worker. He didn't create the universe and retire. “My food,” Jesus said, “is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.” (John 4, verse 34). Jesus also said, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working” (John 5, verse 17). Jesus found great satisfaction in His work.
We'll likewise have our own tasks to do, satisfying and enriching work that we can't wait to get back to, work that will never be drudgery. 1st Corinthians Chapter 6, verse 3 “Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!” Now judging angels might not seem like work but look at all the troubles we are having today with judges that are not godly.
We know even the animals all get along with each other. Isaiah Chapter 65, verses 17-25, tells us of this New Heavens and New Earth. “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them. Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain.”
We'll build houses and plant vineyards. So it is clear we work even as Adam and Eve were intended to tend to the Garden of Eden, might not some of us be asked to gather and distribute straw and grains to the animals?
God is the primary worker, and as His image-bearers, we're created to work. Heavenly work will be satisfying. We will set goals and fulfill them—to God's glory.
We Can Play. Ever wonder what it would be like to play with a panda bear? Or wrestle with an African Lion? Well this too can become a reality in God's Heaven. All animals will be tame, none will prey upon others. Isaiah Chapter 11, verses 6-9, “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” (Cockatrice is the medieval name of a serpent supposed to be hatched from a cock's egg. It is generally supposed to be a small two-legged dragon or serpent-like creature with a rooster's head, wings and an elongated tail.)
Children In Heaven? As we read in the previous verse, even children have worthwhile purposes in Heaven growing up there. Zechariah Chapter 8, verse 5, “And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.” Malachi Chapter 4, verse 2, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.” Think about the glory to the Lord! All those saved parents that have lost their children will be able to see them playing and growing up in Heaven.
Are We To Stay In Heaven Forever? I think not. Before you throw darts my way, consider what happens during and immediately after the 1000 Year Reign. Yes, we'll live forever in the grace, comfort, and protection of God but we will be returning to the New Earth.
After The 1000 Year Reign. Don't be confused by John Chapter 14, verses 2-3 where we are told Heavenly mansion await us. “In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also. The Heavenly Mansions will be our own palaces before the return of Jesus Christ and we return to earth.
We Will Worship God On His Sabbath. Isaiah Chapter 66, verses 22-23, “For as the new Heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.”
We Will Sing Hymns. Isaiah Chapter 26, verse 19 (ESV), “Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead. Isaiah Chapter 38, verse 20, “The Lord was ready to save me, therefore we will sing my songs with stringed instruments all the days of our lives, in the house of the Lord.”
We Will Be Able To Hear God Almighty Himself Sing! Zephaniah Chapter 3, verse 17, “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”
We'll Have Eternally Perfect Bodies, Youthful And Vigorous. 2nd Corinthians Chapter 5, verses 1-8 speaks of our new bodies. For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.
Everlasting Joy Is At God's Doorstep As Is Every Lasting Torment in Hell. Whether in the Heaven above us today or the new Heavens and New Earth to be created in our Christian futures, there will be no tears but everlasting joys. Psalms 16, verse 11, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life, in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Revelation 21, verses 4-18 (NIV) “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
The choice is yours to make!
