"When we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing that will be
When we all see Jesus
We'll sing and shout the victory."
What will we do in heaven? If you are not familiar with those words, they are from a song I can remember singing numerous times over the years (I am not sure if they still sing this anymore.) In talking about heaven, obviously, that is the desire and longing of every believer (or at least it should be). As we begin to think about heaven, a very logical question comes to mind. What will believers do in heaven? While the Bible isn't clear on everything believers will do, it does speak to a few things.
We Will Feast in Heaven
Before Jesus was crucified, he shared communion with his disciples. During that time, he made this statement.
“I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." – Matthew 26:29
In the book of Revelation, John mentions something called the wedding feast, or the marriage supper of the lamb.
"'Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.'Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God's holy people.)Then the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' And he added, 'These are the true words of God.'" – Revelation 19:7-9
One of the things we will do in heaven is feast in celebration. One of the great celebrations in heaven will be the wedding supper of the lamb. This will be the greatest party and celebration that has ever been thrown. This will be an event like no other, where those who have chosen to follow Jesus will be united with him forever. I wonder if it is during this time that Jesus will take communion again with us, as he stated in Matthew. Whether it happens then or at another time, I can imagine the rejoicing over taking communion with Jesus. After all, it was his broken body and shed blood that will allow us to participate in this celebration.
We Will a Time of Reunion
One of the things believers will do in heaven is fellowship. This will be a time for reunion. We will be able to identify everyone in heaven. In 1 Corinthians, this is what Paul tells the church.
"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." – 1 Corinthians 13:12
If you remember, in Matthew 17, when Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John, the Bible says Moses and Elijah appeared. It is safe to say that Peter, James, or John had never met Moses or Elijah before, yet clearly, they knew who they were. I believe this is how it will be in heaven. We may not know everything about a person, but we will be able to identify who they are. This will allow for some wonderful fellowship and some glorious reunions.
We Will Worship in Heaven
One thing you can be certain of is that believers will worship in heaven. Revelation tells us of the worship that will happen around the throne. Here is one instance.
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.And they cried out in a loud voice:
'Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.'" – Revelation 7:9-10
The Bible is not clear on how much we will worship or for how long, but the worship in heaven will be the purest and sweetest worship we have ever experienced. People from every nation and language gathered around the throne, offering worship to our God. Just the thought of that causes joy to leap in my heart. That is one song and choir you definitely want to be part of. The best part of the worship is that you will be able to enjoy God's presence without the hindrance or influence of sin. Truly, that will be an awesome day.
There Will Be Service
"No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him." – Revelation 22:3
One of the things that you don't often think about when you consider what believers will do in heaven is that we will continue to serve. The Bible is not clear about the capacity that we will serve, but you don't have to worry; it won't be drudgery. If you have experienced serving with joy, that will only increase in heaven.
What about Reigning and Ruling with Christ?
There are scriptures that talk about us reigning and ruling with Christ. Here are a few.
"You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." – Revelation 5:10
"If we endure, we will also reign with him." – 2 Timothy 2:12
"Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years." – Revelation 20:6
While the Bible is clear about us reigning and ruling with Christ, it seems like this is during the time when Jesus establishes his millennial kingdom on the earth. The Bible isn't totally clear as to whether this will carry over into the new heaven and the new earth.
The Real Prize of Heaven
As we have looked at what believers will do in heaven, I want to shift your attention to the real prize of heaven. As beautiful as heaven will be, especially as described in Revelation, the prize of heaven is not the pearly gates, the streets of gold, the crowns, or the mansions which many people talk about. The real glory and prize of heaven is that we get to see Jesus face to face.
"They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." – Revelation 22:4-5
It's God's presence that makes heaven what it is. There will be no greater joy than to experience God's presence in a body that is unhindered and not tainted by sin in any fashion. The fact that we get to see Jesus and spend eternity with him is the real prize of heaven. Paul alludes to this in 2 Timothy.
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." – 2 Timothy 4:8
If you are not careful, you will focus on the crown, but what is most important is to know that it is rewarded to those who long for his appearance. Those who have that desire recognize the real prize is his appearing.
Whatever You Think, it's Better
"But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'" – 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
What will we do in heaven? Whatever believers will do in heaven, it will go beyond anything we could ever imagine. It will be far greater than any experience we have ever had on earth. It will not only be better but exponentially better. Whatever you must endure now, do it with an eye on heaven because for those who have placed their trust in Jesus as savior, one day that will be your reality. Consider what Paul said.
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." – Romans 8:18
I leave you with the words of an oldie but a goodie.
"What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see.When I look upon his face the one who saved me by his grace. When he takes me by the hand and leads me to the promised land. What a day glorious day that will be." -"What a Day That Will Be" by Jim Hill.
Further Reading
Heaven - What Is it Like and Where Is it?
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