The Amazing Resurrection of the Deadናሙና

What will we do after the resurrection?

The Book of Revelation shows ongoing worship as the primary activity in heaven. First, the four living creatures are portrayed declaring God’s holiness night and day, without interruption (Revelation 4:8). Then, together with the 24 elders, they fall down before the Lamb, holding lyres and golden bowls full of incense and singing a new song of adoration. Soon they are joined by millions of angels proclaiming God’s holiness (Revelation 5:7-10).

Then there is a vast multitude of the redeemed, from every tribe, language, nation, and people, shouting their praises to God (Revelation 7:9-10). Such a chorus is beyond imagining. Indescribable. Unbelievable. Incredible. Spine-tingling. Heart throbbing. Who can express the mystery and wonder of it all?

Remembering that the Apocalypse (Revelation) is written in spiritually symbolic language (Revelation 11:8, the Greek word is pneumatikos), we appreciate that these verses depict the reality that all creation, while living worshipfully all the time, will still be communicating and attending to other matters (Revelation 5:1-5); but everything will be done in a devotional manner.

It is from these passages that the cartoon pictures of heaven being a place where you sit on a fluffy cloud and play your harp all day have no doubt been drawn. This is just foolish trivialising of a profound reality.

If heaven is a place where our deepest needs are met far better than they could ever be here on earth, then firstly, there must be no more sin. There must also be unlimited activities in which to be engaged. Interestingly, John refers to people serving God in his temple (7:15). Undoubtedly, there will be the ongoing satisfaction and delight that arises from being creative, being fulfilled, loving one another, celebrating redemption, and experiencing celestial joy.

The details are not for us to know, but the fact is that whatever delights we experience on earth will seem like reflections in a smudged mirror (1 Corinthians 13:12) or simple childhood amusements, compared with the joys of resurrection life, and our present frustrations and afflictions will seem to have been ‘light and momentary' when compared to the ‘eternal weight of glory’ that awaits us on that Day (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Everything will be infinitely better.

Jesus gave us many other hints—treasure (Matthew 19:21); incorruption (Matthew 6:20); feasting (Matthew 8:11); joy (Luke 15:7); refreshing, beauty, and fruitfulness (Revelation 22:1-5). Love will continue to be primary (1 Corinthians 13:13). True knowledge and awareness await us (1 Corinthians 13:12). There will be a new heaven and a new earth, over which the saints will reign (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10). Life will be rich and fulfilling. As another old song puts it,

On that resurrection morning
Ezekiel thirty-seven ten
These ole bones are goin’ to wake up talkin’
These ole bones are goin' to rise again.

What next?

When people hear a great choir or enjoy an inspiring church service, they sometimes say, ‘Heaven will be like this!’ Will it? Why or why not?

Read (aloud), record, repeat, and recall 1 Corinthians 2:9.