My understanding of heaven was formed during my early Sunday School years. Our class was taught that God is building a home and room for each of us in heaven. Heaven has streets of gold that will be in abundant supply. There will not be any sickness, death, or anything bad in heaven.
I am not certain if I was taught that God would do all of this in an instant or if it was my own thoughts that God would snap His fingers and change everything in a moment. As I read more of the Bible, I did not give much thought to passages that spoke of responsibilities that followers of Jesus Christ would have in the Kingdom of God.
Jesus taught in parables that those who were faithful here in this life would be given even more important responsibilities in the forever life.
Matthew 25:21
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
But what will they be in charge of?
The apostle Paul, when scolding Christians for having lawsuits among themselves, reminds them that they will be judging in heaven.
1 Corinthians 6:2-3 NIV
Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!
I am uncertain why or how we judge the world and angels. I am convinced that there are significant work projects in heaven. The Bible records numerous times God’s people in the Old Testament were restored following judgment and defeat. Each time they returned to their land and were involved in the restoration of their city. Walls were rebuilt, homes were restored and the nation was revitalized.
I believe that Christians will be actively involved in the restoration of this world into the Kingdom of God. That is happening now, but will be even more intentional when Jesus returns. I am not certain what it involves. Let me know what you think our role will be:
I am not certain if I was taught that God would do all of this in an instant or if it was my own thoughts that God would snap His fingers and change everything in a moment. As I read more of the Bible, I did not give much thought to passages that spoke of responsibilities that followers of Jesus Christ would have in the Kingdom of God.
Jesus taught in parables that those who were faithful here in this life would be given even more important responsibilities in the forever life.
Matthew 25:21
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
But what will they be in charge of?
The apostle Paul, when scolding Christians for having lawsuits among themselves, reminds them that they will be judging in heaven.
1 Corinthians 6:2-3 NIV
Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!
I am uncertain why or how we judge the world and angels. I am convinced that there are significant work projects in heaven. The Bible records numerous times God’s people in the Old Testament were restored following judgment and defeat. Each time they returned to their land and were involved in the restoration of their city. Walls were rebuilt, homes were restored and the nation was revitalized.
I believe that Christians will be actively involved in the restoration of this world into the Kingdom of God. That is happening now, but will be even more intentional when Jesus returns. I am not certain what it involves. Let me know what you think our role will be:
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