Heavenly works

Heaven encompasses both rest from earthly toil and meaningful activity—a paradox that Scripture affirms without fully resolving, though the emphasis falls on purposeful engagement rather than eternal idleness.

The Nature of Heavenly Work

There may be work in the new creation, where believers labor without toil or frustration to fulfill the original mandate given to Adam and Eve—to rule the earth and develop its riches.[1] This work differs fundamentally from earthly labor because work will be radically healed, no longer toilsome.[2] All activities addressing sin’s sorrows cease—no one will pull weeds, and many occupations become unnecessary, including soldiers, surgeons, and prison guards.[1]

Leadership and Judgment

Jesus told his disciples that those who followed him would sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, and in the Bible, to judge is to lead, with leadership always appearing to entail work.[1] This suggests governance and stewardship continue in heaven’s structure.

Growth and Learning

Believers will continue to grow—as they explore God’s creation, they will grow in knowledge of his handiwork, and as they meet people from every land and century, they will grow in knowledge of God’s love and grace.[1] The skills and abilities developed now in earthly work will be utilized and further developed in future work God has for believers in the new heavens and new earth, with earthly time serving as preparation for an eternity of activity and creativity.[2]

The Honest Uncertainty

Scripture leaves many details unknown—whether believers will take naps for pleasure, what will happen to sports, sexuality, creativity, and invention remains unclear.[1] The biblical vision resists reducing heaven to either perpetual leisure or endless labor, instead pointing toward purposeful existence freed from sin’s corruption.

[1] Daniel M. Doriani, Matthew & 2, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2008), 2:308–309.
[2] Bryan J. Dik, Redeeming Work: A Guide To Discovering God’s Calling For Your Career (West Conshohocken, PA: Templeton Press, 2020), 148.