Reflections on What We Will Do, Part 1

(Selected Scriptures)

My son asked why the preacher John MacArthur is so confident in what he believes. I laughed and paused for a moment because I had been thinking the same thing. I was trying to understand what went wrong in our society that caused this disconnect from the belief in God. One core difference—and a major one—is that people aren’t having as many kids anymore. On top of the family unit dissolving, raising a child, in my opinion, is what brings people closest to God. In a way, you’re acting like God by shaping and nurturing a person. They depend on you, and your life becomes less selfish when you have a child. The way you spend your time changes, and so do the things you think about and reflect on.

There are so many things confirmed to me when I listen to biblical preaching, and I can’t expect others to understand certain things when they’ve never experienced them – especially when God is not part of our culture or program anymore. I experienced a sliver, a taste, of the glory of God and His majestic magnetism on earth. I had the option of going home – I don’t know if I was dead or alive, I was definitely in my body though, and on earth. The feeling of going home was overwhelming; it’s like a billion orgasms in one. I’d always keep that to myself because of fear of being blasphemous. So when I listen to this sermon or ones like it, I can understand why we could never be bored in heaven. If I was only closer to the stars when being lifted, or the sky/sheet/tent/firmament falling on me, imagine actually being closer or going deeper into the presence of the God who is endless.

What else is there to gain or do in this short time we have on earth that could compare to forever being in the presence of the Creator of life—who is life? The idea of "water that you’ll never thirst for again" makes so much more sense to me when I read it—probably more than to someone who’s never experienced that sliver of what’s to come.

I understand Yahweh seems very demanding, narcissistic, and egotistical, but that’s because we’re looking at Him through human lenses, not through what God actually is, or what heaven and kingdom living are truly about. Not to mention, humans are far worse when it comes to how they treat others. All it takes is one person to be genuinely selfless to change the world. If any human displayed even the slightest compassion of God’s love and humility, we’d have peace on earth overnight.

What We Will Do in Heaven – Part 1

(Selected Scriptures)
Speaker: John MacArthur

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Introduction

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• This series on heaven is structured around key questions, answered from Scripture.

• Tonight’s focus: What will the redeemed do in heaven?

• Common misconceptions:

  • Sitting on clouds playing harps (cartoonish depictions).

  • Polishing stones in the New Jerusalem.

  • Eternal inactivity ("forever rest" = doing nothing).

    • Critique: "That sounds like hell, not heaven!" (Rudyard Kipling’s "Rip Van Winkle" view).

• Core question: Will heaven involve purposeful activity, responsibility, and worship?

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What We Will Not Do in Heaven

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1. No sin or its consequences:

   • Never confess, struggle with, or apologize for sin.

   • No guilt, shame, or need to make amends.

2. No brokenness:

   • Nothing to fix, repair, adjust, or replace.

   • No malfunctions, wear, or decay.

3. No conflict or harm:

   • No Satan, demons, or sinners to confront.

   • No emotional/physical pain, loneliness, or danger.

4. No unmet needs:

   • No need for help, counseling, or entertainment.

   • Perfect joy, fulfillment, and clarity at all times.

Summary: Heaven is "perfect holy bliss with unmixed joy in perfected bodies and souls, dwelling with God in intimate fellowship forever."

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What We Will Do in Heaven

1. Worship God Eternally

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• Primary activity: Uninterrupted, perfect praise.

  • No distractions, impure motives, or fatigue.

  • Worship flows from perfected love and knowledge of God (John 4:23; Philippians 3:3).

• Biblical support (Revelation):

  • 24 elders casting crowns (Revelation 4:10-11).

  • Multitudes singing "Salvation to our God" (Revelation 7:9-12).

  • Eternal "Hallelujahs" for judgment and grace (Revelation 19:1-6).

• Earthly contrast: Even in prayer, our praise is often fragmented by wandering thoughts.

• Heavenly reality: Pure, ecstatic focus on God’s worthiness (Augustine: "Praise is strictly directed upon God").

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2. Reign with Christ

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• Authority delegated:

  • Co-reign with Christ in assigned spheres (Revelation 22:5; 1 Peter 1:4).

  • Inheritance = stewardship over portions of God’s kingdom (Romans 8:17; Psalm 2:8).

• Examples:

  • Apostles judge the 12 tribes (Matthew 19:28).

  • Faithful servants rule cities (Luke 19:17-19).

  • Believers judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3).

• Earthly faithfulness determines eternal responsibility:

  • Parable of the talents (Matthew 25:21): "I will put you in charge of many things."

  • Sovereign design: Gifts and opportunities vary, but all roles are perfect and fulfilling.

Key distinction: Heaven is not idle leisure but active, joyful governance without fatigue.

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Conclusion & Preview

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• Next week’s focus: Service in heaven (how our earthly service correlates to eternal roles).

• Final encouragement:

  • Live now with eternity in view.

  • Faithfulness here shapes our capacity there.

Prayer:
"Father, loosen our grip on this world. Fix our hearts on the joy of worship, reign, and service in Your presence forever. Amen."

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Copyright & Resources

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• © John MacArthur, Grace to You.

• Access full sermons and resources at gty.org.

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