Real people will do real things in heaven. The popular belief that the redeemed will be merely floating spirits on the clouds of heaven with nothing to do is against the teachings of the Bible. Life in the new earth will be to a large extent like the real life we live today except without sin. The Bible assures us that in heaven, there will be:
Music
“The ransomed of the Lord shall … come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy“ (Isaiah 35:10). For the Lord “inhabits the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). God loves music (Ephesians 5:19; Psalm 71:23; 95:1; Hebrews 2:12) and His children will enjoy it as well.
Pleasures
“There are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11). God created man with an intelligent mind, creative faculties, and senses to appreciate life. Therefore, humans will enjoy: learning, arts, physical recreation, adventures, explorations, nature activities… etc. But mostly, they will rejoice in their fellowship with God (Revelation 21:3) and His creation (Isaiah 11:6).
Markets
The Arabic translation of Revelation 21:21 says that there will be a “market” in the New Jerusalem. In English, the word “market” is translated “street.” But common sense suggests that there will certainly be markets in the New earth where the redeemed will share and exchange their goods, work, and possessions with others.
Homes
The redeemed will have city homes built by Christ as He promised before He ascended to heaven, “In My Father’s house are many mansions” (John 14:1–3). And they will also have country homes that they themselves will build. “They shall build houses and inhabit them… plant vineyards and eat their fruit… shall not build and another inhabit… shall not plant and another eat … and My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands” (Isaiah 65:21, 22).
The realities of the New Earth, the inexpressible wonder and beauty, the joy of God’s kingdom of glory, and the eternal home of the saved cannot be fully understood by our limited mind. All such knowledge is far beyond anything that men can now know (Isaiah 55:9). “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).
For more on the New Jerusalem, check the following article of Bible verses of The New Jerusalem.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
