John Piper says there will be ‘satisfactory’ work in heaven

2023-10-06 15:14:34

Certainty about eternal life in heaven is part of Christian doctrine, and this naturally generates many doubts about the future, since the Bible does not provide details, for example, on specific issues such as work. However, pastor and theologian John Piper made some considerations in this regard.

For Piper, it doesn’t make sense to think that we Christians won’t work when we are enjoying eternal life. Speaking about the topic on the “Ask Pastor John” podcast, he pointed out some reasons for this.

First, Piper argues that the Bible is full of references to work as the fruit of divine activity. God himself, for example, worked to create everything in existence, such as the Universe and humanity that is part of it.

“I think we will work on the final era to come. Whether we will do what we were gifted to do or whether we will have completely new gifts, I don’t know. I leave this in the hands of God who planned the universe for the happiness of his people”, commented the pastor.

Second, Piper explains that the concept of work, despite being associated with something bad, has been corrupted due to the human fall into sin. In heaven, if there is work activity, it will not have any negative connotation, nor will it be a reason for disgust or suffering.

Citing passages such as John 5.17, where Jesus said: “My Father continues to work to this day, and I am also working”, the pastor explains that we will possibly work with full joy, carrying out God’s good works in a perfect context of creation.

“When Paul identified a purpose for the new creature in Christ, which is us, he said that the purpose was work, that is, good works,” says Piper. “The pain that accompanies work today is the result of the fall, not the work itself.”

Thus, although he recognizes that dealing with this topic is also a speculation, the pastor concludes by maintaining the hope that work activity exists in eternity, but with another meaning.

“Work in heaven is exciting, satisfying, and creative, while work in this sinful world will always be futile, burdensome, and frustrating, according to Genesis 3:17-19,” says Piper, according to the FaithWire.