Heaven Series
What will we do in heaven? Part I
September 15, 2024
Good morning, Zion’s Refuge. We have been on this journey, learning what we will see in heaven. Please get your Bibles ready, please join in as we read I Thessalonians 4:13-18. It has made me search and dig into the word of God to realize what a fantastic place heaven will be. I've been asked this question over the years, “What will I do in heaven?” Today we will search the scripture for Biblical answers. Now that you are there let us read, I Thessalonians 4:13-18.
We will be changed to be like unto “The Son of Man”:
What is the first thing that we must do to enter heaven?)
I Thessalonians 4:13-18: But I would not have you to be ignorant brethren, concerning them which are sleep (dead in the grave), that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, Even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, and with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
I want everyone to know, that when the church is raptured to heaven with the resurrected Saints, we will all be changed in the twinkling of an eye and be like Jesus. We will put on a glorified body that is sinless and will never grow old. We will be robed in white representing the holiness of the Lord. We will die no more, we will just start to live. Saved believers are the only ones who will live with Jesus forever. The unsaved will not be raptured but will remain on earth to be tormented in the “Great Tribulation”. This is one of the greatest moments in the history of mankind. The bride of Jesus is now transformed into immortal beings, Sinless, spotless and completely holy. No more hurtful words, no more negativity. Christians are lifted out of a world of sin and into God’s holy throne room! Hallelujah! I can't wait!! We will now be able to stand before Jesus and see him face to face. Without this remarkable change we would never be allow to reign with Christ forever and forever.
Judgement Seat Christ or Bema (high lifted up platform) seat judgement:
Why must Christians be judged in heaven?)
Romans 10:10-13: But why do thou judge thy brother? Or why do thou set at nought (to treat as not important) thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11. For it is written, as I live saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then everyone of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another anymore.
God is a loving Father, He gave His only Son so you can become a Christian and live Him forever in heaven. God gave us the book of Revelation (to reveal) to prepares us for the best eternity ever. You and I need to read and make preparation for our future. We spend months making reservations, saving money for our vacations, so we will have a great time with no unexpected surprises. Invest in your future, know exactly where you are going to spend eternity with your loved ones.
Everyone who stands before the judgment seat of Christ will go to heaven. This judgment seat could be compared to an awards banquet. Jesus himself is the judge. We will all be judged of the things that we have done from the moment of salvation until we are raptured out of this world. It will be revealed to us what crowns we will receive that day. It is like a sports award or an acting reward. You know what the qualifications are to receive the Heisman or an Oscar. We know not everyone who acts will receive and Oscar, it must be earned. Same with the Heisman Trophy for college football it is for the ones who were successful for extra effort they put into the games. There is always a degree of professionalship and hard work to receive such honors. It will be revealed that day your genuine motives for following God. The idea is to love God do all that you can in this service to honor him. These crowns will only be with you a short time, you will cast these crowns at Jesus feet the true hero of the Bible.
Five Crowns
What are the five crowns given out at the Judgement seat of Christ?)
The first crown is the Victor’s Crown. This crown will be awarded to those who discipline their minds through study of God's word and prayer. (I Corinthians 9:25-27) 25. And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; So fight I, not as one that beats the air: 27. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preach to others, I myself should be a castaway.
The second is the crown of rejoicing, which will be given to those have led others to Christ (I Thessalonians 2:19). For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming.
The third is the crown of righteousness, which were given to those who have a longing for the Lord Jesus-who look for Jesus’ return (II Timothy 4:7-8). 7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: but unto all of them also that love his appearing.
The 4th is the crown of life, placed up on those who have endured and triumphed over trial and temptation and persecution, even to the point of martyrdom (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10). James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Revelation 2:10: Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and you shall have tribulation 10 days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
The 5th crown is the crown of glory, awarded to the faithful shepherds of the people of God and to Christian leaders (I Peter 5:2-4): Feed the flock of God, which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3. Neither as being Lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. 4. And when the chief shepherd shall appear, he shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
We will cast our crowns at Jesus feet.
What will we do with our crowns?)
Revelation 4:10: the four and 20 elders fall down before him that sat upon the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne saying, 11. Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Yes, there will be rewards in heaven for those who follow and serve Jesus. No one will be boastful or proud at the moment we receive our crowns. We will all bow with full reverence to Jesus himself, we will see face to face. Then we shall cast our crowns at his feet and praise him, the king of glory forevermore.
Invitation:
We discovered in the word of God today, man cannot enter into God's heaven without a physical change and a spiritual change. The same is true with becoming a Christian. You cannot enter into the Kingdom of God unless you repent of your sins, accept Jesus into your heart as the Lord of your life and then tell the world what God has done for you. This change is personal, it is between you and Jesus himself. You will experience the change in your life and you never, never walk alone. His promise to you, I'll be with you and the Holy Spirit to guide you through this life until I come and take you home. It's time, don't put off till tomorrow come to the altar, Jesus he's waiting his arms are outstretched. Come!
Questions:
What is the first thing that we must do to enter heaven?
Why must Christians be judge in heaven?
What are the five crowns given out at the Judgement seat of Christ?
What will we do with our crowns?