The Reward and Responsibilities of the Church.

We know the most faithful followers of Jesus, called his “church,” “bride,” “elect” and many other names, will receive a heavenly reward. 1 John 3:2, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when he appears, we will be like him, because we will see him just as he is.”

The church shall shine forth in the kingdom of their father, Daniel 12:3 (NASB), “Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Matthew 13:43, “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” 

Revelation 21:9,10, 23, 24 further support that Jesus and his bride will light the way for all mankind, “…I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb…and (he) showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God…And the city has no need of the sun…for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light…”

The Resurrection of the World

The billions of mankind who have died will be raised from death in the kingdom, and their bodies will be restored to perfection. Isaiah 35:5,6 “…the eyes of the blind shall be opened…the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. …the lame man leap as an hart,…the tongue of the dumb sing…”

Christ and his church will govern mankind with justice, love, wisdom and power and educate them about God. Isaiah 28:17 (NASB), “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level; then hail will sweep away the refuge of lies…” God will make a new covenant with Israel (which will eventually include the world of mankind as they conform to the new arrangements), “…I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts…they shall teach no more every man his neighbor…saying, ‘Know the LORD: for they shall all know Me…for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more’” Jeremiah 31:33,24. 

Christ’s reign will create a new order on earth! Isaiah 65:17-25 “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing and her people for gladness…”

God’s future kingdom of righteousness will be a wonderful time for all, from the glorified church class to the resurrected population of the earth. We pray the blessed time will come soon.

Additional Resources:
PDF Booklet: God’s Grand Plan of the Ages

Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1248: “What Will We Be Doing When We Get to Heaven? (Part I)”
Examining the privilege of heaven, why it is open and how to get there
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes