Eternity's Purpose: What God Has Planned for Our Everlasting Future
Most Christians believe in heaven, but few have deeply considered what eternal life will entail. Revelation 22 offers fascinating insights into our eternal activities in the new creation.
In the new heavens and earth, believers will dwell intimately with God in a cosmic sanctuary where all creation houses His glory. The church functions as both a city-bride and the end-time temple, with no need for a physical structure since creation and redeemed humanity serve as the sanctuary.
Two key aspects reveal our eternal role:
High Priests in God's Presence Believers will see God's face directly, with His name on their foreheads - marking them as holy high priests. Unlike the Old Testament high priests who could only enter God's presence once yearly behind a cloud of incense, we'll have unrestricted access to God's presence, completely transformed and free from sin.
Kings Over Creation We will "reign forever and ever" (Revelation 22:5), fulfilling Daniel 7:27's prophecy. This kingship involves governing creation as God originally intended for Adam and Eve, including:
- Managing and cultivating the new earth
- Studying and cataloging creation
- Exercising sovereignty over the physical realm
- Using enhanced skills and talents for God's glory
Our eternal life won't be passive cloud-sitting or harp-playing. Instead, we'll actively serve as priest-kings in God's sanctuary, maintaining His creation with perfected bodies and abilities. This work will be purposeful and joyful, done perfectly for God's glory.
These responsibilities indicate that eternal life will be dynamic and engaging, filled with meaningful work that fulfills humanity's original purpose to rule and tend God's creation - only now without sin's corruption.