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September 7, 2023

Christian author and theologian John Piper believes Christians will work in heaven, but argued it will look profoundly different than it does in this current world.

Working, he said on a recent “Ask Pastor John” segment, will be “profoundly satisfying and sweet and enjoyable,” even adding no one will ask for a weekend break in heaven.

“I think we will work in the final age to come,” he continued. “Whether we will do what we were gifted for here, or whether we will have wholly new giftings, a thousand times greater, or what kind of work John Piper will be doing, I leave in the hands of God, who planned the universe for the happiness of His people in Himself. We will not be disappointed.”

The Minnesota-based pastor cautioned that despite several Bible verses referencing work our occupations in heaven will very likely look much different than they do on earth.

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Piper noted passages like John 5:17, which states God “is working until now,” and Luke 19:17, which points to servants being granted authority over cities.

Christians, he said, are created for good works.

“When Paul identified a purpose for the new creature in Christ us he said the purpose was work, good works,’” Piper explained.

He also argued that work is not a punishment; rather, he said, the pain that comes with work is the result of the fall, as opposed to the work itself. Piper described work in heaven as “thrilling, satisfying, creative” while work in this sinful world will, according to Genesis 3:17-19, be “futile, burdensome, frustrating.”

What that work will look like, however, is unclear.

Piper said, “Perhaps (this is speculation) there will be sweet weariness of mind and body, the new body getting weary in the age to come such that it needs something different from its usual occupation namely, rest and play.”

“I dont know,” he continued, “because work itself will be so profoundly satisfying and sweet and enjoyable that nobody will say, ‘I need a weekend. Ive got to have some play time,’ because everything will be as happy and satisfying as play.”

You can listen to Piper’s full explanation in the video above.

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