By Steve Cornell
I have friends who are in heaven. What is it like there? What are they doing? Do people get bored in heaven? Eternity is a long time. Will heaven be an eternal church service? We can be certain that heaven is a place of enjoyment beyond compare. Although much more could be added, there are three emphasized reasons for great enjoyment in heaven.
Enjoy God's Handiwork
When we observe the beauty and greatness of the present creation; the mountains, forests, skies, waters, etc., it is awesome to contemplate the variety, beauty, and order. Since this creation is a reflection of God's glory (Psalms 19:1-6), one should expect that the new heavens and new earth (II Peter 3:13) will be greater in every way. In heaven, we will enjoy the inexhaustible handiwork of God –forever. There will be a lot to investigate and learn about in heaven. We will continually be in awe of God's amazing work!
Enjoy the Company of Fellow-believers
More importantly, however, we will be surrounded by fellow believers in heaven (the redeemed of all the ages). There will be perfect love among the sons and daughters of God as they dwell in their Father's house (John 14:2-3; Hebrews 12:23). We will live in new bodies that never suffer from sickness (Philippians 3:20-21; Revelation 21;4). We will have new natures that pleases God in everything (Psalm 17:15; I John 3:2). Together, we will serve Jesus Christ with total faithfulness (Revelation 22:3) and reign with him (Revelation 3:21; 22:5; I Corinthians 6:3). Relationships on earth (even Christian relationships) suffer from the effects of sin. In heaven we will have perfect relationships with everyone!
These relationships will be superior to all other kinds of human relations. Jesus taught that there will not be marriage in heaven. "Jesus replies, 'The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection" (Luke 20:34-36).
The apostle Paul also taught that marriage as a union ceases in death (Romans 7:1-3; I Corinthians 7:39). This should not be understood to mean that there will be no more gender in heaven. Nor should we conclude that we will have no memory of earthly relationships. The biological purpose of marriage will no longer be needed in heaven, but, ". . . this does not mean 'marriage' in a broader sense is excluded. Although marriage as an institution is impossible in heaven,  marriage as a metaphor and state of mind is not. After all, the marriage between Christ and his church is a major topic in Revelation" (John Gilmore, Probing Heaven, p. 233).
C.S. Lewis wrote, "In denying the sexual life [in heaven] . . . it is not of course necessary to suppose that the distinction of sexes will disappear. What is no longer needed for biological purposes may be expected to survive for splendour" (Miracles, p. 166). We admit to a degree of ignorance on this matter but we can be confident that we will experience relationships in heaven far superior to anything we have known on earth (consider I Corinthians 13, especially verses 10-12).
Enjoy the Presence of the Triune God
More than any other enjoyment in heaven, we should anticipate the presence of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Just think of the joy, peace, and comfort we will know in God's presence. "The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it" (Revelation 22:3). The words, "And so we will be with the Lord forever" (I Thessalonians 4:17), describe the great expectation of the believer's heart concerning heaven. Jesus said, "I will come back and take you to be with me . . .' (John 14:3 emphasis mine). In heaven we will celebrate every aspect of God's greatness (see: Revelation 4:8-11; 5:8-14; 7:9-17).
We will worship God –unhindered by the sins and distractions of this life. Our worship will not be self-motivated and measured by the emotional benefit we derive from it. Yet we may be confident that this worship will not be dull and boring. It will be vibrant and captivating. It will be totally focused on God and his glory. We will enjoy the presence of God beyond measure. The Psalmist said to God, "You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand" (Psalm 16:11).
For more a more detailed biblical study of heaven, email me, s.cornell@millersvillebiblechurch.org
Steve Cornell