"When the apostle Paul wrote his great resurrection chapter, 1 Corinthians 15, he didn't end by saying, "So let's celebrate the great future life that awaits us." He ended by saying, "So get on with your work because you know that in the Lord it won't go to waste." When the final resurrection occurs, as the centerpiece of God's new creation, we will discover that everything done in the present world in the power of Jesus's own resurrection will be celebrated and included, appropriately transformed."
Wright was of course quoting the verse from 1 Corinthians 15:58:
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
It speaks of the importance of our current life on earth which is part of God's plan to bring His heaven on earth. That is why Jesus taught us to pray this prayer in Matthews 6:9-13:
"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
So through Jesus's death and resurrection (which we just celebrated last Easter Sunday), God's Kingdom of justice and love will begin with each of the believer in Christ Jesus. As we labour on this earth, not only will our work not be wasted, but will all be remembered in future when the final day arrives.
Today I read in Luke 10 where Jesus told His disciples, following their joyous return from their mission trip and reported back “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” (verse 17):
“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (verses 18-20)
So again we might see huge success while we are serving others in Jesus's name now, but the best is yet to come! What does it mean to have my name written in heaven?
It seems that throughout the bible, there is reference to a book in heaven, like a guest book which contains a list of the invited guests. It's often referred to the Book of Life. For example,
Daniel 12:1
At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people--everyone whose name is found written in the book--will be delivered.
Psalm 69:28
May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.
Philippians 4:3
Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Revelation 20:12
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
I read a number of commentaries on this passage. Basically the contrast of earthly success (even in doing God's business) must be tempered by the perspective that I have been saved by grace, by the blood of the sacrificial lamb (Jesus), who is the author of this book of life, which already contains my name in it!
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:8-10)
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