A question that appears to be of great concern to many people is the question of whether or not we will recognize each other in heaven. Of all the questions we entertain concerning the afterlife, this one is probably the one most frequently asked. And, of course, having lost loved ones to death, I certainly understand why the answer to this question is so important. Since the deaths of both my mother and father, I am gripped with emotion when I imagine the reunion they will experience with my sister, their little girl, who died in childhood.
Who among us hasn’t heard a preacher in a sermon or at a funeral speak of the reunion that will someday be experienced either at our passing or the return of the Lord? It’s a comforting thought. But for some, it’s a thought that creates concern and discomfort.
For example, what about the godly woman who dies in the Lord but whose husband would never make Jesus his Lord? Or what about the godly parents who die in the Lord but whose children lived lives of rebellion against the Lord? How can the concept of recognition be a source of comfort for them? If recognition exists in the afterlife, how would this not be an eternal reminder and source of sorrow for those who have loved ones who were not granted access to heaven?
Friends, if that is a valid argument against recognition and for the lack of recognition in heaven, then consider the flipside. If we think that removing the ability to recognize one another removes the possibility of sorrow, then we are presented with the other alternative being a source of sorrow. For instance, how would you like to know that you have a loved one in heaven, but you’ll never be able to know where or who they are? Would that not also be frustrating and a source of sorrow?
The effort to remove the ability to recognize one another doesn’t resolve the issue of sorrow; it only shifts the source of potential sorrow to the lack of ability to recognize one another. While I have far more questions than God chose to answer, please consider these points:
- There was recognition in the Hadean realm. The rich man recognized Abraham and Lazarus (Luke 16:23).
- There was remembrance in the Hadean realm. The rich man remembered he had five brothers (Luke 16:28).
- When Abraham was buried in the cave of Machpelah, the Bible says he was “gathered to his people.” (Genesis 25:8). This does not refer to a shared burial plot, for Abraham’s ancestors were buried elsewhere. Also, notice that he was not gathered to all people, my people, or your people, but to his people. This suggests a reunion.
- Upon the death of King David’s son, David found comfort in the thought that while he could not bring his son back, he could go to be with his son (2 Samuel 12:23).
For me, the bottom line is that I trust God. I may not know how God will “wipe away all tears” (Revelation 21:4), but I have full assurance, nothing doubting, that he will do just that. Is anything too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:27)?
Excellent!
Great article and needed by so many in the church.
This is a great answer to the question. I plan to see my father and mother in heaven. Both were faithful Christians in my estimation. Nevertheless, my primary interest is in seeing Jesus since he’s the one who died for me. I have thousands of questions to ask him if we can do that sort of thing. I want to sing his praises for a long, long time. Although recognizing and being with family and loved ones is something I desire, it isn’t primary in what I want to do in heaven. I find it impossible for me to think about heaven without first thinking of Jesus and God the Father.