In Heaven: Will We Know Each Other?

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4 NLT)

We are given a beautiful description of the New Heaven and the New Earth in Revelation, chapters 21 and 22. Not only will restoration take place, but there will be no more sin, sickness, or sorrow. Yet marriage will cease to exist. “For in the resurrection, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven” (Matthew 22:30).

Still, the puzzling question remains, Will we know each other in heaven? Although heaven is a mystery, we do not have reason to believe that when Jesus comes, we will not recognize our loved ones who died in Christ [Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18].

Being raised from the dead: When Jesus raised Lazarus from death, certainly he knew his family, friends, and Jesus. The Old Testament records Elijah raising the widow of Zarephath’s son (1 Kings 17:21-22), in which we can safely assume the risen child recognized his mother. Jesus was human when He died; we know He did not have His memory wiped away when He arose from death.

For those who are alive when Jesus comes: “ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18).

We can agree that throughout the Bible, God is consistent. From Creation, God stated, “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26). Family is an established insitiution set in place by God. To not know one another is not included in the Apostle John’s description of the former things passing away.

Although this is a highly sensitive subject, the 4th verse of Revelation 21 promises we will have no more sorrow. Many parents and family members are grieving daily over their loved ones who have strayed from serving God. Yes, we desire everyone in our family to be saved, but accepting salvation is a free will choice. If God has promised us no more sorrow from the former things, for us not to have sorrow, it would not be possible to remember our lost loved ones.

Never forget that God will have allowed everyone to confess, repent, and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Throughout the Bible, Scriptures reveal that God established family to love each other providing mental, emotional, and spiritual support. When Jesus was born as a babe, He was raised by human parents and grew up with siblings. And 11 of the 12 disciples loved Jesus. In John chapter 17, read the three prayers Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples, and future disciples, including us. The importance of a loving relationship with family and friends is demonstrated in the Bible as a priority.

Again the question is: Will we know each other in Heaven?

The following quote is from the Author, Sister Ellen G. White.

If you are thinking that life is so great…read the benefits of eternal life. It will be worth it. God is preparing to give the faithful ones benefits beyond our wildest imaginations. [Jesus] died for us, and was raised for us, that we might come forth from the tomb to a glorious companionship with heavenly angels, to meet our loved ones and to recognize their faces, for the Christlikeness does not destroy their image, but transforms it into His glorious image. Every saint connected in family relationship here will know each other there. Heaven 39, Ellen G. White

“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5). Whether we are the only one saved in our family or we will have many loved ones in heaven, the Apostle Paul states that we are one body in Christ, which is why Jesus said, “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).

Yes, the Apostle John says, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

Remember, we will be one huge, happy, and loving family. With anticipation, we can look forward to seeing our redeemed family and friends and meeting countless individuals who are now one family in Christ. But, first and foremost, “We want to see Jesus!!! Amen.”

Always pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to give you discernment and understanding of God’s truth.

Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 13

Prayer: God, we prayerfully anticipate our heavenly home. Please teach us to love unconditionally on earth in preparation to love one another in Heaven. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.