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jjjds1999
senior member (91)senior membersenior member
  
01/02/2014 07:39PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I just recently joined this private group, so I’m not sure exactly what you discuss. But this is what was on my mind last night.
My family lost a beloved aunt New Year’s Day to stomach cancer. She was 92 years old. She also suffered from Alzheimer’s. When I got the news, although I was expecting it, I was stunned. After shock, the next thing that came into my mind was a picture of her in heaven. Reuniting with her sweet husband, her son who was murdered, her son she lost to cancer, her parents, and in the background my dad and all her other brothers and sisters waiting to welcome her home. I could see the smile on her face as she looked at her loved ones for the first time in years. She looked so happy and peaceful, like the aunt I remembered before illness took over her life and her body. Although my heart aches for her remaining two children, her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren, I know she is happy once again.
Knowing that she was a Godly woman, I have no doubt that her eternity will be spent in heaven. What I have wondered about for years is will we actually recognize our loved ones in heaven? Any opinions, theories, or quotes from the Bible on this? I would love to be able to believe this will happen.
 
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sleepnbag
distinguished member(706)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/02/2014 09:23PM  
There are certainly hints throughout the Bible that could lead people to believe either way. One thing is for sure that if we do recognize anyone, it will only be fellow "believers".

I'm perfectly fine with this one..

17 Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard no more.
-Isaiah 65:17-19
 
01/09/2014 04:28PM  

There is no clear answer to your question in Scripture. A person in a bible study I attended, pointed to the Transfiguration of Jesus found in three of the Gospels as proof because the apostles in attendance recognized the prophets Elijah and Moses. The problem with this assumption is that Peter, James, and John had never seen Elijah or Moses, so how were they able to recognize them?
 
Arkansas Man
Moderator
  
01/25/2014 09:32AM  
While there is no clear cut scripture as mentioned, if you look at the Last Supper, where Jesus promised the disciples that they would all drink the fruit of the vine together again in the millennial kingdom.
That to me says that they would know each other in Heaven, as well as the other examples given. I believe we will know each other in our perfected form, as we worship and give praise to the Father.

However, I do not believe that once we get to Heaven that we concern ourselves with things that occur here on earth. I believe all our focus is on GOD the Father and Son.

If you have not read "Heaven is for Real" or 90 Minutes in Heaven, you should do so. Both are stories of persons who have died and gone to Heaven only to return to earth and live.

God Bless!

Bruce
 
04/14/2016 05:43AM  
Great topic. my first post in this forum/thread. Thanks for adding this great thread.

Can post a lot on this topic-- but away from a desktop at the moment. More details/ scripture refs later,, if needed.

Can't be dogmatic on this issue,, but I think Scripture clearly states we will recognize loved ones in Heaven -- and even have those (lost souls/spirits) in hell (lake of fire) recognize us in Heaven (Luke 16-- (( it is HELL after all)) and for a time-- we will recognize those lost in hell (Isa 65 etc.).-- but only for a brief time only to be remembered no more-- since it's remembered at all is the key.

Christ appeared to at least 515 human souls on Earth. This was after He rose. They all recognized Him from what He appeared to them before His death. Why would sanctified,glorified, resurrected believers in Jesus Christ be any different in being able to recognize "loved ones"? We will all get "new bodies and new names" ,, but "we will be like Him in nature when we are glorified ". The 24 Elders (around the throne of The LORD mind you) in REV will obviously be recognized at the time by those in heaven-- they are not just "elders" by name,, but actual believing Christians -- or those who died with believing faith in a coming Savior (Old Testament Believers )

Can add much more from scripture then just this. A desktop will make things much more easier.
Peace.
 
ObiWenonahKenobi
distinguished member (483)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/14/2016 02:07PM  
For some interesting insights on this topic check out the book "Heaven" by Rev. Randy Alcorn.
Bottom line is in heaven you don't stop being you. So why wouldn't you be recognizable to others who knew you here?
Rev 6 speaks of the martyrs surrounding God's throne right now and in the future who watch and ask when their martyrdom will be avenged implying their awareness of events still taking place on earth at that time.

What is interesting to me is that as important as eternal life and heaven is to believers there is very little teaching in the church on the topic. Pick up a volume on systematic theology thousands of pages long - there might be a page and a half addressing heaven. Far more pages will be spent on the topic of hell.

I know in seminary I never had a single class session on the topic of heaven. Again check out Alcorns book. It's not the infallible word of God but it is pretty insightful and scripturally based.
 
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