Heaven, How Amazing Is It? Part 1 of "Heaven and Hell"Sample

Will we recognize each other?

Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with Him. Peter answered and said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah (Matthew 17:3-4 WEB).

A question that almost all believers ask themselves when thinking about heaven is whether we will recognize each other there. The Bible gives plenty of evidence that this will be the case. At the transfiguration on the mountain, Moses and Elijah appear next to Jesus; the disciples recognize them immediately (Matthew 17:3-4). This shows that we will not only recognize acquaintances, but also people we have never seen before. In the story of the poor Lazarus and the rich man, it is clear that the rich man immediately recognizes Lazarus as well as Abraham (Luke 16:19-31)

Our identity remains and therefore we will recognize each other. Relationships are part of our identity. Knowing and being known are part of our humanity, which is how God created us. How wonderful it will be to see loved ones, both family and friends, again. Our relationships will then no longer be hampered by negative feelings or sins, but will be pure and clean. The question that does arise is: when we recognize each other, will we miss loved ones? More on this in the next lesson.

Best of all, we will recognize Jesus. The more we focus on Him here on earth, the more awesome it will be to see Him face to face. Without Him, heaven would not be heaven. He is the most important Person around Whom eternal life revolves.

To which meeting in heaven are you looking forward the most?