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Home > 2007 > OctoberChristianity Today, October, 2007  |   |  
Good Question
Until We Meet Again
'Does the Bible teach that we will recognize our loved ones in heaven?'




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It is in these extraordinary bodies that we will dwell together with Christ for all eternity in the new earth (Rev. 21:1-22:6). There, we will commune not only with the exalted Christ, but also with all those who are numbered among his children, including our believing loved ones.

Of course, there are many unanswerable questions about our glorified bodies and the life to come. How old will we appear? Will we all be equally strong or smart? How can we possibly be happy without marriage?

But the answer to whether we'll recognize our departed loved ones now residing in heaven is as certain as our assurance of seeing our Savior.

Daniel R. Lockwood is president of Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary.



Related Elsewhere:

Daniel R. Lockwood has been president of Multnomah Bible College and Seminary since 1997.

Articles in a 2003 series on commonly asked questions about heaven include "Harleys in Heaven," "What Will Heaven Be Like?," "Afraid of Heaven," "Heaven Can't Wait," and more.

Previous Good Questions include:

Is hell nothing more than eternal torture of the unsaved? Why would God engage in punishment that seems so cruel?
Can We Expect God to Forgive Unbelievers Who 'Don't Know What They're Doing'?
Christ commanded us not to judge others, but aren't there times when common sense or prudence requires it?
Did Jesus Really Descend to Hell?
Do a man and a woman become married after having sex or after exchanging vows?
Does God need our help, love, and praise?
How can I reconcile my belief in the inerrancy of Scripture with comments in Bible translations that state that a particular verse is not 'in better manuscripts'?
How Do You Know That You Have Truly Forgiven Someone?
How is it that not all prayers for the salvation of others are answered?
If God is in us, shouldn't it be easier to love one another?
Is every believer guaranteed at least one spiritual gift?
Is it unscriptural for a Christian to be cremated?
Is Jesus Incarnate Forever?
Is religious art, like Michelangelo's 'Creation of Adam,' a violation of the second commandment when God is portrayed?
Is Suicide Unforgivable?
Is the Stock Market Good Stewardship?
Is there a biblical principle behind the punishment of those who break the law?
Should We All Speak in Tongues?
Should We File Lawsuits?
Take, Eat—But How Often?
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[Reader Reviews]
Average User Rating: 

Displaying 1 - 3 of 15 comments.See all comments
ajayi lanre   Posted: November 06, 2007 6:31 AM
good

Don Johnson   Posted: November 05, 2007 11:56 AM
Could I add another passage? See 1 Thess 2.19-20. Paul tells the Thessalonians that they are his glory and crown in the presence of the Lord at his coming... Hard to see how Paul could look forward to rejoicing in their presence before the Lord if he has no expectation of recognition. Regards, Don Johnson Jer 33.3

John M   Posted: October 30, 2007 1:16 PM
Even if we do see our loved ones again, I doubt that it will add any joy to the experience of being in heaven. I'm assuming the experience will be perfectly joyful anyway. If we will also recognize people in heaven who irritated us on Earth, but we assume that we will feel no irritation toward them in Heaven, then we must also assume that seeing loved ones will provide no additional joy. i.e. the presence or absence of any other person in heaven should not affect our overall joy level.

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