Questions about heaven are the best ones. “What will we do in heaven?” “Who will we see in heaven?” “Will all our questions be answered in heaven or will we be enamored by God’s greatness that we will not care?” The list is uncomprehensive for many have many other questions regarding what life will be like in heaven, one of them being “Will we know one another in heaven?”
This is probably one of most frequently asked questions about the eternal dwelling place of the saved. Many have thought about it, few have searched for the Biblical answer, and no one living on the earth has answered it with experience. There are three different types of questions in Scripture. (1) Questions we know answers to and are important to our salvation. (2) Questions we know answers to and are unimportant to our salvation. (3) Questions we do not know answers to because they are not important to our salvation. This question falls into the second category.[1] The reason people ask this question is because of the permanency of death. They fear that death is the end and that even heaven may become a confused “New York City” atmosphere. Despite supposed assumptions and man’s answers to this question, what saith the Scripture? Here are eight examples for the truth about recognition in heaven:
David’s Exclamation. David’s punishment for adultery and murder was the death of his son (2 Samuel 12:14). David mourned for days until the child was dead. He then would exclaim “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23, emp. mine, NO). David’s words show more than reunion, but recognition. What comfort would a reunion be if there was no recognition? David knew that death was not the end; heaven would allow him to see his son again.
Gathering of People After Death. When the faithful of antiquity died, a common phrase recorded was that this person was “gathered to his people.” This phrase is found in Genesis 25:8, 17; 35:29; 49:29, 33; Numbers 20:24, 26; 27:13; 31:2; Deuteronomy 32:50; 33:5. The phrase shows the reader that even after death there was life—“reunion with faithful loved ones in Sheol.”[2] however, there is more in the phrase. What comfort would it bring for God to tell Moses “thou shalt sleep with thy fathers” (Deuteronomy 31:16) if the moment he came into eternity he did not recognize anyone?! We can implicitly show that every faithful saint was going to meet other saints, some of which they would recognize.
Recognition of Jesus. In writing to the Christians, John foretold that when Jesus returned, He and his readers would “see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). If we will recognize Jesus when He returns, it must be that we will recognize each other at that great day and beyond. While we will be given different bodies (1 Corinthians 15:35-50), it seems that one’s identity will not be changed. Wayne Jackson said that if physical appearance was the mode of recognition, then what about us being able to recognize people today who faced tragic appearance tragedies, yet we are still able to know them?[3] Truly, we will recognize others despite the change in appearance.
The Transfiguration (Matthew 17). Jesus took three privileged disciples to a high mountain and there they were able to see two men who had died. Interestingly, there is no record of them being confused as to who these men were—Peter wanted to build tabernacles for them (Matthew 17:4)! Apparently, they were recognizable after death by those who had never seen them. Surely, death does not stop recognition.
Paul’s Notes About the Second Coming. Paul alludes to Judgement Day recognition when he wrote, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). Keith A. Mosher Sr. observed that how could they know they were in their presence if they could not recognize one another? Paul could be comforted knowing that he was not going to be with saints he could not recognize (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18).
We can look forward to heaven. Not only to be with God forever and the saints, but to be with saints we recognize. The Song “If We Never Meet Again” rings beautifully in our ears:
If we never meet again this side of HeavenAs we struggle through this
world and its strifeThere's another meeting place somewhere in HeavenBy
the side of the river of life Where the roses bloom forever And where
separation comes no moreIf we never meet again this side of HeavenI will
meet you on that beautiful shore
Endnotes
Comments