In our Wednesday night study, we recently discussed whether or not we will have the ability to recognize others in heaven. Will we?
We are more than just a physical body. We know that God is not physical, yet we were made “in the likeness of God” (Gen. 1:26). We understand that we have a spirit within us (different than animals), and there is no biblical evidence that this spirit is altered or destroyed by death.
Our spirit survives our physical death and enables us to recognize others in eternity. Consider the following examples:
Jesus’ words – Jesus spoke of those in heaven as recognizable, saying, “many will … recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 8:11).
The apostles’ actions – In Matt. 17:4, at the transfiguration, Peter recognized Moses and Elijah, who had died centuries before.
The rich man – In Luke 16, the rich man recognized Lazarus (v. 23). He also recalled his still-living brothers.
Many other examples could fill pages of this study, but it does seem apparent that we will not lose our ability to recognize others, even in heaven.
Matt Langfield
