By Steve Higginbotham
A question that appears to be of great concern to many people is whether or not we will recognize each other in heaven. Of all the questions we entertain concerning the afterlife, this one is probably the one most frequently asked. And of course, having lost loved ones to death, I certainly understand why the answer to this question is so important. Since the deaths of both my mother and father, I am gripped with emotion when I imagine the reunion they are experiencing with my sister, their little girl, who died in childhood.
But does the Bible teach that there will be recognition after death or is this just a “pipedream” that Christians have made up? Is my belief in a reunion based on my personal desire or upon God’s revelation?
Consider the following:
The Bible teaches there was recognition in the Hadean realm. The rich man recognized Abraham and Lazarus (Luke 16:23).
The Bible teaches there was remembrance in the Hadean realm. The rich man remembered he had five brothers (Luke 16:28).
The Bible teaches that when Abraham was buried in the cave of Machpelah, he was “gathered to his people” (Genesis 25:8). This does not refer to a shared burial plot, for Abraham’s ancestors were buried elsewhere. Also notice that he was not gathered to all people, my people, or your people, but to his people. This suggests a reunion.
The Bible teaches that upon the death of King David’s son, David found comfort in the thought that while he could not bring his son back, he could go to be with his son (2 Samuel 12:23).
For me, the bottom line is that I trust God. I may not know how we will recognize one another in our new, incorruptible bodies, but I have full assurance, nothing doubting, that God has the power to accomplish this feat. Is anything too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:27)?