Will We Know Each Other in Heaven?

I’ve had a ton of questions about death and Heaven lately. I go through phases where I start to really question and wonder about all these things my little human brain doesn’t know or can’t understand. One of my biggest questions is — Will we know each other in Heaven? As in, will I recognize my family and friends who are there?

Will We Know Each Other in Heaven?

I have a feeling this is something everyone wants to know. And I suspect everyone hopes the answer is yes. I know that’s what I’m hoping. We get so close to those in this world with us. Heaven doesn’t sound so great if I don’t get to recognize my husband there with me. We create some very intimate relationships here on Earth, and my hope is that those relationships continue into eternity.

However, I used to think that we wouldn’t know each other in Heaven. We would be too busy worshiping and praising God as Heavenly beings that we wouldn’t even realize who is who. I also thought if we did recognize each other, then surely we would recognize people who were missing. As we sadly know, not everyone will get to go to Heaven if they make the choice not to believe in God. And I imagine knowing someone wasn’t there, we would feel sadness for their absence. But Heaven has no sadness, so that can’t be right.

Searching for Answers on Heaven

In my search for answers to my questions, I recently purchased a book called “What the Bible Says About Death,” and I watched a DVD where the family from the “Heaven is For Real” book are interviewed.

In the book about death, it answers this question, will we know each other in Heaven, with a yes. The book explains that on the Mount of Transfiguration, the disciples saw Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. They were real and recognizable people.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. -Matthew 17

If Moses and Elijah had already died and were in Heaven, then how did the disciples recognize them unless we can in fact recognize each other in Heaven?

In the DVD I watched, Colton says that he saw Jesus in Heaven. But he also saw his grandfather, his sister, and people we know from the Bible including David, Sampson, and John the Baptist. He says he knew who they were. Now, I can’t say I 100% believe this kid’s story of Heaven. I’m a bit of a skeptic, but I think I should be. The Bible tells us to beware of the false teachings that will come. So I think it’s good that I’m not completely convinced and instead am being careful and searching for answers on my own.

My Conclusion

Unfortunately, I can’t say I found a confirmed answer to this question. I can’t tell you yes or no. I wish I knew, but I don’t and I don’t want to lead you astray. However, my research led to the answer yes — we do recognize each other in Heaven.

I don’t think we’ll ever truly know unless we go to Heaven ourselves. Each of us can do our own research and believe what we want.

I’ve decided, at least for now unless I find evidence otherwise, I believe we will see our family and friends in Heaven and recognize them. This still doesn’t answer my question how will we not recognize who’s missing and not be sad about that?

Do you think we’ll see each other in Heaven? How did you come to your conclusion?

Check out these other faith-based posts: