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Question: Will we be able to recognize our relatives or friends in Heaven?Answer: "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12).
Thank you for your question. I suppose that almost every Christian has thought about this at one time or another. Really, there is a happiness that sweeps through our soul when we think about the possibilities of seeing our loved ones who have gone on before us. To not be able to recognize our friends and relatives in heaven seems quite the opposite of God's nature in dealing with His children.
Is not heaven the consummation of our present happiness? And what makes us more happy here upon earth than mutual acquaintance? John said in 3 John 1:4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." Does that mean then that when John died and went to heaven that the joy he attained on this earth was forever forgotten?
You will find in the New Testament church that the early church fathers always rested their labors upon a reward, and that consisting in the glory of those they had won to the Lord. Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 "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."
A Biblical example of being able to recognize our relatives in Heaven is found in the Old Testament when Bathsheba's son died, and King David mourned for him until his death. David said in 2 Samuel 12:23, "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."
In the New Testament, we have the scripture found in Matthew 8:11 - "And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven." Now, how is it that we will be able to sit down with these by name? Because we will know them.
Resource: "Heaven" by W.A. Criswell & Paige Patterson, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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