Let’s discuss what the Bible says about the question “will we know each other in Heaven.” Read on to understand what Jesus taught on this subject.
Jesus Teaches We Will Know Each Other in the Afterlife
Jesus told parables suggesting we’ll know each other wherever we are in the afterlife:
“It came to pass that the beggar (Lazarus) died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s presence (Paradise/Heaven). The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham from a distance and Lazarus in his presence. So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:22-24).
Known by Name
When we die, we immediately go to one of two places: a place of blessing (Paradise) or torment (Hades). The ‘rich man’ who knew Lazarus during his earthly life died and went to Hades, and Lazarus (the beggar) died and went to Paradise. Yet, the rich man could see and recognize both Lazarus and Abraham. The rich man could even communicate with Abraham. Everyone knew each other.
Jesus told another parable that depended on us knowing each other in heaven
“The master commended the dishonest steward, because he had acted prudently. For the sons of this world (unbelievers) are wiser in their own generation than the sons of light. (believers in Jesus). I say to you, make friends for yourself by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when you fall short, they (other believers) may receive you into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9-10).
The dishonest steward had been terminated (but with notice), so he used the days left with his current job responsibilities to reduce the bills clients owed to his boss. In the parable, that is how he made friends. Jesus praised the dishonest steward, not for being dishonest but for making friends in his current job situation who would benefit him in his future condition: he’d need to earn a living.
Received by Friends
Jesus applied that lesson to ‘the sons of light’ (believers). Jesus advised His sons to use this world’s resources to make friends with and help other believers, so we’ll be received well into eternal dwellings (in the eternity God prepares for us). This tells us believers will know each other in eternity and even remember what happened during our earthly lives.
During Jesus’ Transfiguration, both Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus:
“And He was transfigured before them. His garments became shiny, extremely white as snow, such as no launderer on earth could whiten them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses. And they were talking with Jesus” (Mark 9:3-4).
These men appeared with Jesus, but they had died hundreds of years before Jesus ministered on earth. Yet when they appeared, they were identified by name. This event is significant as it demonstrates that personal identities continue after death, and that individuals from different time periods can interact in the afterlife.
Yes We Will Know Each Other in Heaven
Summary
Jesus’ parables assure us that our personal identities continue after death, providing a comforting continuity in the afterlife.
Our earthly experiences are not forgotten in the afterlife, fostering a sense of connection to our past.
Our actions in this life, as believers, significantly influence how people receive us in eternity, instilling a sense of responsibility and motivation.
We’ll identify people by name in the afterlife.
