Proof We Will See Our Love Ones Again
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This sermon series includes the post-obit letters:
Yep! In the Old Testament, when a person died, the biblical writers said he was "gathered to his people" (cf. Gen. 25:8; 35:29; 49:29; Num. 20:24; Judg. 2:10). In 2 Samuel 12, when David's babe kid died, David confidently said, "I shall get to him, but he shall not render to me" (v. 23). David manifestly expected to see the child again--not but a nameless, faceless soul without an identity, only that very child.
The New Testament indicates even more than clearly that our identities volition remain unchanged. While sharing the Passover meal with His disciples, Christ said, "Take this [loving cup] and split up it amid yourselves; for I say to yous, I will not potable of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes" (Luke 22:17-eighteen). Christ was promising that He and His disciples would drink the fruit of the vine together again--in heaven. Elsewhere Jesus makes a similar, but even more than definite, hope: "Many volition come from east and west, and sit downwards with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 8:11).
Furthermore, Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration. Even though it had been centuries since Moses died and Elijah was taken to sky, they notwithstanding maintained a clear identity (Matt. 17:3)--Peter, James, and John patently recognized them (five. 4), which implies that we volition somehow be able to recognize people we've never even seen earlier.
All the redeemed volition maintain their identity forever, but in a perfected form. We will be able to have fellowship with Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Samuel, Moses, Joshua, Esther, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, David, Peter, Barnabas, Paul, or any of the saints we choose. For that to be possible, we must all retain our individual identities, not turn into some sort of generic beings.
Describing the Lord'south appearing and the resurrection of the saints who take died, Paul writes, "Then nosotros who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to see the Lord in the air. And thus we shall ever be with the Lord" (1 Thess. four:17).
Paul's purpose in writing was to comfort some of the Thessalonians who evidently thought their dying loved ones would miss the render of Christ. He says in verse 18, "Comfort one another with these words." The comfort comes from the prospect of reunion. Picayune comfort this would be if in the reunion we could non fifty-fifty recognize one some other. But Paul'southward promise that we will all be "together" forever implies that we shall renew fellowship with all whom we take known.
We will exist reunited not only with our ain families and loved ones, only also with the people of God from all ages. In sky we will all exist one loving family. The immense size of the family volition not matter in the infinite perfection of heaven. There will be ample opportunity for close relationships with everyone, and our eternity will be spent in only that kind of rich, unending fellowship.
If y'all're worried about feeling out of place in heaven, don't. Sky volition seem more like abode than the dear spot on globe to y'all. It is uniquely designed by a tender, loving Savior to exist the place where we will live together for all eternity and enjoy Him forever--in the fullness of our glorified humanity.
Is it any wonder that the psalmist said, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints" (Ps. 116:15)?
Adapted from John MacArthur, The Glory of Heaven (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 1996), 138-41.
Source: https://www.gty.org/library/Questions/QA100/Will-we-recognize-and-be-reunited-with-our-loved-ones-in-heaven
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