Will we recognize friends in Heaven?

 

Biblical references...
2Samuel 12:22-23... He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’  But now he is dead.  Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again?  I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”
Matthew 8:11
... I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 
Mark 12:25...
For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
Luke 9:28-31... Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.  And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.  And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 
Luke 10:20...
Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 16:22-23...
The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side.  The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
John 14:2...
In my Father’s house are many rooms.  If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
1Corinthians 13:12...
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
2Corinthians 5:6...
So we are always of good courage.  We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,
1Thessaonians 4:15-17... For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
Hebrews 11:16...
But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
Revelation 21:4... He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:27... But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

 

Discussion thoughts... Will we recognize friends in Heaven? The question seems to be a question that does not have a specific answer!  There are numerous scriptures that discuss events that biblical scholars "attempt and/or distort" to imply that we will know each other in Heaven... I would hope that they are right but following below I will question some of their "assumptions"!
(1)
1Corinthians 13:12 explains that now we see things imperfectly, but when we are in Heaven we will know everything completely... biblical scholars suggest that this implies we will know one another in Heaven.  What does know everything completely mean... if that is 100% true we will know all those who are in Heaven!
(2) Luke 16:22-23 explains that the rich man (in Hell) saw Abraham and Lazarus (in Heaven)... Maybe those in Hell can see those in Heaven (maybe as further punishment)???  Can those in Heaven recognize others who are in Heaven???... this scripture does not say!
(3) Luke 9:28-31 describes the "transfiguration scene" where Peter, James and John saw Moses and Elijah (Moses and Elijah were long ago dead)... we see Moses and Elijah alive with Jesus when they appeared with Jesus as Jesus prayed with Peter, John and James (this was before Jesus died on the cross... Moses and Elijah would have been in "Paradise"... Jesus had not yet gone to "Heaven" so it appears Jesus joined Moses and Elijah in "Paradise" and this is what Peter, John and James witnessed)... not sure of the relevance... Jesus made this happen when he was on earth!
(4) John 14:2 talks about Gods Home... scholars suggest that since it is a "Home"... everyone will recognize and know each other.
(5) Luke 10:20 says our names are written in Heaven... a wonderful statement... combining this with 1Corinthians 13:12 it would seem to suggest that each of us will know everyone's name... but will we be allowed to know what is written in the "Book of Life"?
(6) Hebrews 11:16 another wonderful scripture... scholars suggest that the use of the word homeland implies we will know everyone in the "home"... again, we hope so but there is no specifics!
(7) Matthew 8:11 says we will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob... it does not say we will recognize them, but is does imply that!
(8) 2Samuel 12:22-23 When David's son died, David expected to see his son again in Heaven... a good example that we expect to recognize in Heaven, one we knew on earth!
(9) Mark 12:25  says that we will not marry in Heaven and in that respect we will be like angels...  according to Christian theology, angels are spiritual beings that don't have gender... other scriptures show that people retain their sexual identity... as in Moses, Mary, David and many others depicted in scriptures!

My Beliefs... So... we have no absolute conclusions... some scriptures seem to say we will recognize others and other scriptures seem to not be conclusive.  Luke 9:30 seems to be the most compelling that we will know and talk with others like where Moses and Elijah were seen talking with Jesus!  So in conclusion I cannot find definitive scriptures that say we will recognize our spouse, or others, that we knew on earth... most biblical scholars seem to believe that we will recognize others in Heaven and my personal belief is that we will!  My faith says I will get to Heaven and enjoy the promise of
Revelation 21:4... He will wipe every tear from my eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain... I sincerely hope, trust and pray that the love of my life is there with me!

Read other related studies... "What will we do in Heaven"
                                                  "Are Paradise and Heaven the Same"
                                                   "What will Heaven be Like"
                                                    "What will we wear in Heaven:
                                                     "Why go to Heaven"
                                                      "What age will we be in Heaven"

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