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NASB | 1 Thessalonians 4:13 ¶ But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Thessalonians 4:13 ¶ Now we do not want you to be uninformed, believers, about those who are asleep [in death], so that you will not grieve [for them] as the others do who have no hope [beyond this present life]. |
Bible Question:
Will we recoginize loved ones in heaven? Will we be aware of loved ones that are not in heaven but are in hell? |
Bible Answer: Greetings DGB454, Yes, we will be able to recognize our loved ones in heaven. The Thessalonian Christians were apparently very concerned about their Christian loved ones who had died. They expressed their concern to the apostle Paul. So, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, Paul deals with the "dead in Christ" and assures the Thessalonian Christians that there will indeed be a reunion. So yes, believers will recognize their loved ones in the eternal state. Also, when Moses and Elijah (who had both long passed from earthly life) appeared to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8), they were recognized by all who were present. Furthermore, in Jesus' story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, the rich man, Lazarus, and Abraham were all recognized by each other in the intermediate state. Therefore, I believe that we will be able to recognize loved ones in heaven, and I believe that the absence of loved ones in heaven will be made aware to us as well. Blessings to you, Makarios |