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NASB | Revelation 7:9 ¶ After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Revelation 7:9 ¶ After these things I looked, and this is what I saw: a vast multitude which no one could count, [gathered] from every nation and from all the tribes and peoples and languages [of the earth], standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Christ), dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands; |
Bible Question: Revelation 7:9 says that we will recognize all family and loved ones in Heaven. Revelation 21:4 says that there will be no more mourning, crying or pain in Heaven. We also know that those who do not follow Jesus Christ will find their place in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur(Rev. 21:8). I am sure many of us have at least one loved one who if died right now will not be going to heaven. Considering these 3 verses; If we recognize our loved ones in Heaven will we recognize the fact that one is missing and if so how can we have pure joy when we know that one of our loved ones has been cast into the lake of fire? |
Bible Answer: Dear prayon, Another great question! I may have an outlook different from many in the US, because in Japan, the chances are that over 99 percent of your loved ones are not in heaven. In addition, there is the 'social responsibility' of ancestor worship. (I say social responsibility because few understand or believe the religious aspect) I battle with this one almost every day, and the answer has to be that God is just, and we will rejoice in His perfection. He will 'wipe away each tear' and turn our 'mourning into dancing.' The present 'emotional' aspect of our relationship with family will be superceded by the spiritual knowledge that God is righteous. Please understand I mean no disrespect toward your feelings. I only say that our Lord and Savior will heal every wound. In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, we see that the rich man desired to tell his earthly family of their peril. I don't know if there is any 'comfort' in Hell, but it does seem that the rich man would be pleased to know that the rest of his family found the Lord. It seems that those who did not respond to (or were chosen by) the Lord, accept the righteousness of God, so we should, too. Dear sister in the Lord, bless you in Jesus' name, charis |