I had a friend ask me the other night if I thought the
people in Heaven would be able to see the people in Hell? He also asked if I thought
that the people in Heaven would remember the relationships they had on earth.
Furthermore, he asked if say for instance a son went to Hell and his father
went to Heaven, would said father just forget about his son suffering in the
depths or would he in fact bear witness to this suffering? I sat there for a
moment, not quite sure what to say, so I gave the most conclusive answer I
could: “You know…I’m really not sure.” So, what do I do when I am not sure
about something? I ask questions. I do research.
The first place I traveled on the investigation journey was to the book of Revelation where it states in
Heaven there will be no tears shed
(Revelation 21:4); therefore, if there are no tears shed, how could we
experience the grief of witnessing our loved ones in Hell? Also, in regards to
the relationships issue, the Bible speaks on the fact that there will no longer
be marriage and yet there is evidence to suggest that we will in fact know all
the people we have formed relationships with here on earth. We will be brothers
and sisters in Heaven, but I think we will be more consumed with the great and
mighty God to put any type of former relationship to the forefront of our minds
before Him.
(Rev
21:4-5) He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more
death or mourning or crying or pain, for the [former]
things ha[ve] passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne
said, “I am making everything new!”
The Bible states how the former things will not be
remembered or come to mind, but who is to say these former things are former
people…former relationships? Who’s to say that these “former things” are not the
former sins, the former troubles, the former pains and tribulations of life?
Isaiah 54:4 “Do not
be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be
humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and
remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.”
Perhaps those things
have passed, so that we are consumed with the good and powerful wondrous works
of God. Is it possible that we will have memories, but without those that have
brought us pain and shame because if we were to embrace those memories, we
would not be able to fully accept and indulge in the joyous blessings that
encompass all that is Heaven; all that is God? In addition, I had the thought
of how when Jesus (who was in fact both man and God in one form) said to the
criminal on the cross next to him when he repented of his sins: “Today you will
be with me in paradise (Luke 23:24),” that if this man would recognize Jesus in
paradise (who was a man at the time), why would we not recognize those people
who have impacted our lives here on earth?
Jesus spoke how in his Father’s house there are many rooms
and he is going to prepare a place for us (John 14:2); therefore, why would
someone not want to accept this invitation for Heaven? I could still answer my
friend’s questions with “I’m not really sure” because I have no way to have
that concrete evidence so many of us hunger for. With no concrete evidence, how
could we believe in this “Heaven” or this “God?” The only answer I have for
that is simple: Faith. In fact, I believe when we have questions and doubts it
allows us to reach deeper into knowing God and getting closer to him; it is
like any relationship, in order to fully know the other person, we must ask
questions and put questions into our minds to ask that person in order to understand
him/her on a deeper level.
I pray
this for the people around me and for myself: God, I pray that you will give us glimpses of encouragement throughout
our day. I pray that your presence will so fully envelope our hearts and minds that we
will know you to a deeper level than we ever knew possible. Please wipe away
those fears, doubts, and questions that so inhibit us coming to a full
understanding of the love and grace you are so willingly ready to pour out on
us. Lord, I pray that you will reveal yourself so clearly to those who need it most
and fill them with such peace and healing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.