Does the Bible say we will know our loved ones in heaven?
Question:
Does it say anywhere in the New Testament that we will know our loved ones in heaven? I have read the scriptures that you gave previously regarding this topic from the Old Testament.
Answer:
In the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, the rich man was able to recognize Abraham and Lazarus while in Hades (Luke 16:20-31). When Jesus was on the mountain and was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared with him and the disciples there recognized all three (Matthew 17:1-8). It is interesting because in these events people recognized others whom they had never met in person.
We won't have physical bodies, as we have here on earth. "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (I Corinthians 15:53). But it doesn't imply that people are indistinguishable in the spiritual realm or that we won't recognize people for who they are when we get there.
