The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Will we recognize our deceased loved ones in heaven?

I was in a discussion recently with someone who does not believe
we will recognize each other in heaven. This includes our wives/husbands that went to be with the Lord before us.
He challenged me to use Scripture to prove him wrong.

I have never really given this much thought before, because I have never heard anyone say this before.

I can’t think of any Scripture off the top of my head that deals directly with this however.

Thoughts?

Tom

Did hundreds of the disciples of Jesus recognize Him after His resurrection?

No, but does that necessarily mean we will recognize each other in heaven? Or is it something Scripture does not mention?

Tom

I don't have a definite answer to your question. But I do know from the biblical record that Jesus was recognizable after His resurrection, i.e., his physical appearance was identifiable. He was recognized by Mary, then many of the other disciples and Thomas, et al (John 20:12ff). I conclude that His true followers will also be recognizable to each other after they receive their resurrection bodies. Actually, to be honest, I'm not overly concerned and hope that my new body will be a significant improvement over the one I now own.

They did not recognize Jesus on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:16) in spite of what must have been a very lengthy time together, in which He showed them, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, all that the Scriptures say about Him. It wasn't until the evening meal that they recognized Him (verse 31).

I don't think He will be hidden from us Above, but our vision is and always will be under His loving control.

I don't want to be recognized in my present ugly form, missing parts and all. Our bodies will be made new and flawless! I wouldn't be recognizable in a flawless new body! So I have to assume that our eyes would need to be opened in heaven just as the disciples' eyes were opened that evening in Emmaus.