Important to note here is the fact that not only were Moses and Elijah recognizable to the Lord, but they were known to the disciples also. Peter certainly knew them, for he said: "Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles: one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Luke 9:33). If the disciples with earthly, limited vision could recognize these two men, which most definitely had been with God in the afterlife, certainly when we arrive in heaven with our glorified bodies and with heavenly vision, we will be able to recognize others as well. Perhaps even to the extent that the disciples were able. Consider this, Moses died about 1406 B.C. and Elijah was translated (taken up) to heaven around 850 B.C. How is it that the disciples recognized these men which lived and passed from this world long before they were even born? Their knowledge must have been given by God’s will.

The fear that we will be sorrowful, at least at first, when we recognize that loved ones may not be in heaven with us is really an unfounded fear in that God has promised to eliminate sorrow (Rev. 21:4). If such is the will of God then that is how it shall be. Scriptures such as the Luke 16:23 show us that the same will not be true for those who are cast into torment. The rich man was actually concerned that his loved ones would end up in the same place; in fact we could infer that it was part of his torment.

Heaven will be a place of endless fellowship with those who are saved. Jesus said: "And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 8:11). If the patriarchs and prophets will know each other at this great love feast is it not reasonable to believe we too shall know one another? And this will be a heavenly knowledge. That is to say it will be knowledge or wisdom imparted to us by God the Father. For in that place we will finally be of the same mind that is in Him.

We see this mutual recognition in the writings of the apostle Paul as well. In his first Epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul wrote: "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” (1 Thess. 2:19-20) Obviously Paul fully expected to meet the converts from Thessalonica in Heaven, and furthermore, he looked forward to being able to distinguish them from others who had found Christ during the years of his ministry. Paul also taught that those who were begotten of his preaching and teaching would indeed know him in the world to come. Paul wrote, "As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

(2 Cor.1:14)

In researching the question, "Will We Know One Another In Heaven?”, I found no Scripture that positively proved we would not have an active recognition of those we have known in this present life. In regard to the sadness aforementioned, we must realize that in some way God will either eradicate memories that would cause us grief, or give us a peace that cannot feel anxiety or depression. For this is indeed a promise of God.