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The topic of the afterlife is interesting and I appreciate the comments. I want to remind myself and everyone else that I'm not necessarily dogmatic about certain Biblical insights and do not want to seem like an authority on subjects that we will probably not understand until we get to heaven. Topics such as end-time prophecy and predestination are complicated and controversial. The bottom line in many cases is that no one really knows everything about the Bible, and most everyone has their own opinions. Biblical understanding is based on correct interpretations and unfortunately this is where the prideful arguments bring division and separation. Many declare there is only one truth based on the idea that God is truth and cannot contradict Himself and neither is He the author of confusion. We are looking forward to the day when all of God's saints will know His perfect truth, and agape love will bond us together in peace and joy forever.
We have hope in knowing that God promises rewards for those who have been faithful, obedient and have endured persecution and hardship for the sake of His honor and glory. Read Colossians 3:23-24. Jesus is speaking to His followers in Matthew 5:12, "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great." In chapter 6 and verse 10 He encourages us to pray, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" which emphasizes the plans of God are unstoppable as He is in control and the ultimate authority over all things. We have comfort in knowing that no matter the severity of our trials, our heavenly Father will remember and honor our suffering and sacrifices. James 1:12 promises, "Blessed is the one who endures temptations and perseveres under trials, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me at that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing" II Timothy 4:8.
My view is that we will not remember our painful and sad memories from our past life. I believe we will recognize family and friends we see in Heaven, but not remember those who are not there. To realize someone we loved is missing, would cause us agonizing depression which will no longer be a part of our emotions. Read Revelation 21:1. We notice in Luke chapter 16, the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the characters recognize one another. Whether this is a literal account or a parable, Jesus gives important insights about the afterlife. This could be a glimpse of Sheol which is where the dead await the ressurection and their final destinations. God's children who have passed are resting and living in peace with God in paradise, and those in hades whose names are not written in the Lamb's book of life are miserable as they realize the terrible mistake they have made. Jesus teaches here how they cannot cross over the great gulf which separates them from each other and from returning to earth.
The rich man said he was being tormented and cried out to Abraham to let him go back and warn his brothers about this terrible place, however, Abraham replies they have the prophets and would not believe even if someone came back from the dead. Many are convinced the paradise Jesus mentioned to the thief on the cross is a place where His followers dwell until they are taken to heaven at the ressurection, while hades is a holding place for the lost until the judgment, but is not the final Gehenna lake of fire or hell. Regardless of your interpretations about the afterlife, we know if we have fought the fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, that according to II Corinthians 5:8, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." In conclusion, please embrace the reality that God loves you and desires for you to love Him with all of your heart, mind, and soul. Knowing you are born again is having a personal relationship with Jesus. Is He on your mind, are you living a life of faith for Him? Are you repenting of your sins and confessing Him as your Lord and Master? You are the only one who can make sure you are saved.
Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com
