Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Temporary Unknowns
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
—1 Corinthians 13:12
Often the question comes up as to whether we will know one another in heaven. I cannot give a definite answer to that, because the Bible does not specifically address this, although it does say we will know as we are known (see 1 Corinthians 13:12).
For the time being, I don’t have a complete knowledge of what is going on. I have an incomplete knowledge of God. But one day in a new body, I will see Him face-to-face, and all of my questions will be answered.
The apostle Paul had a remarkable experience in which he died and then was revived (see Acts 14:19–20). This wasn’t a near-death experience; Paul literally died. But he didn’t write a book about it. He basically said, “I was caught up in the third heaven and heard things that I can’t even describe to you, but it was paradise” (see 2 Corinthians 12:2). That is all he would say.
It does appear, however, that we will recognize one another in heaven. After all, when Moses and Elijah met with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, the disciples recognized them. So you might ask, “How will I know you if I’m looking for you?” Well, look for the guy with the full head of brand-new hair. That will be me.
Yes, there is that day when we will be with the Lord. We don’t know everything about heaven. But we know it will exceed our wildest dreams. We will see the Lord and we will see one another. And all of the mysteries will be solved.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org.
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions,