Recognition Beyond This Life

An individual once asked, “After we die, will we recognize one another in the spiritual realm?” According to the inspired Scriptures, the answer is a definite “Yes.”

In the account of David’s illicit affair with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), there was a male child born of that union. As a result of David’s sin, God caused the child to become ill (2 Samuel 12:15 ESV). Even though David was extremely remorseful, the child died (2 Samuel 12:16-18 ESV).

When David was told of the child’s death, he asked the following question and made this profound statement:

“Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23).

This passage of Scripture, along with several other passages (cf. Genesis 25:8; Genesis 35:29; Genesis 49:33 – see commentary regarding the phrase “and was gathered to his people”), indicate that we will indeed recognize folks who have passed on before us — including the Lord (Luke 16:19-31; John 14:3; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 1 John 3:2).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

Related Articles:

• Are The Dead Conscious?
• False Ideas Regarding Death
• The Origin, Nature, and Destiny of the Soul [Part III]
• After Death – Then What?
• Death – An Enemy Or Friend?