Shall we know one another in heaven? Pious Christians often ask this question, at times under brimming tears, when death has taken their loved ones from them and laid them in the silent grave. Shall we know our beloved in heaven?

In the all-revealing light of heaven's glory Peter at once recognized the two holy men who had come from heaven to talk with his transfigured Lord, Moses and Elias, although he had never seen them before in this world.

So shall we know all the saints of God in heaven at once. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Though we and our loved ones shall be changed into the likeness of Christ's own glorious body (Philipians 3:21), and shall be forever free from all the imperfections of this sinful flesh, we shall not be strangers to one another, but shall recognize each other at a glance. And who will describe the bliss of that meeting? "O happy world, O glorious place, Where all who are forgiven Shall find their loved and lost below And hearts, like meeting streams, shall flow Forever one, in heaven!"

Who can blame Peter for wanting to stay forever in that glory, at the sight of which he was beside himself with joy? But his time was not yet come. There were still long years of service in his Master's cause before him. However, he never forgot that vision of heaven there on the mountain; see 2 Peter 1:16-18. May the sure hope of heaven which we have through our blessed Redeemer move us daily to set our affection on things above, until we shall see our Savior face to face and with Him all our departed loved ones who died in the Lord!

[devotion text by Rev. F. W. Herzberger (1920) -
from the Family Altar - CPH (1957 edition)]
read preface from book (opens in a new window)