Q: Do people who’ve died and gone to heaven know what’s happening on earth? I wonder about this, because heaven is supposed to be a happy place, yet they’d be very sad if they saw all the bad things that take place down here.
Although the Bible doesn’t answer all our questions about heaven, some Bible scholars suggest that those who’ve entered heaven before us may have some knowledge about what happens on earth.
For example, one of the most significant incidents in Jesus’ life was what is called the transfiguration (or transformation). On that occasion, Jesus was praying in an isolated place, and suddenly His appearance was dramatically changed and His heavenly glory became visible to His disciples. Moses and Elijah, two of the Old Testament’s most important individuals, appeared with Him and spoke about His coming death (see Luke 9:28-36). Perhaps this is an indication that those in heaven are aware of certain events on earth.
At the same time, the Bible makes it clear that in heaven we will never experience sorrow and heartache. Even if we’re aware of events on earth, we will see them in light of God’s perfect plan for the human race. In heaven, our focus will be on Jesus, not on the things of this earth! Some day, the prayer Jesus taught His disciples will be fulfilled: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
Questions about heaven fascinate us, of course, and that’s not wrong. But a far more important question is this: Are you sure you will be going there? You can be by turning from your sins and committing your life to Jesus Christ. “We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2, ESV).
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