Memories in Heaven

Do We Remember?

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. -Colossians 3:1 NIV

And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire. -Revelation 15:2 NIV

I stood at the gates, kalidescope in nature and my favorite (NOT!) color of orange as the pieces of glass jewels swirled around and in and out. Deep resonance muted the quiet - like I wore earplugs. All the noise from the ambulance had melted away. But the living movement of the design that I stared at didn’t make me dizzy. Instead, as I couldn’t tear my eyes away, I found myself thinking of my dad’s glass mosaic creations and looking for flowers within the pieces as hubby and I had an upcoming O’ahu trip.

It seemed to be just me there, at first. But then I felt my Lord’s presence at my right.

Now I cannot assure you that we remember everything from earth inside of heaven because apparently I was just on the outskirts, although I did get a sneak peek before He closed my gates. And of course, even if I had been inside, it doesn’t mean that my experience would have been what we will all experience someday. But I certainly had earth-memories while standing there and I’ve had other NDE friends who remember earthly events while in heaven.

In fact, there are places in the Bible that indicate we have memories at first no matter where we land.

The Rich Man and Lazarus

¹⁹ “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. ²⁰ At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores ²¹ and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

²² “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. ²⁴ So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

²⁵ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. ²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

²⁷ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, ²⁸ for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’

²⁹ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

³⁰ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

³¹ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” -Luke 16:19-21 NIV

Although I hate that anyone ends up in Hades, you gotta appreciate the sad realism and finality of that last statement.

Could this verse in Revelation also support earth-memories in heaven? He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” -Revelation 21:4 NIV

What about Isaiah 65:17? This verse specifically says that the former things will not be remembered. I recommend reading the full verse which says, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” This indicates that our memories will be vague or perhaps not matter someday - but that might only be in the Final Heaven, which the Bible calls “The New Heaven and the New Earth”.

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. -2 Timothy 2:7 NIV

If you are anything like me, there are memories here on earth I really want to remember and also ones I am OK with forgetting. Although some theologians have taught that only good memories will remain, I’ve yet to find scriptures to support this, other than (of course) Him wiping every tear from our eye. Isaiah 65:17 indicates that in the Final Heaven here on earth, ALL former things will flee our minds. This requires a choice to trust God or not trust Him and I choose to trust. I know that He will decipher what is best for me and however it pans out, my life in the First and Final Heavens will contain extraordinary joy, love and a peaceful existance serving Him. No matter what I remember and what is forgotten.

“To come to Thee is to come home from exile, to come to a land out of a raging storm to come to rest after a long labour, to come to the goal of my desires and the summit of my wishes.” - Charles Spurgeon

P.S. - Over 30% of you indicated on the survey in a former post that you’ve had either a near-death experience, angel encounter or other miraculous event. I would love to hear more from you. Please email me.

P.P.S- Just a reminder that our one and only authority is the Lord. Although those of us who have been to heaven and back often feel a need to share, it’s important to do your own research and study in the Word in all these matters.

THIS I KNOW: