Will We Be Reunited with Our Loved Ones in Heaven?
Resurrection is the hope of Christianity. Jesus said…
2) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
-John 14:2-3 (KJV)
Jesus promises that all who come to believe in Him will have eternal life and will be lifted up at the last day (Jn. 6:40).
Moreover, Jesus informs us that not one of us can (that is, is able to) come to believe in Him unless the Father draws (literally as one draws water from a well) us.
“Those who have come to believe on Jesus will be in heaven together.”
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day” (Jn. 6:44).
And then in John 6:47, Jesus reiterates, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.”
Therefore, we may conclude that those who have come to believe on Jesus will be in heaven together.
In the Old Testament, we see this hope clearly stated in David’s experience, after he lost his firstborn child with Bethsheba. Notice the words “I shall go to him.”
22) And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
23) But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
-2 Samuel 12:22-23 (KJV)
The last book of the New Testament, the book of Revelation, testifies that salvation awaits all who are redeemed by the blood of Christ.
9) And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.
-Revelation 5:9 (KJV)
It is this hope of a heavenly reunion with our family and friends in a place beyond our wildest dreams that compels those of us drawn by the Father to share our faith.
Paul Tambrino, PhD, EdD is President Emeritus of the Iowa Valley Community College District, and former Academic Vice President of Warren County Community College. He has also taught accounting and theology at several colleges and seminaries, writes a weekly newspaper column, and is the author of Ask Augustine and Mariology: Past, Present and Future. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology from Trinity Seminary, and a Doctor of Education from Temple University. Paul was awarded the honorary rank of a three-star general at the US Air War College, Air War University-class of 1997 and he is a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary International.
Image Credit: The Entrance Portico of the Château d’Anet, seen from the interior of the courtyard by Jean Lubin Vauzelle (French n.d.). The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 1983.120.