Can People in Heaven See People on Earth?

        The Bible does not provide a definitive answer. Interpretations vary on whether their awareness includes seeing specific individuals or events. There are some Scripture passages considered by some to imply they can. There are however no passages indicating the practices are the standard, the norm. One such complex passage in the book of Hebrews where the writer recalls the great men and women of faith who have gone before us and are now in heaven. Then he adds, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). They are not witnesses in the sense of being observers, but as persons whose lives testify of God’s faithfulness. Their lives are examples rather than them being expositors.

        Before going further reflect on the love and good times you had with your heaven residing loved ones. Rejoice in having love with them while they were with you. Accept the fact of your shared love and blessings. Memories are a gift of God to enable us to recall joyous experiences long after our loved ones have departed. Enjoy the memories.   

        I do not want to minimize the grief and sorrow brought about on earth by the “loss” of a loved one even if they are in heaven. Their absence leaves an incomparable void. Time spent thanking the Lord for past experiences helps fill that chasm.

        The concept of people in heaven being preoccupied with people on earth minimizes the glory of heaven. With all that is going on in heaven it is hard to imagine conduct on earth not causing some sorrow for persons in heaven.

        There will be no sickness, no sorrow or sadness in heaven. If people in heaven are occupied with activities on earth there surely would be. Wouldn’t people looking down on their unhappy loved ones be unhappy as a result of their misfortune and misery here?

        Heaven is a place of total happiness and peace. We can be confident that our loved ones who have gone before us into heaven would be disturbed or upset over the evil things happening here on earth shattering the positive image of heaven.

        We tend to get joy out of thinking people see our positive accomplishments, victories, and achievements. If so, would they not also see our defeats, losses, and griefs and be saddened by such?

        The idea that little Billy hit a home run in his Little League baseball game and Pepaw was leaning over a golden rail in heaven cheering for him and bringing him good luck is in no way supported by Scripture. Pepaw was more likely with  the Apostle John and friends talking with Jesus and thanking Him for what He did at Calvary. Rejoice over that or an even more likely similar scenario.

        Heaven is not earthbound life on steroids. It is a totally different state.     Some issues challenge our understanding, but some day “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).