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Assembly of God/I think I understand Matthew, However . . .
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Question
QUESTION: Hi Matthew
Can you please tell me your meaning of this verse?
Paul states he wants the people to be informed and comforted by seeing their love ones again.
What is your take on this please.
Thank You Matthew
GOD BLESS YOU
Ray M.
ANSWER: Hi Ray
You are close with your statement "Paul states he wants the people to be informed and comforted by seeing their love ones again", but just a little off the mark!
What he is actually saying is that he does not want them to mourn and be sad in the same way that unbelievers do, because even though those believers who have died in Christ are away from us, this is only temporary and we will see them again when Christ returns. He is definitely not saying that he wants people to be informed by seeing their loved ones. Nor is he suggesting that people will see their loved ones or hear from them at any time before Christs return. This verse does not in any way support the idea of people communicating with loved ones who have died.
Blessings!
Matthew.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Bro. Matthew
What I'm getting from what you wrote above is that; believers in Christ JESUS we will see in heaven Yes/No ?
So lets said that some of my Born Again Christians along with me will met and I will recongized them in heaven ?
Is it written anywhere in the Bible that kinda states that?
GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY MATTHEW
Bro. Ray
Hi Bro. Ray,
No I don't know of any verse that specifically states that we will recognise loved ones in heaven. However the original verse that you quoted certainly seems to imply this.
My suspicion is that once we get to heaven it won't be so much a matter of seeing people that we have known, but we will know each other even if we have never met. Hard to prove, but the Bible does say that when we see Him we will be like Him. Perhaps the way He intimately knows us will be the way we know each other. It's hard to imagine what it means "to know" once we are no longer limited by our mortality.
Blessings!
Matthew
Related Articles
Australian International Evangelist Matthew Starrs
Expertise
The Assemblies of God in Australia is one of my favorite denominations. It has some variations from churches with the same name in other countries, but most of these are subtle. I can answer questions about the history and operations of this denomination in many countries.
Experience
I have ministered in 23 countries, often in AoG churches. I was trained for cross cultural ministry by the World Harvest Institute, which is the Missionary Orientation Program of the Assemblies of God in Australia.
Education/Credentials
I hold a B.A in Psychology/Sociology, and am currently completing my Masters in Teaching. I am a Graduate of the World Harvest Institute Missionary Orientation Program and have obtained other qualifications in Youth Work, Workplace Assessment and Training, Mentoring Church Planters, and many more.
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