DO PEOPLE IN HEAVEN KNOW WHAT WE SAY?
Have you ever said something about someone who died and then wonder if they, in heaven, knew what you said? We are careful about what we say in front of them, but do we need to be careful about what we say about those who are in heaven? Can we talk to them and pass on messages or ask them questions? Let’s see what God’s Word says.
There isn’t a lot in Scripture about this, but there are a few cues. Revelation 6:9-11 pictures believers in heaven watching God’s people on earth being persecuted during the Tribulation. They are aware of what is happening on earth and are pleading for God to avenge their deaths. This doesn’t mean everyone in heaven always sees everything happening to everyone on earth in full detail, but it does show that at some times there is some awareness.
When Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned in Acts 7 He saw Jesus watching from heaven with compassion and concern (Acts 7:54-58). When he told the onlookers what he saw they accused him of blasphemy and killed him. It’s no surprise that Jesus watches and knows what is happening on earth, nor that He reveals Himself to His people during times of need.
Hebrews 12:1 pertains to our discussion, but scholars don’t agree if it is literal or metaphorical. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” Is this “great cloud of witnesses,” the heroes of the faith listed in Hebrews 11, watching and cheering us on, or does the writer mean their lives are to be an encouragement and example to us? I think it is the latter, but even if it is literally true, that doesn’t mean every saint in heaven knows everything said by those they know on earth.
The Bible does say there will be no more tears or pain in heaven (Revelation 21:1-4). Knowing in detail what is happening to loved ones on earth would surely bring sadness, something not present in heaven. So, what can we conclude? For one thing, thinking we can pray to those in heaven and they can relay our petitions on to God has no basis whatever in Scripture. Perhaps God does let them know of good and glorious things which happen, for angels know and rejoice when a sinner repents (Luke 15:10). However, angels are involved in the daily happenings on earth and not limited to heaven as are believers who died. I’m sure those in heaven have much better things to do than focus on what is going on here on earth!
From what we know from Scripture, and our understanding of heaven, it doesn’t seem those in heaven have access to our thoughts or words. However, God does! He knows every thought and motive, every attitude and emotion. If there is something happening in our lives that will bring rejoicing in heaven, I wouldn’t be surprised if God passed it on. But that call is up to Him.
1 Chronicles 28:9 “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought.
How does it make you feel knowing God knows everything you think and feel? Does it bring comfort, or guilt?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling)
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