Alan Clark (28
Sep 2011)
"The
Best Perspective"
The Best Perspective
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but
then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know
just as I also am known.
—;1 Corinthians 13:12
Sometimes when people talk about heaven, they assert that we
will only remember the good things on Earth and not the bad
things. They reason that if you remember the bad things, then
heaven won't be heaven. This belief is usually based on
Revelation 21:4: "And God will wipe away every tear from their
eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.
There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed
away." But this statement is actually describing what happens
after heaven comes to Earth.
So will we remember in heaven? Yes. Will we remember happy times
in heaven? Yes. Will we remember sad things, or will we be aware
of sad things? I think we will be aware of all things that we
need to know.
For example, Revelation 6 speaks of those who have been martyred
for their faith—tribulation martyrs. These are mere mortals, not
angelic beings. They are people who have died for their faith in
Christ. And in heaven, this is what they say to God: "How long,
O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on
those who dwell on the earth?" (Revelation 6:10).
These people are aware of the injustice that was done to them.
They are aware of the fact that they were on Earth. They are
even aware of the passing of time on Earth, asking, "How long, O
Lord. . . ?"
Before we start thinking that heaven won't be heaven, we need to
remember that our minds will be in a perfected state. The big
difference is that we will have perspective in heaven. And
perspective changes everything, you see.
In heaven, I think we will be able to look at things from an
eternal perspective—from God's viewpoint. And with that, we will
be able to honor and worship Him.
Greg Laurie