I want to know if Scripture tells you that those who have died are aware of our lives here on earth.

A. This is a very important question to ponder, especially for those of us who have experienced the death of a loved one. And although in many cases we may not know if they are in heaven or not, the answer may be important as we continue to miss that person and wonder if there could still be a connection between them and the life we live here on earth.

In his book Heaven (Tyndale House, 2004), which provides well-researched and Biblical answers about heaven, Alcorn actually addresses this specific question. He provides a helpful list of Scripture verses which provide significant support to the belief that those who have died are indeed aware of our current existence here on earth. Although his list includes a few others than what is mentioned here, for the sake of space, these are a few (pp. 69-71).

1. Because the martyrs in heaven, who have been killed for their faith, know that their persecutors (Revelation 6:9-11) have not been punished by God, it seems obvious that those in heaven can see what’s happening here on earth. (p.69)

2. Also, Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus at his transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36). They talked with Jesus about his upcoming departure and fulfillment of God’s plan in Jerusalem. As Alcorn states, “they seemed fully aware of the drama they’d stepped into, of what was currently transpiring on Earth, and of God’s redemptive plan about to be accomplished.” (p.69)

3. “Angels saw Christ on Earth (1 Timothy 3:16). There are clear indications that the angels knew what is happening on Earth (1 Corinthians 4:19, 1 Timothy 5:21). If angels, why not the saints? It seems that the people of God would have as much of a vested interest in the spiritual events happening on Earth as angels do.” (p.70)

4. As discussed below, “Abraham and Lazarus saw the rich man in Hell (Luke 16:23-26). If possible, at least in some cases, to see Hell from Heaven, why would people be unable to see Earth from Heaven?” (p.70)

5. “Christ said, ‘There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7). Similarly, “there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10) Notice that it does not speak of rejoicing by the angels but in the presence of angels. Who is doing this rejoicing in Heaven? I believe it logically includes not only God but also the saints in heaven… If they rejoice over conversions happening on earth, then obviously they must be aware of what is happening on Earth.” (p.71)

Another source of an answer to this question is found in the story Jesus told in Luke 16:19-31. This tells of the rich man and Lazarus. Although this passage might be described by some people as a parable, the NIV Study Bible suggests that it may not be (study notes, p. 1572). Also in his book Heaven, author Randy Alcorn describes several aspects which lead us to believe that this story contains more truth than simply showing us the results of our poor choices and eternal consequences (see p. 62). For example, it is not like other parables Jesus taught because it is the only one in which he gave specific names to the people in the story. It is also different from others in that it is so descriptive regarding heaven and hell compared to Jesus’ other parables.

For these reasons it seems logical that Jesus gave us concrete detail about the afterlife so that we could also learn about heaven and hell. In the story, the rich man who is suffering in hell asks God the Father to warn his brothers. Clearly he continues to be aware of the potential fate of his brothers and hopes to try and prevent it. Alcorn says, “The rich man certainly remembers, and possibly sees, his lost brothers. He expresses concern and asks that Lazarus be sent to warn them. This indicates consciousness after death and clear memory of earth and people on earth.” (Heaven, p. 63) This example shows at least the likelihood of those in hell being able to see what is happening here on earth.

Therefore, by a thoughtful review of these many verses, we can be reasonably sure that those who have died are aware of our lives here on earth.

Submitted by: Mark Matthias