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.