Knowledge on the Last Day
When God raises the bodies of the dead and reunites them with the soul, is the judgment of each individual made public for all to see? If so, would I then be aware of the damnation of a family member? Assuming I will be in heaven by the grace of God, wouldn't the knowledge of a loved one going to hell affect my happiness in heaven? Thank you so much.
When people die, they face judgment from God (Hebrews 9:27). As you correctly noted, that personal judgment will be made public on the last day (Matthew 25:31-46).
How might Christians react to the realization that a loved one is not among the sheep of Jesus’ fold? We do have to keep some Scripture passages in mind. Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Without knowing precisely how your question will play out in the lives of Christians on the Last Day, some have proposed that Christians will have perfect joy in heaven because they will not be aware of a loved one not being with them. Others have suggested that Christians will have that knowledge, but it will not be a source of sorrow for them. While that sounds cold and heartless right now, in heaven our wills will be entirely in line with God’s will (as was the case with Adam and Eve at the beginning of time). Therefore, if God condemns people on the Last Day for their rejection of him, just as he said (Mark 16:16), Christians—whose wills will be entirely in line with God’s will—will recognize and acknowledge that God’s judgments are true and just (Revelation 16:5-7). While our emotions right now might interfere with and object to God’s will, that will not be the case in heaven. In heaven, the words we pray now—“Your will be done”—will be a way of life for us.
Your question underscores how important it is that we share with our family and friends the good news of Jesus Christ, so that through Spirit-worked faith they can be with us in the perfect joys and glories of God’s presence in heaven.