My South African associate Terrance Hafaney sent a message on this title – 'will we be with our loved ones in heaven' and therefore I bring his message as it is certainly helpful and full of assurances.
Terrance Hafaney first speaks of his own family: Currently as it stands I am the proud father of very precious three children and proud grand father of three very precious grandsons.
However over above this and it is constantly on my mind, is the imminent return of Christ for His spotless and pure bride on planet earth, the saints of God worldwide who will be very blessed (those that are alive and remain) to be caught to meet the Lord in the air when He returns to take her to the wedding feast and banquet of the saints in glory. (I Thessalonians chapter 4 verses 13-18)
For those who have been to a wedding it is a lavish and beautiful time and as a minister I have had the joy of sharing that special moment, after the couple have said their vows at Home Affairs, we do what we call a celebration event, where the bride and groom exchange the vows in front of their family and friends in a celebration atmosphere.
There is a moment of silence when they are exchanging vows but thereafter, there is much shouting and happiness all around. I must confess each time I have shared this time, I get a lump in my throat and have to hold back the emotions it is so very special.
We will spend all eternity with our loved ones
To answer this question, Terrance beings a Scripture to our attention:
'Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like the loud peals of thunder,shouting; Hallelujah! For our God reigns. "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him Glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen,bright and clean,were given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints).
Then the angel said to me."Write, Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb. And he added"These are the true words of God."' Revelation chapter 19 verses 6-8.
Terrance explains- after the wedding feast of the Lamb and the time of joy and shouting will be heard throughout heaven. The holy angels would have to hush and bowed their lovely heads in reverence to sound of Jesus the Lord of the saints saying to them "Yes ,you are mine, I called you by name, I created you and you belong to me, You are precious and blessed in My sight."
The main provider for our loved ones to meet us in heaven, is that they would have had to also 'call upon the name of the Lord' at one or some time in their lives and invited Jesus into their lives, this will be the deciding factor whether they will be in heaven with us or not.
None of us really know who is actually saved and who is not, this remains a mystery. I watch two things about a person who claim to love God, what their fruits (actions) are like, and the other how they treat the homeless, widows and orphans. God only knows who will make heaven. I am convinced we are in for a lot of surprises up there one day.
Jesus did say, not everyone who says Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of heaven. But those that do the will of the Father. What is the will of the Father? All you need to do is read in the bible and see exactly what was Jesus doing? He said He was doing His Father's will.
Follow Jesus' example
Jesus whilst upon planet earth, went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him. Friends just follow Christ example, and start going around doing good, sharing the "good news", helping the poor and needy and you will start feeling good about yourself and not feel condemned and will start acting and being like Jesus was when He lived on earth.
Indeed James says 'faith without works is dead'. Christianity is not simply words. Nor is it simply deeds of good works. The balance is essential.
Some family members and friends who have passed on, might have called upon the Lord's Name in the dying moments of their lives, whereas others like myself, were very fortunate to accept Christ whilst they were young.
This is not for us to know, who is saved, but the Bible says work out our own salvation in fear and trembling!!
Thank you for reading the message God placed upon my heart for you precious folks - Terrance Hafaney.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
Tronson du Coudray art work 'Fresh Insights'