Biblical Answer

Will We Remember Our Life on Earth?

#### Scripture and Reason

The Bible teaches that in the new heavens and new earth, the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind (Isaiah 65:17). Some interpret this verse to mean that our memories of life on earth will be wiped, like a heavenly lobotomy. However, this understanding oversimplifies the biblical concept of remembrance. In heaven, we will not forget, but we will not need to remember either. Our focus will be on the present and the future, not the past.

#### The Nature of Memory

Our memories are fleeting, even in this life. We forget much of what has happened in the past, even with the help of Scripture, corporate worship, and the Lord's Supper. This forgetfulness is not a lack of faith, but a natural part of human experience. In heaven, we will not have the same limitations as we do in this life. We will not need to remember our past experiences because our focus will be on the present and the future.

#### The Purpose of Remembrance

The Bible teaches that our lives on earth are not a rehearsal for something better. We are not given an infinite amount of time or an infinite number of reincarnations to improve on our current state. Our life on earth is a unique and precious gift, and our experiences, both good and bad, are an essential part of our journey with God. While we may not remember our life on earth in the same way that we do in this life, our experiences will still be an important part of our relationship with God in the new heavens and new earth. We will stand before the Lord as sinless children, united with him for eternity, and our lives will be a testament to the power of God's redemption and love.