Biblical Answer

Will We Remember Our Life on Earth?

The Nature of Memory in Heaven

When we consider the nature of memory in heaven, it's essential to distinguish between what will be remembered and what will not. The Bible indicates that in the new earth, the former things will not be remembered or come into mind (Isaiah 65:17). This doesn't imply that our memories will be wiped or that we'll undergo a heavenly lobotomy. Instead, it suggests that we won't need to remember our past life on earth because we'll be focused on our new life in heaven. Our memories will be a distant, vague recollection, much like how we forget many events from hundreds of years earlier.

The Importance of Forgetting

In a sense, forgetting our life on earth is liberating. It allows us to move forward in our new life, free from the burdens and mistakes of our past. This doesn't mean that we'll forget who God is and what he's done, as we'll have constant reminders in Scripture, corporate worship, and the Lord's Supper. However, our memories of our life on earth will fade, and we'll be more focused on our new life in heaven. This forgetting is not a form of amnesia but rather a natural consequence of our new existence.

The Implications of Remembering and Forgetting

The implications of remembering and forgetting our life on earth are profound. If we remember every detail of our life on earth, we may become overly attached to our past experiences and struggles. This could hinder our ability to move forward in our new life, leading to stagnation and complacency. On the other hand, forgetting our life on earth allows us to focus on our new life in heaven, where we'll be sinless, united with God, and free to worship and serve Him without the burdens of our past. This is not a bleak or unfulfilling existence but rather a life of joy, purpose, and service. As we look forward to our new life in heaven, we can trust that God will guide us through this process, helping us to forget our past and focus on our future with Him.