Do people in heaven know what is happening on earth?

Do people in heaven know what’s happening on earth? Maybe you have loved ones who are in heaven now and wonder if they’re able to see what’s going on in your life.

The Bible’s answer is clear: Absolutely!

Several passages in Scripture indicate that those in heaven are aware of what is happening on earth. 

• Jesus Christ’s condemnation and commendation of the seven churches in Revelation 2–3 demonstrates His awareness of the disobedience and obedience of believers on earth. 
• The apostle Paul also realized a heavenly audience was witnessing his actions on earth, describing his life as “a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men” (1 Corinthians 4:9). This verse makes clear that angels are also aware of the activities of people on earth.
• In Luke 16, Jesus told the story of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. When both men died, Lazarus immediately went to heaven, to Abraham’s bosom, because he had placed his faith in God. But the rich man immediately went to Hades because he did not repent. Both men were conscious of what was happening. Notice that Abraham knew of the rich man’s suffering in Hades, and the rich man was aware of the comfort Lazarus was being offered in heaven. This story reveals that people in heaven know what is happening in hell, and people in hell know what is happening in heaven.
• In Revelation 19, we see the tribulation saints (those who will be saved after the rapture and give their lives as martyrs) in heaven saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God; because His judgments are true and righteous; for He has judged the great harlot who was corrupting the earth with her immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His bond-servants on her” (vv. 1–2). The tribulation saints in heaven offer this praise to God because they are aware of what is happening on earth. 
• We also know from Luke 15:10 that “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Who is rejoicing in the presence of the angels? The residents of heaven. That means our loved ones in heaven celebrate when a friend or family member is saved! If the citizens of heaven rejoice at the salvation of sinners, then they not only know what is taking place on earth in a general sense, but they are also aware of specific choices individuals are making on earth. 

Of course, this answer might stir up another question for you and those you love: Will our joy in heaven be diminished by knowing what happens on earth and in hell? Not at all! Psalm 16:11 describes what it will be like when we are in the presence of the Lord: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” 

In heaven, we will experience unending pleasure and joy. Though it may seem impossible to enjoy heaven while others are suffering in hell or making choices on earth that will lead them there, Jesus offers us a powerful example. 

Jesus wept over the unsaved when He was on earth, but Scripture indicates He is experiencing unending joy in heaven. In fact, Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus suffered on earth so that He could experience “the joy set before Him” in heaven. And the same is true for you and me! 

In heaven, we will fully understand the plan and the justice of God. When we see Jesus dealing out retribution to those who rejected the gospel, Christ the judge will “be marveled at among all who have believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:10). When we see Jesus in all His glory, we will understand His holiness and His justice.

The hope of heaven should fill us with joy! Nothing that happens in hell or on earth will diminish the fullness of joy God has planned for us in heaven.

Sharing the Truth of God’s Word,

Dr. Robert Jeffress