This is a common question that many Christians ponder. The idea that our deceased loved ones in heaven can look down and see what is happening on earth is comforting. However, what does the Bible actually say about this? Here is an overview of the biblical evidence regarding whether those in heaven can see what is happening on earth.
The Limited Knowledge of Humans in Heaven
The Bible indicates that after death, human knowledge and understanding are limited compared to the omniscience of God. As 1 Corinthians 13:12 (ESV) says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” Even after death, our knowledge is imperfect and incomplete compared to the fullness of God’s knowledge.
Jesus implies that after death, people are unaware of what is happening on earth. In Luke 16:19-31 (ESV), Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. After death, the rich man is in torment and sees Lazarus at Abraham’s side. The rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his still-living brothers about this place of torment. However, Abraham replies in verse 29, “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.” Abraham indicates that God expects the living to heed the Scriptures, not seek signs and wonders from the dead.
This parable implies that the dead are generally unaware of the affairs of the living and do not have knowledge of earthly matters unless God reveals it to them for His divine purposes.
No Scripture Shows Heavenly Beings Watching Earth
Nowhere in Scripture do we find definitive statements that saints in heaven know what is happening on earth or observe earthly affairs. While angels are sometimes sent with revelation or to accomplish God’s will on earth (Daniel 10:10-14; Luke 1:19, 26), the Bible never depicts glorified saints peering down at the living or watching their daily lives.
Rather, saints in heaven are focused on worshipping God. In Revelation 4-5, the saints surrounding the throne of God worship Him continually for who He is and what He has done. Their thoughts are centered on the glory, beauty, and perfection of their Creator. Scripture does not indicate the saints are preoccupied with earthly matters.
God Reveals Things to Heavenly Beings at His Discretion
Although the biblical evidence suggests heavenly beings have limited earthly knowledge, Scripture indicates God reveals happenings on earth to angels and saints at times. In Luke 15:7 (ESV), Jesus says, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” This indicates God informs those in heaven of conversions on earth for His glory.
Additionally, in Revelation 6 the martyred saints under the altar are aware of events on earth and ask God how long He will refrain from judging those who dwell on the earth. God appears to disclose some earthly events to motivate their prayers and worship (Revelation 8:3-4).
While the dead in Christ may not continually watch earthly affairs, God seems to reveal happenings at times as it serves His divine purposes. However, Scripture does not support the idea that deceased believers observe earth continually.
Focus Must Be on Christ, Not Visions of Heaven
Ultimately, the Bible does not give definitive statements on the extent of heavenly knowledge of earthly affairs. However, we know the focus of believers in heaven is on exalting Christ rather than preoccupation with earthly events.
Paul says in Philippians 1:21, 23 (ESV), “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain… My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” For believers, being in Christ’s presence surpasses any desire to know what is happening on earth. Our hope is in eternal glory with the Lord, not in lingering over earthly affairs.
Additionally, in 2 Corinthians 5:16 (ESV) Paul says, “From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh.” Our primary concern should be knowing and glorifying Christ, not speculation about the hidden details of the spiritual realm.
While comfort may come imagining deceased loved ones watching over us, we must find ultimate comfort in God’s sovereign care and Christ’s presence. Schemes about the spirit world can distract us from what Scripture clearly reveals about God and His work in our lives.
We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
In 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) Paul declares, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” We must trust that God holds our departed loved ones in His presence and believe He works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Faith in God’s promises is more sure than speculation about the unseen world.
The Bible urges us to walk by faith and focus on Christ. While curiosities about heaven may enter our minds, we can rely on God’s faithfulness rather than demanding special revelations about the spiritual realm. Speculation about whether our loved ones watch us from heaven can divert us from the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ.
May we anchor our hope in God’s steadfast love and His promise of eternal life for those who trust in Christ. We do not need to understand all the mysteries of heaven to trust God’s wisdom, power, and faithfulness. As we seek Christ and God’s kingdom, we can trust that our lives and struggles are in the hands of our compassionate and sovereign God, whether or not departed saints know what is happening on earth.
Through faith in Scripture’s promises, we can be assured of God’s constant presence and find peace as we entrust our departed loved ones to His loving care. The Bible urges us to walk by faith in what God has revealed, not demand answers to every curiosity we have about heaven.
May we fix our eyes on Jesus, our compassionate Savior, trusting that He upholds us whether or not heavenly beings can see our earthly lives. Our sovereign God knows all that concerns us and promises to work it for our eternal good as we walk with Him by faith.