Already in these two passages we have the doctrine of rewards and punishments taught, which implies and necessitates the conclusion that future recognition is an assured fact. In the field of criminal jurisprudence, for example, a man is regarded as worthy of punishment for unsocial acts committed, only when it appears that he is mentally capable of recognizing the nature of his deed. He could feel, see, hear, remember, etc. If you say it is a parable, that changes nothing. C. All are conscious of their surroundings.
Memory is retained.
Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. We will SEE him, and know him. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. If the personality of those we have loved and lost is obliterated, their memories of us and ours of them forevermore gone and with no tangible marks of identity remaining, how is hope possible and where is there occasion for comfort in such circumstances.