Dear ___________,

Thank you for contacting the Ellen G. White Estate. In regard to your first question, asking for Bible texts that indicate we will see each other again and know each other after Jesus comes, I think of these Bible passages: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, which implies that we will know our loved ones when we are "caught up together with them," for we are to "comfort one another with these words." There would be little comfort, it seems to me, if in the resurrection we had no recognition of those for whom we mourn when they die. 1 Corinthians 13:12 may not be speaking specifically of knowing our loved ones after the resurrection, but it does assure us of knowledge that goes beyond our current state of knowing only "in part." I think this implies fuller knowledge, knowledge that would include recognizing our loved ones. The disciples recognized Jesus after His resurrection, so the resurrected body must not have looked very different from His body before His crucifixion. Philippians 3:21 says that our bodies will be made like "His glorious body," that is, His resurrection body. So we may assume that we will be recognizable, too. About these things, Mrs. White wrote to one brother, "Be of good courage. I would be with you now if I could, but we shall meet in the morning of the resurrection." {2SM 256.4}. She wrote to Marian Davis, her beloved helper and co-worker,

We pray your life may be preserved until we meet you once more--but you may not die, but live. . . . {2SM 254.1}

Look to Jesus. Trust in Jesus, whether you live or die. He is your Redeemer. He is our Life-giver. If you fall asleep in Jesus He will bring you forth from the grave to a glorious immortality. May He give you peace and comfort and hope and joy from henceforth. {2SM 254.2}

Put your entire trust in Jesus. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He says, I have graven you upon the palms of My hands. Marian, if you go before I do, we shall know each other there. We shall see as we are seen and know as we are known. Just let the peace of Christ come into your soul. Be true in your trust because He is true to His promise. Lay your poor, nervous hand in His firm hand and let Him hold you and strengthen you, cheer and comfort you. I will now get ready to leave this place. Oh, I wish I were with you this moment! In much love.--Letter 382, 1904. {2SM 254.3}.

In The Desire of Ages she wrote,

The resurrection of Jesus was a type of the final resurrection of all who sleep in Him. The countenance of the risen Saviour, His manner, His speech, were all familiar to His disciples. As Jesus arose from the dead, so those who sleep in Him are to rise again. We shall know our friends, even as the disciples knew Jesus. They may have been deformed, diseased, or disfigured, in this mortal life, and they rise in perfect health and symmetry; yet in the glorified body their identity will be perfectly preserved. Then shall we know even as also we are known. 1 Corinthians 13:12. In the face radiant with the light shining from the face of Jesus, we shall recognize the lineaments of those we love. {DA 804.1}

Perhaps these statements will be enough to illustrate her view.

You also asked how Peter, James, and John knew the identity of the two figures who visited with Jesus at His transfiguration. How did they know that these were Moses and Elijah? I do not know the answer to this question. The Bible does not tell us. Perhaps they heard Jesus call the two visitors by name. Or maybe the two visitors introduced themselves to Jesus, and the disciples heard it. It is also possible (but not necessary) that God could have revealed this information directly to the disciples. We simply don't know. The Bible, however, makes it clear that they did know who the visitors were.

I hope this may help. Thank you for writing, and God bless!

William Fagal
Associate Director
Ellen G. White Estate
12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A.
Phone: 301 680-6550
FAX: 301 680-6559
E-mail: mail@WhiteEstate.org
Web: www.WhiteEstate.org