The Bible makes it very evident that after death, Christians’ spirits or souls instantly ascend to heaven to be with Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23). On the crucifixion, Jesus spoke to the penitent thief, “Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Whether or not those in heaven can see what the rest of us are doing on Earth, however, is a less certain matter.
Some helpful Bible passages
Although the Bible doesn’t contain a straight response to the question, some passages do provide clues.
Hebrews
Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” is a scripture that is frequently cited.
The phrase “great cloud of witnesses” may initially seem to refer to angelic beings who are watching over us and encouraging us in our Christian lives! But upon closer inspection, we find that this isn’t the verse’s genuine meaning at all. Hebrews 12:1 refers to Old Testament “witnesses” mentioned in the chapter before (note the connecting word “therefore”) who uplift us by observing their lives of faith, not to “spectators” who watch our lives and offer encouragement.
Martyrs in heaven
The Christian martyrs in heaven are heard by John pleading, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until You judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” in Revelation 6:9–11. This text is more pertinent. We can ask, How do the heavenly martyrs know that their killers haven’t been sentenced yet? The idea that the martyrs have been observing events on Earth is one possible explanation. Another interpretation, though, is that the martyrs are only calling for the coming of the Day of Judgment, which will be observed on Earth as well as in heaven (Revelation 18:20–19:3).
Rejoicing in heaven
The clearest hints we have on the topic come in Luke 15. In Luke 15:7, Jesus says that “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Then again, in Luke 15:10, He adds: “there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” This means that when somebody becomes a Christian, heaven itself is flooded with joy at the good news of their salvation! But how do the citizens of heaven find out? Is it because they are watching what happens on earth? It could be; but there are other possibilities, too. It might just be that God, Who knows everything (Psalm 139), makes a general announcement; or maybe angels, who can travel between heaven and earth (1 Kings 22:19-23; Job 1:6-7; 2:1-2), bring the news back with them.
In summary, the Bible leaves the question unanswered. The Bible doesn’t say for definite, but it’s plausible that those in heaven can observe what goes on on Earth. In any case, we should be inspired to keep in mind that Jesus is undoubtedly keeping an eye on us (Acts 9:4-5); additionally, when He returns to judge the world on the Last Day (1 Thessalonians 4:14–18), Jesus has promised to reunite us with Him and all of our Christian friends and family for eternity (Colossians 1:23).
