Memories

Q: Since our brain stores our memories and it dies at the end of our bodily life, then after bodily death our memories can no longer reside in our brain. Since scripture says that at least some of our memories remain with us after bodily death, then where do those memories reside after bodily death and how do they get there?

A: Thank you for your question. I am unfamiliar with where scripture specifically says that "at least some of our memories remain with us after bodily death." However, there is obvious anecdotal evidence that would indicate that there is obvious consciousness after death. Therefore, one could assume that our memories might exist in whatever spiritual form we take upon our death.

The Rich Man and Lazarus

In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Both of these men die in the story. Lazarus is said to have been carried "to the arms of Abraham (Luke 16:22)" by angels. The Rich Man is said to have gone to "the place of the dead (Luke 16:23)." Subsequently, a conversation takes place between The Rich Man and Abraham. Now, the conversation doesn't directly talk about memories, but the conversation definitely centers on the life the Rich Man left behind. Jesus says, "The rich man said, 'Father, then please send Lazarus to my father's house. I have five brothers, and Lazarus could warn them so that they will not come to this place of pain (Luke 16:27-28).'" This is definitely evidence that both the Rich Man and Abraham "remembered" the Rich Man's five brothers who were still living. Therefore, one can conclude that we might have memories even in the spiritual realm following our deaths.

The Transfiguration

Mark 9:2-4, says, "After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus." I have often wondered how Peter, James and John knew that Elijah and Moses were the two men appearing before them. It is possible that Jesus told them who they were seeing, but the scripture doesn't give that explanation. Therefore, it could have been that God simply revealed to their minds who Elijah and Moses were. After all, these men lived thousands of years before the time of Jesus. There were not any pictures of these men, so God could have divinely intervened. This could also explain how the Rich Man knew that Abraham was the one he was speaking with after he died. The scripture doesn't say how he knew it was Abraham he was speaking with. Divine revelation could also explain how our memories are maintained after death. 


The Resurrection Body

Scripture clearly states that at the Resurrection Christians will "change;" receive a totally, brand new spiritual body unlike the bodies we presently inhabit. "I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed (1 Corinthians 15:50-51)." I submit that if flesh and blood cannot inherit God's Kingdom and that we will receive new bodies, that everything associated with that body, including our memories, stay with it. I find it hard to believe that memories of this life, many of which are memories of pain and suffering, follow us into a perfect, sinless eternity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To me, it is not heaven if I have memories of this life, even if they are good ones. If Heaven, and the afterlife, is what it appears to be, I don't see how I will be concerned about memories of this life, much less having memories at all. Plus, what if I have memories of people that are not in heaven? That is not consistent with us getting new bodies, including new minds. Ultimately, I think we will be so preoccupied with the glory of Heaven and being in the presence of Jesus Christ, that memories of this life will not be an issue. 

In conclusion, there is no exact answer to your question. Perhaps there is one that is contained in scripture that I have missed. Perhaps, God will reveal the answer to you in time. Hopefully, He can use something I have said here to assist in that process. I would encourage you to stay prayerful about the subject and trust that God will lead you into all truth. Grace and Peace to you.