Evangelist Billy Graham remains to be an inspiration to many Christians. He was known for his straightforward style of preaching and his constant encouragement for the Christian community to stay united. He has helped countless Christians begin and continue their walk with God through answering their spiritual and life questions. However, what happens after death is a question most of us would love to ask at one point or another in our lives. So when people asked Billy Graham about heaven, here are the five things he said.
On the question of what happens to people the first minute they die
Graham answered that the Bible said that when Christians die, they immediately enter God's presence. The particulars weren't mentioned in the Bible and there are still ongoing debates as to how people interpret what the Bible says after death. Nonetheless, what is clear is that a dead Christian's spirit will be in God's presence and will later be given a body that will live eternally with the Lord in paradise.
On the question if a mother who has passed away will recognize her daughter in heaven and vice versa
According to Graham, there is no doubt that a mother and daughter will recognize each other in heaven even if they never met on Earth. Yes, the Bible said that when we enter heaven, we will forget certain parts of our lives on Earth, but it wasn't clear if the memories will be completely erased. The more important thing here is that when you're in heaven with God, any memory of pain and suffering will not overshadow the joy and happiness you'll be feeling. Because in heaven, God will be the focus.
On the question if there will be animals in heaven
Many people grow attached to their pets and when their pets pass away, it's often a question if dog and cats enter heaven, too. According to Graham, if happiness means having animals in heaven, then God will surely have them there. But one thing to always remember is that heaven isn't simply about your own happiness. You'll be with God and that will be your focus from now on. On Earth, you'll keep thinking that you want to meet your dog again someday, but once you're in heaven, you'll be enveloped with perfect happiness that finding your dog will not be your focus anymore.
On the question of how to be happy in heaven if everyone left on Earth is suffering
Heaven is the only place where perfect happiness and joy is possible. When we're still on Earth, we can't really completely understand what that means. With all the suffering and pain going on, it is only natural to wonder if you won't feel bad for those who will be left behind after the Second Coming. Graham explained that when you're in heaven and see what's happening on Earth, you'll realize that everything fits in God's plan. And that you need not worry because God will always win over evil and death.
On the question if angels will accompany the dead to heaven
To answer this question, Graham referred to the Bible and said that the Bible does indicate that angels will safely escort the dead to heaven. You may already know that God's angels help in protecting us against the devil, so it's just right that God trusts them to deliver us to Him. Christians are always thankful for the presence of angels, but one must not forget that our faith and trust must only reside in Christ.
The concept of heaven isn't something that can be easily understood. That's because the Bible doesn't clearly explain much about it. We are only given glimpses of what heaven is and what life there will be. We must not overanalyze heaven, but just take what the Bible has revealed to us. The bottom line is God is preparing heaven for everyone and someday, He will be ready to take us there and live happily with him, and that's what we should all focus on.
