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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: Will there be denominations in Heaven? – N.D.

 

Dear N.D.: The church – the body of Christ – is far greater than any building or denomination. It is the vast fellowship of men and women throughout the ages who belong to Christ. Paul wrote of “God’s household … the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:15, NIV).

Heavenly worship will not take place at Faith Temple or Community Chapel. John tells us about our place of worship in the Holy City: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men … . I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:3, 22, NKJV). The tabernacle of God will be the center of all worship and praise.

People organized denominations; Jesus instituted the church and called it “My church” (Matthew 16:18, NKJV), made up of those who belong to Christ. He is the Cornerstone (see 1 Peter 2:6) and the “head of the church” (Ephesians 5:23, NKJV). He calls it a spiritual house, a house of prayer, and His body (see 1 Corinthians 12:27). Its commission is to “go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15, NKJV).

We will be welcomed into Heaven because of our position in Christ, not because of our church or Sunday school credentials. The Bible says, “You have come … to the city of the living God … to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God … . See that you do not refuse Him” (Hebrews 12:22–23, 25).

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell it. Christ’s followers were first called Christians in Acts 11:26, and the church was known as “The Way” (see Acts 9:2). No better name describes how to be part of it: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6, NKJV).

The day is coming when all believers will worship together in His presence forever.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)