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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: I heard a preacher caution people to be careful about believing stories of people going to Heaven or Hell and coming back to tell about it. Is there some element of truth in these accounts or are they outright lies? – I.D.

 

Dear I.D.: There have been many accounts written about people dying and coming back to life and telling about Heaven. There was much excitement, curiosity, and confusion. Someone said, “No one has ever come back from the grave to speak of Heaven.”

This is true with one exception: His name is Jesus Christ. He left His glorious home in Heaven with God the Father and came to Earth for one purpose. To demonstrate His magnificent love for mankind, He laid aside His glory and came as a humble baby. He lived 33 years and walked on Earth to give us the hope of Heaven and the assurance of Heaven and said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. … I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2, ESV ).

Then Jesus died, but He stayed in the grave only three days and was risen to new life.

Jesus is going to once again descend from Heaven and come again and take out of this world those who have received His message and repented of sin. He said, “I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3, ESV ).

This is a glorious promise and one that every person can rely on if they belong wholly to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Scripture does not promise an earthly glimpse into Heaven. The most important thing for us is to know Christ while we still live; otherwise, we will only know Him as Judge in death. Seek Christ and He will meet you in your need.

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