Q: Do you believe that we'll be reunited with our loved ones when we get to heaven? I deeply hope we will be, but with all the millions and millions of people up there, how will we ever find them? Maybe I shouldn't worry about this but I do. - Mrs. R.E.
-
(Photo: BGEA / File)
A: Yes, I firmly believe we will be reunited with those who have died in Christ and entered heaven before us. I often recall King David's words after the death of his infant son: "I will go to him, but he will not return to me" (2 Samuel 12:23). This truth has become even more precious to me since the death of my dear wife, Ruth, a year and a half ago.
And, yes, there will be a vast number of people in heaven, for every person through the ages who has trusted Christ for their salvation will be there. The Bible says that because of Christ's death for us, heaven will be filled with "a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb (Christ)" (Revelation 7:9).
But you shouldn't worry about getting lost, or never finding your loved ones in heaven - not at all. If God brought you together on this earth - out of all the billions of people who live here now - will He be able to bring you together in heaven? Of course.
Never forget: Heaven is a place of supreme joy - and one of its joys will be our reunion with our loved ones. But heaven's greatest joy will be our reunion with Christ, our Savior and Lord. Is your hope and trust in Him?
Affectionately known as the “World’s Preacher” for more than 60 years, the Rev. Billy Graham is one of the most influential and respected spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He has been a friend and spiritual advisor to ten American presidents and has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history — nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories — through various meetings. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.
RSS
Not only will we be able to see our loved ones (who are believers) in heaven, but from the perspective of those who have passed from this earth, we are with them now! The moment a believer passes from this earth, from the perspective of those who are still living on earth, he/she is dead. But Jesus said that those who believe in Him shall never die! Paul said that when we are absent from the earth, we are present with the Lord! In Thessalonians Paul said that the dead in Christ will rise first and then will be joined with those who are "changed in a moment" at the rapture. I believe this all means that the moment we die on earth, we are resurrected at the rapture and joined with those who were living at the time of the rapture...ever to be with the Lord! Amen? "Blessed are they who die in Christ." Hallelujah! What a blessed reunion!!! This all means that when your Christian grand mother passed away on earth, she was instantly resurrected and joined you (and even your grandchildren who she never saw on earth) to be forever together with the Lord! Exciting news, isn't it? It gives a whole new sense of freedom from the fear of death. Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin...from which Jesus has freed us! Thanks be to God who gives us victory over the grave through Jesus Christ our risen Lord!