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Church & Ministries

Monday, May 28, 2012

Are People in Heaven Sad Over Evil on Earth?

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By Billy Graham , Christian Post Guest Columnist
November 30, 2009|3:55 pm

Q: Do people in heaven know what happens on earth? If so, wouldn't it make them sad to see all our suffering and evil? Isn't heaven supposed to be a happy place? This puzzles me. - J.McF.

A: Yes, heaven is a happy place - far more joyous than anything we will ever experience on earth. The reason is because in heaven we'll be safe forever from all evil, and our focus will be on Christ.

The Bible, however, does suggest that those who are presently in heaven may be aware of what is happening on earth. In Hebrews, for example, the author pictures a great arena filled with those who have gone to heaven before us, and are now cheering us on: "Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1). When Jesus' heavenly glory shone through on the Mount of the Transfiguration as He met with Moses and Elijah, they spoke about events that would soon be taking place on earth (see Luke 9:30-31).

Does this mean those who have gone before us into heaven are sad because of what takes place here? The Bible doesn't answer all our questions about heaven - but we can be certain that there is no sadness among heaven's inhabitants. They see more of God's plan than we do, and they rejoice that some day Satan will be defeated and God's victory over evil will be complete.

The most important question you can ask about heaven, however, is this: Are you certain you will go there when you die? You can be, by trusting Christ as your Savior and committing your life to Him as your Lord. Put your faith in Him today.

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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.
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