This answer was written by Billy Graham, who went to his Heavenly home on February 21, 2018
Q: What Do You Say to Someone Who Doesn’t Believe in Heaven?
Tell them about Jesus Christ and the hope we have because of His death on the cross for our sins. God sent His Son who gave everything—His very life’s blood—His last breath—and His lasting promise—to purchase the souls of men, women, and children for the kingdom of Heaven. Then Jesus rose from the dead by the power of God to confirm Heaven’s reality. Believing in Christ settles the question about Heaven!
Recently a young man wrote me, “As far as I’m concerned, once you’re dead, that’s it. The only life we’ll ever experience is the one we’re living right now. Life after death is just a myth.”
I replied that his letter deeply saddened me, because it meant that he was living without hope: “Have you honestly faced how empty and meaningless this will make your life?” I wrote. “Right now this may not bother you because you’re young, healthy, and energetic. But what if something goes wrong? What if you have a serious accident or you lose your health, or someone you love abandons you? Or what will happen once old age creeps up on you with all of its problems and disabilities? You’ll be facing the future without any hope. What a terrible thought!”
Then I urged him to look at Jesus Christ as He is found in the pages of the New Testament and give his life to Him.
The greatest discovery we will ever make is to know the love of God, which was fully demonstrated by His Son’s sacrifice on the cross for us. This is the power that transforms man’s myth into Christ’s truth. Jesus did not die on the cross for people’s sin so that we would believe in Heaven—but that we would believe in Him. Heaven does not save souls … it collects them.
Jesus once told this parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45–46, NIV). The Merchant of Heaven is looking for souls who will love Him and give Him the worship, glory, and honor due Him. Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will … make our home with him” (John 14:23, NIV).
If your hope and faith are not in Christ, then consider what He did for you through His death and resurrection and place your faith in Him today.