Answers
By BGEA Admin • October 21, 2023 • Topics: Eternal Life, Religions
Q:
I major in cultural studies and I have friends of different religious persuasions. We agree that doing humanitarian work is of utmost importance in coming together rather than causing division. However, there’s a great gulf when it comes to unifying on the subject of life after death. My classmates believe that Heaven is rewarded to those who share the common goal of humanitarian aid (loving your neighbor). What should be the Christian response?
A:
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Man’s final destination has been pondered throughout the ages. Some have accepted the tradition of their ancestors; others have struggled with conflicting ideas. Buddhists and Hindus believe they will undergo repeated rebirths, transmigrating from existence to existence. There is no beginning and no end of a continuing life; they are reincarnated into other bodies. The Taoist treats death with indifference; oblivion is a state of non-doing. Islamic belief recognizes seven heavens, places of carnal pleasure and spiritual bliss. Most adherents to Judaism believe in a heaven where good deeds done on Earth are rewarded.
Social awareness has replaced the Spirit-filled life. The truth is people would rather put their energies into “working for God” than actively “believing in God” and obeying Him. Humanism has become for many a polite name for a vocal, aggressive, influential crusade against religion in the name of social and moral advance. There’s nothing new about humanism.
The Christian has the certainty of Heaven because of what Jesus Christ has done through His death and resurrection. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade … kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3–4, NIV).
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
