LITTLE ROCK — DEAR REV. GRAHAM: What will we look like when we get to heaven? Will we wear white robes, for example, like I’ve heard some people say? And will we be able to recognize each other? I’ve always been curious about this.
- R.W.
DEAR R.W.: The Bible doesn’t answer all our questions about heaven, including the question of what exactly we’ll look like when we get there.
But one thing is clear: In heaven, we will have new and perfect bodies - bodies that will never age or become weak or die, because they will be like Christ’s glorious body after His resurrection. Down here, our bodies have been weakened by sin, but in heaven, all that will be behind us, because by His death and resurrection Christ conquered all sin and sickness and death. The Bible says that in heaven Christ “will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21).
The Bible gives us a hint of what we will be like in its account of Jesus’ transfiguration. (You can read it in Luke 9:28-36.) On that occasion, Jesus went with three of His disciples up to a lonely mountain. There, His appearance was transformed into something indescribably glorious, as His divine nature shone through His human nature. Moses and Elijah came from heaven to talk with Him, and their appearance was likewise wonderful. The Bible says they “appeared in glorious splendor” (Luke 9:30).
This is what our bodies will be like when we get to heaven: transformed into something glorious. And yet Moses and Elijah were still recognizable, and we will be also. Are you sure that heaven is your final destination? Make certain of your salvation by giving your life to Jesus Christ today.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
ActiveStyle, Pages 24 on 02/28/2011