Billy Graham: Time to Rejoice?

QUESTION: Doesn’t the Bible say somewhere that the angels in heaven rejoice whenever someone turns to God? But why would they do that? Wouldn’t they already know that this person was going to repent? — Mrs. C.L.

It does sound odd. After-all, why would anyone rejoice someone being sentenced to something as terrible as an eternal existence?

ANSWER: You’re probably thinking of what Jesus said in two of His parables, which tell first about a sheep that was lost, and then about a coin that was lost. (You can read them in Luke 15:3-10). In both instances, something very valuable had been lost, and their owners searched diligently until they found it. And when they did, they not only rejoiced, but their friends and neighbors rejoiced also.

And lo, he had lost his car keys and was distressed. But the lord smiled upon him, and he found them next to the mail. Trumpets blared, and all the town rejoiced...

In a far greater way, Jesus said, we are infinitely valuable to God, and when we are lost and separated from Him, He searches for us and does everything He possibly can to rescue us. 

Maybe he should either prove his existence or just forgive those that are good people regardless of belief.

And when we finally realize just how lost we are and turn to Him in repentance and faith, He rejoices – and all heaven with Him. Jesus said, “I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).

Just imagine how much rejoicing there will be if the murdering, psychotic, sadistic, torture freak they call God ever repents!

Why do they rejoice? Not because they’re surprised, but because a great victory has been won! Someone has been snatched from the jaws of Satan and death and hell,

Personally, I wouldn't call the Heaven in the Bible a victory by a long stretch. But how is it a victory over death? You still have to physically die first. And if you count Heaven as victory over death, you're forced to classify Hell in the same category.

so why wouldn’t all heaven rejoice?

Because many of those people aren't deserving of 'eternal reward'. Those supposedly going to Heaven would include murders, rapists, and child molesters.  If you were an angel in Heaven, would you celebrate the man who murdered your parents in front of you before raping and killing you entering Heaven just because they believe in Jesus?

-Brain Hulk

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