Schoolroom for Heaven

Scripture

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Hebrews 9:27 KJV

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Big idea

Summary

Graham begins by noting a resurgence of public belief in heaven and hell, citing survey figures on how many Americans now say they believe in each, then pivots to the idea that life itself functions as a 'schoolroom' preparing us for eternity. Drawing on the biblical account of King Hezekiah being told to put his house in order, he urges readers toward practical preparation for death -- keeping wills current and affairs organized -- and points to his father-in-law's carefully arranged estate as a model of thoughtful stewardship that spared his family added grief. Since only God knows the exact number of anyone's days, Graham argues that recognizing life's brevity should push believers to use each day's opportunities wisely, whether mending a relationship, encouraging a struggling young person, or sharing the gospel before it is too late.

He illustrates this urgency with the story of Velma Barfield, a convicted murderer who came to faith while awaiting execution and whose testimony left a lasting spiritual impact on fellow inmates, sparking a small revival in the prison even after her death. Fanny Crosby's story offers a different angle: blinded in infancy through a doctor's carelessness, she nonetheless became one of history's most celebrated hymn writers, an example of how hardship can sharpen spiritual insight rather than only diminish a person. Graham also recounts his own experience facing a risky surgery, describing a mixture of deep peace and concern for his family that he suggests is common among believers confronting their own mortality, and reflects on how schooling itself, however difficult, is ultimately worth it for the reward that follows at graduation.

The chapter's central argument is that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the historical anchor for Christian confidence about life after death, a claim Graham supports by quoting scholar Wilbur Smith on the singular audacity of Jesus' resurrection prediction and its fulfillment. He surveys several biblical images for death -- coronation, rest, departure, and transition -- to reframe it as a meaningful passage rather than an ending, using the analogy of a returning, victorious prince and the image of pulling up anchor for a final voyage. He closes with a collection of remarkable last words spoken by dying Christians, including his own grandmother, former president John Quincy Adams, reformer John Knox, and missionaries facing execution, as evidence that a believer's death can carry unusual peace and even joy rather than dread.

Key points

• Believers are encouraged to prepare practically for death, such as keeping a current will, as an act of love toward those left behind.
• Life's brevity should motivate believers to use each day's opportunities for kindness, reconciliation, and sharing their faith.
• Personal limitation or suffering, as with Fanny Crosby's blindness, can be used by God to produce unusual spiritual gifts.
• The resurrection of Jesus Christ is presented as the central historical proof believers rely on for confidence in life after death.
• Multiple biblical images -- coronation, rest, departure, transition -- describe death as a meaningful passage rather than a final ending.
• Recorded last words of dying believers throughout history reveal a distinctive peace not typically found among those without faith.

Illustrations & stories

• Velma Barfield, a death-row inmate, converted to Christ before her execution and continued to spiritually influence other inmates even after she died.
• Fanny Crosby, blinded as an infant through a doctor's error, went on to become one of the most prolific hymn writers in history.
• Graham recalls preparing final instructions for his family before a risky operation, describing a mix of peace and worry he felt at the time.
• Former president John Quincy Adams, near the end of his life, described his failing body to a friend as a 'shaky tenement' he was about to leave.
• Missionaries Rev. and Mrs. Porteous, facing execution by captors, began singing a hymn instead of pleading for mercy and were unexpectedly set free.

Notable line

Death is not a period, but a comma in the story of life.

Billy Graham Hope for the Troubled Heart, ch. 14, reflecting on death as transition

For reflection and discussion

1. If you knew today were your last day, what would you want to say or do that you've been putting off?
2. Have you taken practical steps -- like preparing a will or clear instructions -- to 'put your house in order' for those you love?
3. How does the resurrection of Jesus change the way you personally think about death?
4. What has a season of hardship or limitation taught you about your own faith?
5. Which biblical picture of death -- rest, departure, or coronation -- speaks most to you right now, and why?