Originally posted by Estacado
Galan survived because the PF helped him.
Galan survived because he merged with the previous Eternity and incubated in the cosmic egg.
The Phoenix Force prevented Galan's universe from falling into eternal damnation...but did not directly intervene on Galan's behalf. Galan was allowed to merge with the previous Eternity due to the PF's overall actions, not by direct intervention.
Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Data Corrections-
The entry appears to indicate that the Phoenix Force is the force that saved Galan. While the information as stated is not wrong, the conclusion it seems to guide to is not quite accurate. The original entry as written was over twice the allowed length, and had to be heavily trimmed. The intent of the sentence was lost in the trimming process. It would be more accurate to say: As the previous universe met its end, the Phoenix Force harnessed the positive emotions of everyone in the cosmos to save them from eternal damnation, enabling the sentience of the universe join with Galan and allow him to survive into the next reality. The Phoenix Force dies only to be reborn again. It was re-created at the Big Bang. The Phoenix Force saved everyone in the universe from eternal damnation, which made it possible for Galan to still be around to be saved by Eternity/the sentience of the universe. Galan would not have even been remotely aware of the Phoenix Force's involvement, and the Phoenix Force likely would not have recognized Galactus as the former Galan.