Christ’s plan of salvation is the only good news the world will ever hear
Posted 8:43 a.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2022
From the writings of Reverend Billy Graham
Dear Reverend Graham: If Jesus came to save people from suffering, why does the world continue in war, hatred and discrimination? Does God care about the terrible things that happen in this world? Christians speak of “good news” of salvation but the world is getting worse. —BW
Dear BW: What moves God most is not physical suffering but sin. Too often, we fear physical pain more than moral harm. Many people have twisted the meaning of salvation, saying it only means political, social, and economic liberation in this life. Certainly, Christians are concerned about injustice and do what they can to promote a more just world. But lasting and complete liberation from social injustice will only come when Jesus Christ returns to establish His Kingdom. Biblical salvation goes much deeper because it goes to the root of our problem – the problem of sin.
What then is the heart of the Good News?
First, all are sinners and stand under the judgment of God (Romans 3:23). We might believe that we are good enough to win God’s favor or that we can perform religious acts to compensate for our bad deeds, but the Bible says no one is righteous (Romans 3:10).
Second, we must understand what Christ did to make our salvation possible. God loves us, and Christ came to forgive sinners and make salvation possible. He died on the cross as a full sacrifice for our sins (Romans 5:8). He took upon himself the judgment we deserve.
Third, we must respond to God’s call to repent of sin and come to Him. We must turn from our practice of sin and obey His Word. His grace offers forgiveness and the gift of eternal life, but a gift does not become ours until we receive it (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ’s plan of salvation is the only Good News the world will ever hear.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Reverend Billy Graham.)
