ON CHRISTIANITY

— DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Where did the idea of hell come from? I don’t believe there is such a thing because God is for life and for love, not destruction and hate, like some people seem to think.

- C.F.

DEAR C.F.: It might surprise you to learn that the person in the Bible who spoke the most about hell’s reality was Jesus. He repeatedly warned us not to take it lightly: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Is hell just an idea someone dreamed up or is it real? The Bible’s answer is clear: Hell is just as real as heaven. You and I will live forever because God gave each of us an eternal soul or spirit. Death isn’t the end. When we die, we will enter eternity either with God in heaven, or separated from Him forever in the place the Bible calls Hell.

Yes, you’re right up to a point. God is a God of love. But He is also a God of justice. Do you honestly believe God will overlook the horrors committed by a Hitler or Stalin? Do you honestly believe God will overlook the evils and injustices that ravage our world? The Bible warns, “All will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness” (2 Thessalonians 2:12).

These are sobering words. But the Bible tells us something else about hell: You and I don’t need to go there! Jesus Christ came to destroy sin and death and when we put our faith and trust in Him, heaven’s door opens before us. Don’t be deceived, but turn to Christ and accept the salvation He offers you today.

Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the Web site at

www.billygraham.org

ActiveStyle, Pages 26 on 07/26/2010

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