My Answer: Be Reconciled with God

By Billy Graham, Christian Post Guest Columnist Monday, January 14, 2008

Q: Doesn't the Bible teach that God is the father of the whole human race? And if that's the case, doesn't that mean that everyone will go to heaven when they die, no matter who they are, since we are all God's children? — W.R.

A: Yes, the Bible does say God is our Father — and the reason is because He created us and gave us life. We aren't here by chance or by accident; we are here because God made us and put us here. The Bible says, "There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came" (1 Corinthians 8:6).

But the Bible also tells us that something very devastating has happened: We have rebelled against Him and renounced our relationship with Him. Just as a child can rebel against his parents — turning against them and renouncing his place in the family — so we have turned against God and renounced our place in His family. This is why we need to be reconciled with God, for if we aren't, we will remain separated from Him after death.

But how can we be reconciled with God? We have only one hope — and that is if God provides the way. And that is what He did by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. The baby whose birth we celebrated only a short time ago grew up to become God's appointed means of salvation. The Bible says Christ "is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25).

Don't delay, but confess your sins to God and ask Christ to forgive and save you. The Bible says, "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). Become God's child by giving your life to Him.

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Affectionately known as the "World's Preacher" for more than 60 years, the Rev. Billy Graham is one of the most influential and respected spiritual leaders of the 20th century. He has been a friend and spiritual advisor to ten American presidents and has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history — nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories — through various meetings. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.