Why Repent Now if God Will Forgive Anyway

By Billy Graham, Christian Post Guest Columnist Monday, January 12, 2009

Q: Why should I believe in Jesus and give up my lifestyle right now, if God will forgive me anyway whenever I ask Him? Why not wait until I'm about ready to die? I like the way I'm living and I don't want to give it up, although I admit I'd like to go to heaven when I die. - P.F.

A: Don't be deceived; God's forgiveness isn't something you can take for granted. God's forgiveness comes only when we repent of our sins - and repentance means to be sorry for our sins and want to turn from them, because we realize God hates them.

And how do you know if you'll even have the opportunity to repent and turn to Jesus? Death could come to you in an instant - even while you're still young. The Bible warns, "Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow" (Psalm 144:4). Jesus once told about a man who had been very successful, and decided he'd live the rest of his days in luxury and idleness. But that night his life came to an end - and he was unprepared to meet God (see Luke 12:16-21). Don't let this happen to you!

But there is another danger that you need to take seriously. It is this: The more you ignore God, the harder your heart becomes toward Him. Tragically, many people think like you do - but by the time death comes, they can no longer hear God's voice calling them to Himself.

Don't believe Satan's lie, that life is better without God. It isn't - now or in eternity. Instead, open your heart to Christ, and discover the joy of walking with Him every day.