ON CHRISTIANITY
Posted: July 31, 2009 at 4:01 a.m.
LITTLE ROCK — DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I don't mean to be disrespectful, but why did God make the world so that some people die at a very young age, and others die when they're old? Why didn't He make it so everyone lives a long time and has a good life?
- K.G.
DEAR K.G.: I'm sure we've all asked ourselves questions like this, and truthfully, they aren't easy to answer. Some day in heaven we'll know the answers, but not yet - at least not completely. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "Now I know in part; then I shall know fully" (1 Corinthians 13:12).
The clearest answer I can give you, however, is this: This present world is not the way God meant for it to be. Originally, the Bible tells us, the world was perfect - no sickness, no fear, no suffering, no death. The Bible says, "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). Adam and Eve (the first humans) walked in perfect harmony with each other and God.
But something intervened, and that "something" was sin. Satan tempted Adam and Eve, promising that they would become like God if they followed him, and in spite of God's warning, they turned against God and committed the first sin. Since that day sin - like a lethal virus - has infected the whole creation. Because of their rebellion, suffering and death became the legacy of the whole human race.
That isn't the end of the story, however. When Christ died on the cross and rose again from the dead, sin and death were defeated, and some day Christ's victory will be complete. Yes, we live in a twisted, sick world because of sin. But because of Christ there is hope. Is your faith and trust in Him?
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
MovieStyle, Pages 35 on 07/31/2009
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