DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I have some serious health problems because of alcohol. My doctors warned me, but I was too stubborn to listen, and anyway I thought I'd be the exception. But I'm not. I've stopped drinking, but it's probably too late. Is it too late to turn to God? I'm afraid to die.
-- R.J.
DEAR R.J.: No, it is never too late to turn to God, no matter what your past has been or how much you've ignored Him over the years. The only person who can't be forgiven is the one who refuses to seek God's forgiveness.
How do I know God will forgive you and save you? I know it because of Jesus Christ, who came into the world to make our salvation possible. Why would He do this? Why would He leave Heaven's glory and submit to the suffering and humiliation of the cross? He did it for one reason: because God loves us. In fact, if you had been the only person on earth who needed to be saved, Jesus Christ still would have given His life for you. The Bible says, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us" (1 John 3:16).
Now Christ offers you salvation as a free gift -- free, because He's already paid for it by taking upon Himself the judgment and Hell that you and I deserve. But like any other gift, it only becomes ours if we receive it. This is why the most important thing you can do is turn in faith to Christ, asking Him to come into your life and committing yourself to Him.
Don't spend another day apart from Christ, but put your faith and trust in Him today. God's promise is true: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangenlistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
Style on 01/16/2018