Answers
By BGEA Admin • December 8, 2023 • Topics: Sin
Q:
A survey recently reported that Americans know more about fast-food ingredients than they do about the Ten Commandments, yet many people claim that the majority of people are good. I think society’s behavior proves just the opposite. Doesn’t this reveal the reason a great number of people think the Ten Commandments are irrelevant to today?
A:
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
The Bible says that “no one is righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10, NIV). The Bible clearly teaches that in God’s eyes our inward thoughts are just as important as our outward actions. He taught us that even if we haven’t stolen anything or murdered anyone or committed immorality, we are still guilty of covetousness and hatred and lust (see Matthew 5:21–30).
One sin—just one—is enough to keep us out of Heaven and the reason is because God is perfect and holy. He cannot tolerate any sin in His presence. God’s standard is perfection—and we all fall short of that standard. No matter how good we are, we will never be good enough to earn our way into Heaven.
This is why we need Christ, for only He can take away our sins, and only He can offer us the forgiveness we need. By His death and resurrection, He took the judgment we deserve and conquered all the powers of sin and death and Hell. We must have faith in Christ alone for our salvation, “for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, NKJV).
The Ten Commandments are just as valid today as they were when God gave them. They reflect the moral character of God and they also provide the foundation of right living with others.
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
