From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Humanity prefers to put confidence in its own ideas, instead of in the authority of God’s Word. The human race rejects God’s wisdom because it rejects Him and, therefore, calls His message of truth nonsense.

Studies reveal that most people believe in some type of Hell and equate Satan with his place of doom. They may not believe it is a literal place—until names like Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Osama bin Laden or serial killers like Charles Manson and Jeffrey Dahmer are mentioned. They don’t question their right to pass judgment, saying that these people belong in Hell. Why? Because they judge according to their own definition of evil.

The question must be asked, “What judgment would they render to drug pushers responsible for destroying minors, or liars who deceive the elderly, or pedophiles who rape children of their innocence—or to those who curse the name of the One who gave them life?” These are often the same people who think they have a greater capacity for love than the Savior of the world. They believe they can love more than Christ because they claim they are willing to “live and let live” and that God should do the same.

People condemn those who do evil by their standard but resent holy God who upholds His standard. That’s the problem with humans, thinking they are greater than God. Only the God of Heaven deserves the right to pass judgment, and He has given this task to the One who suffered the ultimate agony and paid for that right with His own blood (John 5:22-23).

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

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