Answers
By BGEA Admin • October 6, 2023 • Topics: God
Q:
Christians say that they stand for love and forgiveness, yet some Christians compromise Biblical principles for popularity with secular society, while many other Christians talk more about the “do nots” of their religion. This doesn’t seem to balance out too well, does it?
A:
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
The very power of our conviction sometimes inclines us toward feeling that we are right and that all other people are wrong. Christian conviction is based upon the “thou shalts” and the “thou shalt nots” of Scripture rather than our own personal ideas.
If there were a return to Biblical conversion, faith, and conviction, it would have a great impact in the world. While Christians are to exhibit love and forgiveness, because this is what Christ exhibited to the human race, Christians must never compromise Biblical convictions for the sake of popularity. When comfort and ease and pleasure are put ahead of duty and conviction, progress is always set back.
The Bible says this: “Holding fast the faithful word … that he might be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict [God’s truth]” (Titus 1:9). Mankind seeks to excuse ourselves of sin, but God seeks to convict us of it and to save us from it.
We are to renounce the evil influence of the world, the flesh, and the devil. There can be no parleying, bargaining, compromise, or hesitation. Christ demands total loyalty, and this is not preached much anymore.
A God of love must be a God of justice. It is because God loves that He is just. His justice balances His love and makes His acts of both love and justice meaningful. Christians must dare to take a strong, uncompromised stand for Jesus Christ.
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
