Answers
By BGEA Staff • July 20, 2024 • Topics: Sin
Q:
Why do evangelists emphasize God’s love, seldom speaking of the sinful nature of mankind? My grandfather was a circuit-riding preacher. As a young boy I can remember the fear he put into the hearts of those listening to his sermons, but I can also remember the altar being filled at the end of the service and tears being shed as people repented and turned to God. And my dear grandfather would stand, embrace them, and encourage them in their new lives. While I don’t enjoy being told about my sin, I understand that we cannot know the true love of God until we admit our sin and turn from it, realizing the amazing love of God.
A:
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
There’s a tendency to focus on the love of God to the exclusion of the other side of God’s nature, for God hates sin. We are told in the Scriptures that God hates liars, proud and haughty looks, and all other manifestations of sin. God has promised to judge sin with the fierceness of his wrath (see Proverbs 6:16–19).
David said, “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. … I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” (Psalm 32:5, NKJV).
God doesn’t take sin lightly. We live in an age when sin is winked at and where God is treated as one who is indulgent, softhearted, and tolerant of those who break His commandments. People today find it difficult to believe that God hates anything, much less sin.
The truth is, God has not forgotten about sin, though some may pretend it doesn’t exist. The reason God hates sin is that, when left unforgiven, it sends people out into a timeless eternity in Hell. God isn’t willing that any should perish, but that all come to a knowledge of Him. God’s forgiveness brings restoration and gives the repentant sinner joy and contentment in Christ alone.
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
