From the ArcaMax Publishing, Billy Graham Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/billygraham/s-629063-217844
Q: Please pray for me. The doctor says I need open-heart surgery, and
I'm scared I won't make it. I've never been a religious person, but is
it too late to turn to God? If I died right now I know I wouldn't go
to Heaven. -- D.F.
A: Sometimes it takes a serious crisis like this to wake us up and
make us realize our need of God -- and I believe this is what is
happening to you. After all, would you have ever thought seriously
about your eternal salvation and your need for Christ otherwise?
Probably not.
No, it isn't too late for you to turn to God. In fact, I believe God
has spared your life so you'd have another opportunity to turn to Him.
I pray you won't ignore this. The Bible says, "He is patient with you,
not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2
Peter 3:9). God loves you, and He doesn't want you to die and spend
eternity apart from Him.
And you don't have to, because God has provided the way for you to be
saved. That way is Jesus Christ, who gave His life as the final and
complete sacrifice for your sins. Only one thing will keep you out of
Heaven, and that is your sins. But on the cross all your sins were
placed on Christ, and He took upon Himself the death and Hell that you
deserve. Don't let another day go by without Him, but by faith open
your heart and life to Him and trust Him for your salvation.
Then face the future with confidence, knowing that God is always with
you, and He will never abandon you. If your life is spared, make it
your goal to live for Christ every day. But even if it isn't, rejoice
in the glorious hope we have because of Him.
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Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C.,
28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy
Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.