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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: People are always talking about going to Bible studies, but they don’t seem to learn anything. They just claim that God loves everybody. Isn’t the Bible a book of condemnation? – B.C.

A: The love of God can be entirely rejected. God will not force Himself upon anyone against their will. A person can hear a message about the love of God and say, “No, I won’t have it,” and God will let him go on in his or her sin and judgment. Some are open to His love, but not His judgment. You see, there is one thing God’s love cannot do. It cannot forgive the unrepentant sinner. The human race is called on throughout the Bible to repent of sin and rebellion and return to God.

God accepts all those who repent and turn from sin. When they receive His salvation, God’s Spirit begins the work of transformation. We must all come to God on His terms, not our own. God showed His love to the whole world by sending His Son to pay the penalty of our sin against Holy God (see John 3:16). The Bible tells us that God loves those who love Him (see Proverbs 8:17). Because of His love, there is a way of salvation, a way back to God through Jesus Christ, His Son.

If we really want to receive what God offers the world – His salvation from sin – we must accept it for ourselves. No one can do this for us. That’s the way God planned it from the beginning! We can choose or reject Christ. Those who do not know Jesus Christ personally have not experienced a transformed life. But God desires that all people come to know Him as Savior and Lord.

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

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.