What will it take to turn us back to God?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: America is now celebrating its 250 th birthday. I am watching a series on the early days of America’s beginning, and it’s astounding to hear the references to God and the repetition of Bible passages from the halls of Congress to the small towns scattered across the land, calling on God to bless our nation and its people. God has certainly done that; yet, we are a more godless nation than ever, though His name is spoken by the majority. We’ve taken His blessings and turned them into indulgences. What will it take to turn us back to God? – A.G.
A: America stands on the threshold of divine judgment. Morally, socially, economically, politically, spiritually, we are in deep trouble. We’ve turned away from God, taking us further away from the only One who can reverse the tide, forgive our sins, and forestall the imminent judgment. We must alter our course if we are going to see many more years as a free people.
Our greatest need is a change in the hearts of people. That is why Jesus said, “You must be born again” (John 3:7, NKJV). He also said, “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, NKJV). The Apostle Paul declared before the culture of his day that God “commands all [people] everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world” (Acts 17:30–31, NKJV).
Who should repent? Everybody. The Bible says to repent or perish! What happens when we repent? The Scripture tells us, “A broken and contrite heart God will not despise” (cf. Psalm 51:17). If we as individuals and as a nation would humble ourselves and turn from our sins, God has promised forgiveness, healing to the nation, and eternal life to the individual. But still, there are multitudes who will gladly accept God’s goodness, but they refuse to obey Him.
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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.
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