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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: Why will people be judged for the things they do when we can’t help that we are sinners? Even the Bible says we’re born that way. – J.S.

 

Dear J.S.: The great London preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon was once the guest of a man who made his virtues the chief topic of conversation; but his virtues were all of the negative kind, consisting of the bad things he had not done. Disgusted with the man’s self-righteousness, Spurgeon said, “Why, man, you are simply a bundle of negatives. You don’t drink, you don’t gamble, you don’t swear. What in the name of goodness do you do?”

We know that, fundamentally, salvation is not of works. But in stressing this phase of the Gospel, too many have neglected to emphasize the fact that we will be judged more according to the good we have left undone than for the evil we have done. Good works are not a means of salvation because we are saved by grace through faith. We are saved only on the grounds of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But our good works are an evidence of salvation; and if we fail to do all the good we can, to all the people we can, at any time we can, by any means we can, we will be condemned at the judgment bar of God. And we forget that we are to strive – and pray – to be more like Christ. His virtues are worthy of our obedience and practice. The most important thing we can do in this life is receive Christ and live for Him.

The Bible says, “Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another. … But above all these things put on love. … And let the peace of God rule in your hearts … and be thankful” (Colossians 3:12–15).

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