ON CHRISTIANITY

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: Do you think Jesus might come again during this year? I know we aren’t supposed to make predictions, but the world is in such bad shape that I don’t see how it can last much longer, unless He intervenes.

— M.F. DEAR M.F.: One of the Bible’s greatest promises is that someday all the evil that infects our world will be destroyed, and Jesus Christ will come again to rule in perfect righteousness and power. No wonder the Bible calls this “the blessed hope — the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13)!

Yes, you’re right — we live in a time of great conflict and upheaval. And as you point out, Jesus Himself warned us against making predictions about the exact time of His return. But He did tell us to be alert to the signs God would give us, assuring us that the time for Christ’s return was coming closer. Many certainly seem to be happening today.

I often think, for example, of Jesus’ promise that He would only return once the Gospel had been preached to the ends of the earth. Don’t we see this happening today, as new technologies enable us to reach even the remotest parts of the globe with the Gospel? Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world … and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).

The real question, however, is this: What difference should Christ’s return make in our lives? First, it should make us examine ourselves, to be sure we are ready for His return. Have you committed your life to Christ, and are you seeking to live for Him? But it also should give us a sense of urgency, telling others of Christ and urging them to be ready to meet God.

Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangenlistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201 or visit the website at