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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Why do they call the day on which Jesus died "Good Friday"? I don't see anything good about it, do you? -- R.K.

A: I can understand your feelings; on that day Jesus was mocked, scourged, and finally condemned to die a painful death by being nailed to a rough Roman cross. As the Bible says, "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain" (Isaiah 53:3).

And yet for centuries Christians have rightly called that day on which Jesus died "Good Friday" -- because what happened then offers us hope and forgiveness and new life. We cannot erase our guilt, nor can we buy our way into Heaven by our good deeds. But Christ did what we could never do for ourselves, by dying for us on that first Good Friday. The Bible says, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). That is good news!

If you had spoken with Jesus' family and followers as they stood at the foot of the cross, I doubt if they'd have labeled it "Good Friday." Hope seemed lost; Satan and his servants apparently had won; evil and death seemingly had triumphed.

But if you had spoken with them only a few days later, you would have heard something entirely different! Then they knew that Satan and his servants had not won; evil and death had not triumphed. Then they realized that what had seemed to be defeat was in fact victory -- victory over Satan and sin and death and Hell.

May this day truly become your "Good Friday", as you confess your sins and put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, who gave His life for you.

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

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.