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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I don't see why I should bother with God at this stage of my life. I want to have fun, and anyway God will forgive me if I ask Him, even if it's at the last minute, won't He? -- L.K.

A: I sincerely hope you'll stop and think again about the path you're taking, because it inevitably leads to moral and spiritual disaster. The Bible warns, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 16:25).

Does this mean God won't forgive us if we've lived a life of sin, but then sincerely repent and turn to Christ just before we die? No, of course not. When Jesus was dying on the cross, one of the two criminals who was being executed with Him asked Jesus to save him -- and Jesus forgave him and promised him eternal life (see Luke 23:39-43).

But how do you know you'll even have an opportunity to repent? Your life may be taken in an instant -- and then it will be too late. In addition, the longer we live a life of sin, the more calloused and insensitive our hearts become toward God -- and the harder it is for us to admit we need Him. Yes, one of the criminals dying with Jesus repented -- but the other one never did. Jesus warned, "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it" (Matthew 7:13).

May God awaken you to the dangers you face, and give you a desire to open your heart and life to Jesus Christ. God loves you, and He doesn't want you to throw your life away. Instead, He wants you to discover the greatest joy we can ever have -- the joy of knowing and following Christ.

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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.