Billy Graham’s Last Crusade: The Cross

Billy Graham turned 95 yesterday, and to mark the day the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association released what will likely be the evangelist’s final crusade.

It’s a simple message.  There is no way for salvation, but through the Cross of Christ.

We all have been infected by the disease of sin as we all were born into sin.  Because of this we face spiritual death and judgment.  Jesus Christ came to earth and lived a perfect life so He could pay the price for our sin.  Jesus died a horrible death on a Roman cross paying the price for our sin so we can have forgiveness of sin.  He rose from the grave so we experience true life – abundant and eternal life.

He did it because He loves us.  “For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life,” (John 3:16, ESV).  He didn’t love us because we deserve it, but precisely the opposite, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” (Romans 5:8, ESV).

Take time to watch The Cross, it’s a half hour that is well spent.  You can watch it below or here.

We can’t earn forgiveness.  We can’t get right with God on our own which is why Jesus died.  Through His death on the cross and His resurrection Jesus offers us a free gift.  Will you embrace it?  Will you accept it?

There are three things that we do in response:

Believe – believe that Christ died on the cross and died for your sin.

Repent – Admit your sin – all of the bad things you’ve done in your life – and turn from your sin and turn to Jesus.  Give it over to Him.

Receive – Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  Trust Him for your salvation and to be the Leader of your life.

If this is your desire.  If you are ready to make the most important decision you can ever make in your life.  You can pray a simple prayer.  There isn’t anything magical about this.  If this is the desire of your heart.

“Dear God, I’m a sinner. I’m sorry for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I believe Jesus Christ is your Son. I believe He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Jesus, I put my trust in You and I surrender my life to You. Please come into my life and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer click here for more information about the decision that you made.  If not, but you have a question, click here.  Feel free to leave a comment or email me at shane@caffeinatedthoughts.com as well.

Photo credit: Ian Britton via Flickr (CC-By-NC 2.0)