Franklin Graham

There has been a lot of speculation about the end times lately, especially in light of recent storms. I saw firsthand the devastation and carnage that accompanied the fierce, deadly tornadoes that swept across the South and the Midwest this spring.

I’ve seen lots of disasters in my lifetime, but the scenes that I witnessed in Alabama and Missouri were among the most horrific I’ve encountered anywhere.

Many are asking if the seemingly growing numbers of such catastrophes could be an indication that the return of Christ is drawing nearer. Jesus said that such tragedies—in addition to wars and persecution—are indeed the “beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:8), and these certainly appear to be increasing in frequency and intensity.

My father has said, “Some teach ‘universalism’—that eventually everybody will be saved and the God of love will never send anyone to hell. They believe the words ‘eternal’ or ‘everlasting’ do not actually mean forever.”

This is what pastor and author Rob Bell and many others are teaching. Bell, in fact, has invoked my father’s name in recent interviews talking about a new book he has written reflecting his own doubts about the existence of hell.

However, my father has pointed out, “the same word which speaks of eternal banishment from God is also used for the eternity of heaven.” The Bible speaks more about hell than about heaven.

Why would God’s Word put such an emphasis on hell? Because God sent His only Son the Lord Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the sins of mankind. Those who acknowledge and repent of their sin will receive forgiveness and eternal salvation and the hope of heaven forever.