Don't we all want at the end of life – to be called safe?

on Sep 29, 2025

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I’ve read some great stories about baseball and like the analogies, especially when they apply to watching the runner come around the bases and the ump call him safe at home plate. Isn’t that what we all want at the end of the game of life – to be called safe? – B.F.

A: Years ago, in the seventh game of the World Series, the score was tied in the last inning with two outs. The batter hit a home run out of the park. The crowd went wild. For baseball fans, it’s about the most exciting thing that can happen. But when the hero crossed home plate to score, the umpire yelled, “Out!” The crowd was stunned. The umpire explained that the batter had not touched first base.

That’s the way with many people who live outwardly as Christians. They go to church and talk about being baptized, but have missed the most important thing – they haven’t been born again. They haven’t touched first base.

Nicodemus was one such man who came to Jesus. He was deeply religious – fasting, tithing, and teaching theology – but wasn’t satisfied. He had missed first base – salvation – and then Jesus told Him what it means to be “born again.”

There are many proclaimers who teach that being baptized, going to church, and doing good works will get us to Heaven, but it simply isn’t true. In Mathew 7:22–23, Jesus said that many will say to Him that they have done great things in His Name, but He will have to say, “Depart from Me – I never knew you.”

Salvation in Christ means being born again. We are all born physically, but to get to Heaven, one must be born spiritually. This is the gift of God that only He can give, and He freely gives it when we repent of our sin and come to Him with a humble heart by faith.

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