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Have Graham or Schuller Repented Since?

Television interview of Billy Graham by Robert Schuller, on May 31, 1997. The following segment is an exact transcript of an excerpt close to the end of the broadcast. Reported by The Christian News, October 20, 1997, page 15.):


SCHULLER: Tell me, what do you think is the future of Christianity?

GRAHAM: Well, Christianity and being a true believer -- you know, I think there's the Body of Christ. This comes from all the Christian groups around the world, outside the Christian groups. I think everybody that loves Christ, or knows Christ, whether they're conscious of it or not, they're members of the Body of Christ ... I think James answered that, the Apostle James in the first council in Jerusalem, when he said that God's purpose for this age is to call out a people for His name. And that's what God is doing today, He's calling people out of the world for His name, whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world, or the non-believing world, they are members of the Body of Christ, because they've been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus, but they know in their hearts that they need something that they don't have, and they turn to the only light that they have, and I think they are saved, and that they're going to be with us in heaven."

SCHULLER: What, what I hear you saying, that it's possible for Jesus Christ to come into human hearts and soul and life, even if they've been born in darkness and have never had exposure to the Bible. Is that a correct interpretation of what you're saying?

GRAHAM: Yes, it is, because I believe that. I've met people in various parts of the world in tribal situations, that they have never seen a Bible or heard about a Bible, and never heard of Jesus, but they've believed in their hearts that there was a God, and they've tried to live a life that was quite apart from the surrounding community in which they lived."

SCHULLER: [R.S. trips over his tongue for a moment, his face beaming, then says] I'm so thrilled to hear you say this. There's a wideness in God's mercy.

GRAHAM: There is. There definitely is."

Comments

Anonymous said…
These comments tell us that Graham is an inclusivist - that is he believes that everyone is saved by Christ, but that they do have to know Christ to be saved by Him. Inclusivism should not be confused with pluralism which says that there is more than one way to God, that you can be saved by being a Muslim or a Buddist for example. Under John Paul II Roman Catholicism has become inclusivist. The scripture knows nothing of this doctrine. Jesus would not have needed to command his followers to evangelize if they could be saved without hearing of Christ.
Wed Aug 23, 01:29:00 PM CDT
Pester Brat said…
Is this my brother Casey, part of the frozen chosen? No, I haven't heard of the specifically. It seems like that would be a contradiction for Buddhism to say someone had to mae a propitiation. They don't think it is necessary. Now I have heard of other culture and religions having the own versions of aspects of the life, death and resurrection of Christ, but not for atonement and not as specific. Thanks for your question.

Amen Bob. Indeed, Inclusivism is even more dangerous in my opinion. Of course I think part of it stems from not understanding the power and sovereignty of God, Who could certainly regenerate anyone around the world and send them one of His people to proclaim the glorious gospel. Thanks for your reply...

Bret
Wed Aug 23, 02:26:00 PM CDT
Glenda, saved by grace said…
Ive seen this before Bro Brett, this is deception in the worst way!
Glenda
Thu Aug 24, 09:37:00 PM CDT
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