Did Graham get into doctrine? I know all of his crusades were primed with hundreds of volunteers "going forward". I mean he did preach Christ crucified much like any water baptist church. The veteran who escaped the Japanese in WWII and a miracle of God just getting back to the states then attributing his belief to Billy Graham is notable.
It is possible that some people found themselves getting "saved" in conjunction with attending a BG crusade or other similar evangelism. It is actually the Holy Spirit who performs the miracle of spiritual regeneration, and the Holy Spirit regenerates whom he will. This is the "baptism of the Holy Spirit," not water rituals and not tongues speaking and not making a "decision."
BG believed in and taught "decisional regeneration." He encouraged altar calls and the signing of "decision cards." This is a popular method, but it does not necessarily result in spiritual regeneration, but can fool people into thinking they have been "saved."
Do you believe someone goes to Heaven on the basis of signing a card? Did Christ teach this? Did the apostles teach this?
To enter eternity, we will need two resurrections: The first resurrection is spiritual rebirth from a state of being dead in trespasses and sins. This is what has transpired when a person first begins to believe. At that point, a person is meant to undergo water baptism as a sign or confession of faith.
The second resurrection is bodily. This takes place at Christ's return when he shall appear in the sky and "every eye shall see him." The saints who "sleep" shall receive their glorified resurrection bodies, and those who remain alive on Earth will be instantly translated, without natural death, into their glorified bodies and will rise through the air to be with Christ and all the saints forever.
I'm sorry for the late reply as this snuck under my radar.
Regarding BG and his sharing the Gospel in a rather dispensational manner of going forward and "getting saved" is not my doctrine because salvation does not come from the will of man but of God. Paul had a similar take.
Philippians 1:15-18
King James Version
"15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."
Now regarding end time prophecy. There are at least four major view points and dispensational is not my belief. I am referring to water baptist churches who think they can go soul winning and today's Israel is God's chosen people and God's time piece. Which is heresy. They're not even children of Israel in their lineage. That being said...
For many are called but few chosen.
Did Graham get into doctrine? I know all of his crusades were primed with hundreds of volunteers "going forward". I mean he did preach Christ crucified much like any water baptist church. The veteran who escaped the Japanese in WWII and a miracle of God just getting back to the states then attributing his belief to Billy Graham is notable.
His name was Louis Zamperini (Unbroken)
It is possible that some people found themselves getting "saved" in conjunction with attending a BG crusade or other similar evangelism. It is actually the Holy Spirit who performs the miracle of spiritual regeneration, and the Holy Spirit regenerates whom he will. This is the "baptism of the Holy Spirit," not water rituals and not tongues speaking and not making a "decision."
BG believed in and taught "decisional regeneration." He encouraged altar calls and the signing of "decision cards." This is a popular method, but it does not necessarily result in spiritual regeneration, but can fool people into thinking they have been "saved."
Do you believe someone goes to Heaven on the basis of signing a card? Did Christ teach this? Did the apostles teach this?
To enter eternity, we will need two resurrections: The first resurrection is spiritual rebirth from a state of being dead in trespasses and sins. This is what has transpired when a person first begins to believe. At that point, a person is meant to undergo water baptism as a sign or confession of faith.
The second resurrection is bodily. This takes place at Christ's return when he shall appear in the sky and "every eye shall see him." The saints who "sleep" shall receive their glorified resurrection bodies, and those who remain alive on Earth will be instantly translated, without natural death, into their glorified bodies and will rise through the air to be with Christ and all the saints forever.
I'm sorry for the late reply as this snuck under my radar.
Regarding BG and his sharing the Gospel in a rather dispensational manner of going forward and "getting saved" is not my doctrine because salvation does not come from the will of man but of God. Paul had a similar take.
Philippians 1:15-18 King James Version "15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."
Now regarding end time prophecy. There are at least four major view points and dispensational is not my belief. I am referring to water baptist churches who think they can go soul winning and today's Israel is God's chosen people and God's time piece. Which is heresy. They're not even children of Israel in their lineage. That being said... For many are called but few chosen.
Agreed