Billy Graham: a wolf who offers only dreams of meat to those who are starving

On the occasion of Billy Graham's 96th birthday on November 7, Orthodox bishop Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev of the Russian Orthodox church was ushered in to Billy Graham's living room at his home in North Carolina in order to offer the elder man well-wishes.
The Press Republican stated of the photo-op,
"The photo-op on Nov. 7 was symbolic and, for many, historic. The elder statesman was the Rev. Billy Graham, and rather than an evangelical superstar, the man who met with him at his North Carolina mountain home was Russian Orthodox Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev. This visit was linked to a Hilarion address to a Charlotte gathering of Protestant and Orthodox leaders, organized by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. (BGEA)
The Russian Orthodox Church is not a true church because it adheres to orthodoxy that is false. They were a schism church formed after splitting from Roman Catholicism. The Orthodox group of churches (Greek, Russian, etc.) do not believe in justification by faith. They believe in part:
  • The equal authority of church tradition and Scripture
  • Discouragement of individuals interpreting the Bible apart from tradition
  • The perpetual virginity of Mary
  • Prayer for the dead
  • Baptism of infants without reference to individual responsibility and faith
  • The possibility of receiving salvation after death
  • The possibility of losing salvation

Therefore it is unfortunate to read that the BGEA organized a conference this month and invited a mix of men who preach a different Gospel with Protestant leaders, for what has darkness to do with light, For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

From Twitter. Met. Hilarion Alfeyev visiting Billy Graham on his 96th birthday.

Though Billy Graham has for decades made public statements confirming his place in the pantheon of destructive wolves, there are many today who still don't believe that such a man could be a false Christian. To that end, here are some quotes from Billy Graham, from newspaper media, books, and transcripts from interviews, which show clearly that such a man is not of the faith. Graham said these things throughout his life, not simply in his advanced years. Some claim he was 'confused', but no such claim can be made of a man who has made assertions contrary to the bible in each decade of his life. Some of these things he said as far back as 1948, at the beginning of his television crusade career.

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On Evolution:
Graham: I personally believe that it’s just as easy to believe that God took some dust and blew on it and out came a man as it is to accept the fact that God breathed on a man and he became a living soul and it started with some protoplasm and went right up through the evolutionary process. Either way is by faith, and whichever way God did it makes no difference as to what man is and man’s relationship to God. (Billy Graham: Candid Conversations with a Public Man By David Frost)
Here we begin with a basic tenet: Hath God said? The original question in the Garden to Eve which she answered incorrectly and led to the Fall of man, is here again posed to Mr Graham. Hath God said he formed man from the dust of the ground? (Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:7). Or not? Indeed, God hath said how He made man and it is only a man without the Spirit in Him who finds it easy to dismiss the plain words of God and accept "arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God," (2 Corinthians 10:5). "Either way" that man appeared on the earth, as Graham believes, is NOT by faith. One is by faith and the other is by satan.

Are you in favor of the ordination of women?
Graham: It would be according to the circle I was in, because I feel I belong to all the churches. I am equally at home in an Anglican church or a Baptist church or a Brethren Assembly or a Roman Catholic church and I would have to say that I would identify with the customs and the culture and the theology of that particular church.
But do you welcome that development? (ordination of women]
Yes. … from my study of the scriptures there were many women preachers in the bible. Candid Conversations with a Public Man, David Frost
Once a man accepts man-made opinions and not God's word, all else falls from there. Here we see Mr Graham accepting culture and bowing to tradition, the way reeds are swayed by the wind. (Matthew 11:7, Jude 1:12). Whatever the people around him believe, Graham believes. That is what he is saying here. The bible says pastoring is for men only. Finally, Christians belong to Jesus, not "all the churches." A man who "feels" he belongs to all the churches, including RCC, is not a man who has the Spirit in him.

On salvation
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Graham: I used to think that pagans in far-off countries were lost--were going to hell--if they did not have the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached to them. I no longer believe that. ... I believe there are other ways of recognizing the existence of God--through nature, for instance--and plenty of other opportunities, therefore, of saying yes to God. (James Michael Beam, article "I Can’t Play God Anymore," McCall’s Magazine, 1978)
Only a man without the Spirit could deny that Jesus is the only way, and to say that other opportunities exist for men to say yes to God. Additionally, many say yes to God but deny the Son. Mr Graham did not speak of Jesus as the exclusive way to Christ, but spoke only of a nebulous allusion to nature.

In fact, the method of recognizing God through nature which Mr Graham is alluding is a verse about the wrath of God upon those who plainly see the existence of God in nature but suppress this truth in their unrighteousness. (Romans 1:18-20).

It could not be clearer: a man who disbelieves that those in countries who do not hear the word are not going to hell is not in the Spirit. This means that Mr Graham disbelieves the first and last condition of man: sinner born from the womb and being condemned already. (John 3:18)

On follow up after the Crusades
Graham: Anyone who makes a decision at our meetings is seen later and referred to a local clergyman, Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish. -Billy Graham, San Francisco News interview on Sept 21, 1957.
Many of the people who reach a decision for Christ at our meetings have joined the Catholic Church and we have received commendations from Catholic publications for the revived interest in their Church following our campaigns. This happened both in Boston and Washington. After all, one of our prime purposes is to help the churches in a community. If after we move on, the local (sic) churches do not feel the efforts of these meetings in increased membership and attendance, then our crusade would have to be considered a failure. (Billy Graham, Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, 1952)
No man in the Spirit would celebrate the consignment of a seeking soul to the church of the spirit of antichrist! The Roman Catholic Church is not a local church but a synagogue of satan. No one who seeks Jesus will find him in a Jewish synagogue either. If Mr Graham's "prime purpose" as he states, is to add souls to the number of those who are bound for hell, then Graham is of hell and making sons of hell twice as bad he is. (Matthew 23:15).

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On infant baptism
I do believe that something happens at the baptism of an infant, particularly if the parents are Christians and teach their children Christian truths from childhood. We cannot fully understand the mysteries of God. But I believe that a miracle can happen in these children so that they are regenerated, that is, made Christians through infant baptism. If you want to call that baptismal regeneration, that's all right with me. (Wilfred Bockelman, "A Lutheran Looks at Billy Graham," Lutheran Standard, 10 October 1961)

No person is made a Christian by having water sprinkled on their infant body. We are made Christians by the way God said we become Christians:

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? (Galatians 3:2 )

Can an infant believe what he has heard?

Graham on hell being metaphorical and not real

The good folks at Answers in Genesis are right: once you chip away at the word in the first few chapters of the bible, all other doctrines crumble.
Graham: I think that hell essentially is separation from God forever. And that is the worst hell that I can think of. But I think people have a hard time believing God is going to allow people to burn in literal fire forever. I think the fire that is mentioned in the Bible is a burning thirst for God that can never be quenched. (Orlando Sentinel, Orlando, Florida, April 10, 1983)

You see the connection here: Graham says that "people have a hard time believing" about hell being eternal punishment. Rather than Mr Graham teach it clearly and scripturally, he bows to the wind of doctrine like a broken reed: therefore he says, "I think". Notice he does not use scripture to support his view. It's always, 'I think', or 'I feel'... However the bible is very clear on the fate of the unbeliever.

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice
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magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death
. (Revelation 21:8)

Hell IS separation from God forever, though not separation from His wrath. However, the unbeliever was already separated from God before he went to hell. The fiery lake of burning sulfur is very specific about the hell the unbeliever will endure. Hell is not only separation from Jesus, but it is fire, sulfur, and physical torment (Luke 16:24; Jude 1:12-13, Revelation 14:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:9)

These are just a few, certainly not all, of the shockingly aberrant doctrines Graham has held during his life and has espoused publicly. We must not fail to mention the doctrines he does NOT preach about, either. When a person looks at the life of a man like Billy Graham, 60 years of seemingly tireless promotion of Jesus to the masses, they cannot believe that such a man would not be saved. They won't believe he is a wolf, one of the pack that was prophesied to come in after Paul left the earth. (Acts 20:29)

Yet Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

In sheep's clothing means that the exterior will be molded to look like a believer, but inwardly they are not. It takes time, prayer, maturity and skill given by the Spirit to detect the wolves. And yet, is it really so hard after all? A man who denies basic doctrines, diverts seekers from Christ, and partners with all religions as equal is not so hard to see is a wolf. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary says,
Beware—But beware of false prophets—that is, of teachers coming as authorized expounders of the mind of God and guides to heaven. (See Ac 20:29, 30; 2Pe 2:1, 2) which come to you in sheep's clothing—with a bland, gentle, plausible exterior; persuading you that the gate is not strait nor the way narrow, and that to teach so is illiberal and bigoted—precisely what the old prophets did (Eze 13:1-10, 22) but inwardly they are ravening wolves—bent on devouring the flock for their own ends (2Co 11:2, 3, 13-15).

Gilbert Tennent (February 5, 1703 – July 23, 1764) was a religious leader, born in County Armagh, Ireland. Gilbert was one of the leaders of the Great Awakening of religious feeling in Colonial America, along with Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield. His most famous sermon, "On the Danger of an Unconverted Ministry" compared anti-revivalistic ministers to the Pharisees described in the gospels. (Wikipedia)

Gilbert Tennent, On the Danger of an Unconverted Ministry
I may add that sad experience verifies what has been now observed concerning the unprofitableness of the ministry of unconverted men. Look into the congregations of unconverted ministers, and see what a sad security reigns there; not a soul convinced that can be heard of for many years together, and yet the ministers are easy, for they say they do their duty! Aye, a small matter will satisfy us in the lack of that which we have no great desire after, but when persons have their eyes opened and their hearts set upon the work of God, they are not so soon satisfied with their doings, and with lack of success for a time. O! They mourn with Micah that they are as those that gather the summer-fruits, as the grape-gleaning of the vintage. Mr. (Richard) Baxter justly observes that those who speak about their doings in the aforesaid manner are likely to do little good to the Church of God. But many Ministers (as Mr. Bracel observes) think the gospel flourishes among them when the people are in peace, and many come to hear the Word and to the Sacrament. If, with the other, they get the salaries well-paid, then it is fine times indeed in their opinion! O sad! And they are full of hopes that they do good, though th ey know nothing about it. But what comfort can a conscientious man, who travails in birth that Christ may be formed in His hearer’s hearts, take from what he knows not? Will a hungry stomach be satisfied with dreams about meat? I believe not, though, I confess, a full one may.
That is what Mr Graham offers: dreams of meat, while they spiritually starve. Tennant again:
And more especially, my brethren, we should pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth faithful laborers into His harvest, seeing that the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. And, O sirs, how humble, believing, and importunate should we be in this petition! O! Let u s follow the Lord day and night with cries, tears, pleadings, and groanings upon this account! For God knows there is great necessity of it. O! Thou Fountain of mercy and Father of pity, pour forth upon Thy poor children a Spirit of prayer for the obtaining of this important mercy! Help, help, O Eternal God and Father, for Christ’s sake!
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Further Reading

Billy Graham's Legacy of Evangelism Continues Online; 5 Millionth Person Indicates Decision to Accept Jesus as Savior

Life, ministry of Billy Graham chronicled in special release

Billy Graham: 'His impact for good in the world is incalculable'

Billy Graham and the Catholics



Comments

  1. the demon possessed girl in Acts comes to mind. Graham has on occasion preached a clear Gospel message, but it is not to be looked at gladly, because it was only done with the intent to increase his power to deceive.

    Nevertheless, God's word will not return to Him void.

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  2. Good article, Miss Elizabeth. You have just poked your finger in the eye of a whole bunch of people, but poking needs to be done.

    Truth is truth, whether it is received readily or not. TY for having the intestinal fortitude to say what needs to be said.

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  3. Thanks for the information Elizabeth, this will be a good resource in future for me. I have so many people in my life who are totally uninformed about what Billy Graham really believes. Now I have the information to share with them that will show them the truth.
    -Jennifer

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  4. Elizabeth, how dare you . . . tell the truth. Great stuff from the straight shootin' Elizabeth.

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  5. It really bothers me that "preachers" and "evangelists" do not believe in the LITERAL HELL!!!! Dave Hunt didn't either.... God's Word said it & God's Word settles it!

    When I was growing up, seemed every Billy Graham sermon I ever heard was "on the mark" (but then again, I was a child). Since I don't know the man personally, I can only wonder: where did he get off the narrow path? (was he ever on it) Or did he stray away in trying to PLEASE MEN over God?

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    1. I never saw Dave Hunt deny a literal hell, and I've been reading his stuff for 25 years!

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    2. I agree, Glenn. here is Dave's response to those charges:
      http://www.thebereancall.org/content/dave-hunt-addresses-fire-hell-controversy

      Julie, CAN

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  6. Sowers of the tares are everywhere these days and some may find it offensive, but so is ending up in hell with no remedy.

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  7. Elizabeth, good research and quotes dating way back in the fifties.
    To the people saying that hell fire is just a symbol for suffering I would like to remind them that a symbol is used to illustrate a deeper, greater and more intense and in this case looooooooong lasting reality.

    The image of suffering being eternally burning is not adequate to describe a reality that is beyond human comprehension. It might have to do with the fact that our understanding is limited by time, space and matter. In any case, when in doubt believe in the unchanging eternal truth of the Word of God.

    Anyone of us has ever seen a burning bush on a desertic mountain that doesn´t consume itself and heard the voice of The Almighty God coming out of it, declaring His Name to Moses.

    I am just a simple man and child enough to believe in a God that is a good Father, a gentle Savior and teaches me what I need to know. He has never been wrong, has never lied to me, has never abandonned me, has always satisfied my longing for truth and meaning for my being a pilgrim on this earth, provides everything in my life, comforts me when I am down, is my best friend who corrects and disciplines, forgives me and restores our relationship when I sin and repents. He has always my best interest in mind and the list never ends on the privileges and blessings of being a child of God who fears and loves him and his Word.

    By contrast why should I follow any man who when given a choice to substantiate a statement with the Word of truth or his own thoughts or beliefs leans on the latter which is no support compared to our Rock that is higher than I and never fails to uphold me. We as ambassadors of Christ have as our primordial duty to faithfully represent our King and our first exercize of this dutyh is to convey exactly the thoughts, words and acts of His Majesty revealed, declared and written down for us in the Holy Scriptures by his messengers and his son Jesus and his Apostles.

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  8. For Glenn & others who are SHOCKED over hearing the news about Dave Hunt ~ I would not say such a thing had I not read it in HIS own newsletter!! Sorry you're just now having to hear about it.

    QUOTE from Hunt himself: As for why I don't believe the flames of hell are physical, I have given many sound biblical reasons for that conviction. This is a belief that I have not tried to hide but have declared in many writings and talks.

    http://www.thebereancall.org/node/6691

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  9. He says the "flames of Hell" aren't physical, not that Hell isn't for real. There is a big difference. Many, many good theologians and commentators have raised that possibility, that the flames are figurative for the punishment.

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  10. There is a difference between something being literal and something being physical. When we are talking about literal quote we are refering to words or letters that can be used in abstract concepts or to describe a physical reality.
    The physical is rooted in concrete matter. For instance, wrestling is a physical contact sports between two athlete bodies.

    Now when we are talking about "the meeting of the minds, we are not suggesting a physical encounter. Proverbs 27:17 teaches that: " Iron sharpens iron,
    So one man sharpens another". Is Solomon talking about about a physical sword fight?

    However, we can speak of a literal battle of the minds when we are attending a debate between evolutionists and creationists.

    That´s all that Dave Hunt was doing, very well, I should add, providing ample scriptures exemples to teach us some truths that are hard to grasp if we fail to discern between literalness, symbolism, imagery, allegory which the Bible writers use throughout the Scriptures.

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  11. Forgive me ~ I'm too sick to "fight" right now! Sorry if I used the wrong word, "REAL"... but what Dave Hunt believed & taught is no different than Billy Graham's philosophy -- and you guys seem so quick to pound on Graham, but not Hunt! Why is that?

    At any rate, Elizabeth CORRECTLY pegged it because she took it straight from the BIBLE:

    QUOTE: Hell is not only separation from Jesus, but it is fire, sulfur, and physical torment (Luke 16:24; Jude 1:12-13, Revelation 14:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:9) /END QUOTE

    Is that REAL ENOUGH for you guys?? /clumsy smile.....

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  12. Hi Reva, I hope that you get well better soon and that you will get some good rest this week-end. we are more in agreement than you think. God bless and keep you in his grace, peace, love and joy. Jean-Louis.

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  13. The folks at Rapture Ready must be having fits reading your latest blog entry, Elizabeth. They insist that Billy Graham is a true born-again Christian and anyone who says otherwise is a hell bound troublemaker.

    I would have posted the link, but in true RR style they deleted the recent thread/argument on their site where a new member tried to point out that Graham is a false preacher.

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    1. Really!? I had no idea that they were going back and forth about it. I pray the Lord opens their eyes...

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    2. I noticed that too, on RR. I am not a member there, but it always bugs me that they hardly address graham, moire, or jesus calling in there apostasy thread.
      -jennifer

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  14. *rapture forums, not rapture ready forums, sorry.
    -jennifer

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  15. No man should be held above reproach, no matter who he is. If he is teaching and practicing false doctrine, he should be rejected by those seeking God's truth, no matter his reputation. One thing to consider is how Graham is loved by the world - red flag. Jesus was hated by the world and says His followers will be, too. Graham's loved by politicians and non-believers, as well. That's because he's inclusive of other religions. Jesus was exclusive. I'll stick with Jesus and gladly remain in the minority.

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