DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Why do Christians disagree so much about what the Bible says? I suppose I’d become a Christian if I knew for sure what I was supposed to believe,but I get confused because everyone seems to have a different opinion.
- G.McC. DEAR G.McC.: What you say is partly true; equally sincere Christians sometimes do disagree about minor issues. Paul and Barnabas - both deeply dedicated men - couldn’t agree about one of their co-workers, and eventually went their separate ways (see Acts 15:36-40).
But all Christians agree on the essentials of the Gospel - because the Bible is absolutely clear about them. For example, all Christians acknowledge that we are sinners, and our sins have separated us from God. All Christians also believe that God came into the world in the person of Jesus Christ, who was both fully God and fully man. All Christians affirm that by His death, Jesus Christ became the final sacrifice for our sins, and by His resurrection He conquered death and opened heaven’s door for us.
The most important truth you’ll ever discover is that God loves you - and the proof is that He sent His Son into the world to give His life for you. The Bible’s promise is true: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Don’t doubt any longer, but by faith reach out and receive God’s gift of salvation today. By a simple prayer of faith admit to God that you know you are a sinner and are sorry for your sins, and then open your heart and life to Jesus Christ. He’ll transform your life right now, and He’ll also give you hope for the future.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at billygraham.org
Style, Pages 20 on 01/21/2014