DEAR REV. GRAHAM: My friend says we're all children of God, and this means (she says) that we aren't any different from Jesus, because each of us is a son of God, just like He was. Is she right? I didn't know how to answer her.
-- P.McC.
DEAR P.McC.: We are not here by chance. God created us, and He gave us our lives. In that sense, therefore, God is our Father and we're all His children. As the Bible says, "He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else" (Acts 17:25).
But your friend is wrong, according to the Bible, when she says we're just like Jesus, and Jesus is just like us. Jesus Christ is unique and unlike any other person who ever lived or ever will live. The reason is because He alone was fully human and fully God. On that first Christmas a miracle took place that we can barely imagine: God came down from heaven and became a man! Jesus wasn't just like God, He was God in human flesh. He alone could say, "I and the Father are one. ... Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 10:30; 14:9).
This is important because you and I are sinners, and our greatest need is to be forgiven and cleansed of our sins. But how is this possible? It's possible only because on the cross Jesus Christ -- who was without sin -- took upon Himself the guilt and judgment that we deserve.
Now by faith in Him we become God's children in the fullest sense -- members of His family forever. Make sure of your commitment to Christ. Then pray for your friend, and urge her to put her trust in Christ alone for her salvation.
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
MovieStyle on 04/22/2016