DEAR REV. GRAHAM: My friend believes that the Bible was written in some kind of a secret code, and that it contains all kinds of hidden messages about the future. He even showed me a book that supposedly explains all this. Could he be right?
-- M.O'D.
DEAR M.O'D: These speculations are not true, nor should you put any faith in them, no matter how convincing they may seem. (A computer expert told me once that he suspected he could manufacture a "secret message" in almost any piece of literature, if he just tried hard enough and had a powerful enough computer.)
God deliberately gave us His Word in language we could understand because He wants us to know His truth. When the Old Testament prophets delivered the message God had given them, their listeners understood it (even if they didn't always obey it). When Jesus preached to the thousands who thronged to hear Him, He spoke in words they could easily understand. When Paul and the other apostles wrote letters to the first Christians, they made their message as clear as possible. God told the prophet Habakkuk to "Write down the revelation and make it plain" (Habakkuk 2:2).
The real question, however, is has God's message penetrated your heart and mind? Or is the Bible a closed book to you? Don't be misled, but read God's Word with an open heart and mind. When you do, you'll discover not only that God exists, but that He loves you and sent His Son into the world to forgive you and make you part of His family forever.
Over the centuries some people have tried to change the Bible's clear message of hope and new life through Jesus Christ. Don't be deceived, but make Him the center and foundation of your life, beginning today.
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
HomeStyle on 11/19/2016