DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Why is Jesus any different from every other religious leader who ever lived? I don't think it really matters what you believe about God, because I think all roads eventually lead to the same place anyway.
-- K.I.
DEAR K.I.: If Jesus were only another religious leader or philosopher, then I'd be inclined to agree with you, at least in part, because one person's ideas would be just as good (or bad) as the next person's ideas. How would we know?
But Jesus wasn't just another religious leader or philosopher. The reason, the Bible says, is because He was God in human form. In other words, when Jesus was born, God Himself was taking on human flesh and becoming a man. Think of it: when Jesus walked on this earth, God was living among us. This is what we'll be celebrating again this year at Christmas -- and we should celebrate it every day of our lives. As the Bible says, "The Son is the image of the invisible God. ... For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him" (Colossians 1:15, 19).
But is this true? Yes, it is, and that makes all the difference. By His virgin birth ... by His miracles ... by His purity and love ... and by His teaching, Jesus demonstrated His divine nature. But He proved it most of all by His resurrection from the dead. This is why He alone could say, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30).
I urge you to look with an open mind and heart at Jesus Christ as He is found in the Gospels of the New Testament. When you do, you'll not only discover who He is, but that He loves you and wants to come live within you by His Holy Spirit. Don't let anything keep you from Him.
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 on 10/18/2016