Is this real Christianity?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: It is disturbing to see so many people claiming Christ as their Savior and Lord while living godless lives and using God/s Word to support their own beliefs, while dismissing other portions of Scripture that may offend and convict. Is this real Christianity? – R.C.
A: Many people who call themselves Christians actually doubt the authority of the Scriptures, believing in a god of their own imagination, thinking they can rob Jesus Christ of His deity. There are prominent preachers who suggest large passages of God’s Word be eliminated (especially about sin). But Jesus came to show people their sin against Him. He came to take our place and pay the penalty of sin with His blood. What a Savior!
Scripture warns that multitudes will reject that message, and we see that happening today. There is a cost to being a Christian. The cost for many is too great because they must forsake the lure of sinfulness and self-satisfaction.
In this country, we are engaged in a debate on the separation of church and state. But there is a sense in which Christ cannot be separated from anything that pertains to life, for He “is all and in all” (Colossians 3:11, NKJV). True Christianity is having a personal relationship with God and obeying His word.
No pagan philosophy, no atheistic ideology, no deep sorrow can dislodge the joy of living as a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is big enough to cope with the gigantic social problems of the ages. Man does not, in himself, have the capacity to do this, but Christ provides all that we need to live in this sin-sick world with victory.
When someone repents of sin and receives Jesus as Savior, he or she receives newness of life – new direction, new strength, and a new dimension of living; and they will believe the whole Gospel.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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