Faith is the key to believing in Christ, the empty tomb

FROM THE WRITINGS OF THE REV. BILLY GRAHAM TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY

Q: I took my family to the Museum of the Bible for Christmas. It was fascinating to see the artifacts and hear claims that Jesus indeed is a true historical figure. What more proof is needed? — H.F.

A: There are many among us today who acknowledge Jesus as a historical figure, many even claim to follow him but their lives are not transformed. Possessing salvation in Christ by faith alone is what proves beyond a shadow of doubt that he is the Redeemer of souls. “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6).

Someone wrote: Buddha never claimed to be God. Moses never claimed to be Jehovah. Muhammad never claimed to be Allah. Yet Jesus claimed to be the living God. Buddha said, “I am a teacher in search of the truth.” Jesus said, “I am the Truth.” Confucius said, “I never claimed to be holy.” Jesus said, “Who convicts me of sin?” Muhammad said, “Unless God throws his cloak over me, I have no hope.” Jesus said, “Unless you believe in me, you will die in your sins.” While it is captivating to read what others say about Jesus, faith is still the key to believing in Christ.

Years ago in a monastery in India, old relics had been dug up and were worshiped by Buddhists in the area. Muslims point with pride to Mecca, where the body of their prophet, Muhammad, is buried. Followers of Confucius revere the remains of their master, who is buried in an imposing tomb in China. We don’t need a religion that worships the dead; we need the living savior. Christianity is the faith of the empty tomb. This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.