Can we really believe in the Jesus of the Bible but not believe what the Bible says?

on Apr 17, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: A popular news anchor interviewed a rock star who said he follows Jesus but doesn’t believe Bible doctrine is reflective of God’s love. Isn’t that contradictory? Can we really believe in the Jesus of the Bible but not believe what the Bible says? – D.T.

A: Christ wants to help us in our great dilemma – the decision between eternal life with Him or eternal agony forever separated from Him. He has done what no other can do. Jesus died on the cross for us – and He rose again, just as the Bible declares.

God helps us in our repentance because we are incapable of doing it on our own. If we wait until we understand it all, no one would come to Him and receive His salvation. The Scripture says, “By wisdom, men cannot know God” (see 1 Corinthians 1:21). We must come by faith with our mind, our heart, and primarily our will – exchanging our will for His, which is perfectly righteous.

We do not experience true conversion if we don’t submit to Him and say, “I will follow Christ, I’ll serve Him, and by His power I will turn from my sin and receive Him by faith.” We may go to church, we may even teach a Bible class, but without surrendering to Jesus Christ and making Him Lord and Master, we will not know the true peace of God in our hearts.

Faith in Christ finds all of its doctrines in the Bible. Faith doesn’t deny any part of the Bible and doesn’t add anything to it. For centuries, the Bible has been the most available book on Earth. It has no hidden purpose, and it cannot be destroyed.

God’s Word teaches that faith will manifest itself in three ways. It will manifest itself in doctrine – in what we believe. It will manifest itself in worship – our communion with God. It will manifest itself in morality – in the way we live and behave.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)