My Answer

on Sep 2, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I’m considering becoming a Christian but am troubled by a verse in the Bible where Jesus says that we can do nothing without Him. I’ve accomplished a lot of things in my life on my own, but the older I get, I worry that I don’t know for sure what will happen when I die. Am I misunderstanding the meaning of this statement? – A.S.

A: Without the work that Jesus Christ did on the cross – dying for the sins of mankind – no one has hope of Heaven.

Everything good that mankind has ever accomplished has been because God gave people the knowledge, the ingenuity, the ability, and the strength to live life to the fullest. Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NKJV). Some ask, “Isn’t that statement prideful on the part of Jesus?” The answer is no.

Jesus is the source of all blessings to the human race, and He is to be lifted up and glorified, because He has overcome the world. And so will His people – someday; not by human might, but by the power and might of the Lord of Heaven and Earth.

Jesus holds the keys to life, death, and eternity. Reality tells us that death will come to us all someday. The Bible says so.

For those living in doubt of what the future holds, nothing is stronger than God’s love that overcomes all human limitations. In Ephesians 3, we’re told that it is God’s grace that supplies His “effective working power.” When a person humbles himself to the authority of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, repents of sin, and receives His forgiveness and salvation, he becomes a child of God. And the Bible tells us, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory … forever” (Ephesians 3:20–21, NKJV).

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