My Answer

on Oct 28, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I’m intrigued by the many celebrities who are now claiming that they follow Jesus, but there isn’t much about their lives that reveal a lifestyle change. Does God change his standard for the famous or does he see all people as the same? I was truly amazed to hear a clear testimony for being spiritual while the person was hardly clothed and bragging about their freedom in Christ. – F.J.

A: Professing faith in Christ isn’t the same as possessing Christ, who is the source of faith. “Whatever” has become a mantra for many, a trendy approach to a religion of belonging to self. Some identify as Christians but can’t explain it. Others call themselves religiously sympathetic. One woman tried out several Protestant denominations and finally settled on her own religion while still claiming to be a Christian. She said, “I support people who do good wherever they are.”

When the Gospel of Jesus Christ is watered down to a myth, it is no longer the Gospel of Christ, but another gospel. The world doesn’t object to this kind of religion. But the Bible says, “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight (Isaiah 5:21, NIV). Society may think itself clever in devising new ways to worship, but the Bible tells us that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NKJV).

Religion is being rebranded as spiritualism and encompasses whatever people want it to be. But true Christianity is distinguished from all the religions of the world by God sending His Son to redeem the human race from sin and empowering them to know and receive the truth of redemption for sin by Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection to life everlasting. He offers this to all who will repent and receive His gift to the whole world. Christians distinguish themselves by being followers of Jesus Christ and obeying Him.

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