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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I’m a softy when it comes to “feel-good books.” I love imagining a world filled with people who are always positive, always kind and never deceitful. Some of my friends tell me I’m living in a fairytale world. But isn’t this what God expects of us – to be kind, giving and loving? Isn’t this what the Bible teaches? – D.N.

A: Many parents have probably warned their children not to believe everything they read in a book or on the internet. Their advice is sound; just because something is in print doesn’t necessarily make it true.

But why, then, should you believe the Bible? Why trust what it says? One reason is because it tells about real people and real events. It doesn’t consist of stories someone made up (unlike many other ancient books); they have the ring of truth about them because they actually happened.

Another reason we can trust the Bible is because it was written by people who actually witnessed what happened and wrote it down so future generations would have an accurate record of events, including the rebellion of mankind. Nothing in the Bible is sugarcoated. All of this was done under the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit, exposing sin and promising a Savior.

As Peter wrote (who was himself an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry), “We did not follow cleverly invented stories … but we were eyewitnesses” (2 Peter 1:16, NIV).

Most of all, however, we can trust the Bible because it points us to the most important event in human history: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through the written Word we discover the Living Word – Jesus Christ. “All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal” (Psalm 119:160, NIV). Remember, Jesus Christ is “the Word.”

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

©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.