Does Jesus save nations or people?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Does Jesus save nations or people? I hear a lot from preachers and politicians that God cares more for particular political parties and denominations but I can’t find anything in the Bible about this. – G.S.
A: When we come to Christ we come as individuals. We alone repent of our sins; we alone believe Christ’s death on the cross will save us; we alone decide to become His followers through surrendering our wills to God’s. It is Christ alone who saves the soul.
But once we come to Christ, we are no longer just individuals. We are now members of His family – what the Bible calls “the church, his body” (Ephesians 5:23, ESV). We are now part of that vast group of people throughout the ages who have trusted Christ who become brothers and sisters in Christ. Although we’ll never meet most of them this side of eternity, we’re still united spiritually with them. This transcends any local church or denomination; it includes all who truly belong to Christ.
Christian fellowship is one of God’s greatest gifts to us. We share in this as we draw closer to Jesus. No nation – no local church is perfect, of course – but the Lord does set us in nations and in churches and we should do what the Bible says – encourage one another – and “edify one another [build each other up]” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NKJV). When we are a comfort and encouragement to others, we are sometimes surprised at how it comes back to us many times over. But even more important is building our relationship to Jesus Christ. When we pray and read the Bible daily, we discover fellowship with God and a growing desire and hunger to know His 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)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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