From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Religion is man-made. In order to compete with God for the domination of the world, Satan, whom Christ called “the prince of this world,” was forced to go into the “religion” business. True Christianity is not a religion. True believers are those whose sins have been forgiven by God’s saving grace and enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is what distinguishes a Christian from religion followers. Not only does the Christian faith carry the truth of redemption by the death of our Savior for our sins on the cross, but it carries the fact that Christ rose again.

Additionally, God is the one who defines sin and He has declared that sin is wrapped up in denying Him and disobeying His word. The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). From the time Adam and Eve sinned against God in the Garden of Eden, sin has permeated human nature. Why? Because though God blessed them with everything, they disobeyed His word and chose to believe the devil. And mankind continues to perpetuate this rebellion against the God of love. Sin pierced the very heart of God when the first created beings rejected Him.

As much as we hate to admit it, we are sinners by birth. We are sinners by choice. And we are sinners by practice. Sin is so serious that it sent Jesus Christ to the cross. God can break the chain of every sin that binds those who repent and willingly turn their lives over to Christ and make Him Lord. Do it today.

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

Ask Christ into your heart.