I know people who are considering whether putting their faith in the message of Jesus Christ is legitimate. I went through that same journey years ago. I had many doubts then but, to be honest, they often focused on the wrong issues. My uncertainty centered around people who brazenly wore the label of Christian but their actions showed little or nothing worthy of my commitment to their message. I had not done an intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually honest dive into the most important question.

Is Jesus who he said he is?

I wrote a book titled When Bad Christians Happen to Good People where I explored behaviors of people claiming to be followers that did not represent the message of Jesus. The proposed title of the book was “Don’t Reject Christ Because of Christians”.

I got caught up on that worthless detour. Because of the influence of a few followers of Jesus who gracefully and lovingly influenced me I made the decision to explore the validity of the Gospel. I realized that when I reach the end of my journey I cannot claim the failure of others as my excuse for a life of sin and selfishness. The danger is that part one is true. There are many disappointing and even despicable humans who claimed faith but failed. Ranting on others does not excuse my rejection of God’s salvation offer if it is true.

If the presence of the God is real there is another presence that needs consideration. A spiritual battle exists between God and Satan. The enemy would direct your focus toward those claiming and failing their faith as a very effective plan to deter you from examining the truth of the Gospel.

Each of us, according to Scripture, is offered the gift of forgiveness. Is that true? Again, this was the important question I decided to pursue.

Is Jesus Christ who he said he is?

Examine the claims of Jesus with an open heart and mind. Read the Gospel of John and ask for the Spirit of God to reveal truth to you.

I find it fascinating that Jesus answered the Apostle known as “Doubting Thomas” with this response.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (John 14:6, NLT)

The path to salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus was proclaimed throughout the Bible. Did Jesus conquer death? Did His death and resurrection pay for my sins? I examined the impact of Jesus on His culture. It was the message of Christ that gave value to women, children, the poor, and the ignored. That is often overlooked but it is remarkable how one teacher can change what had been an unchangeable world. And Jesus introduced a trait that was unheard of as a positive in that culture.

Humility.

Jesus also taught that some would claim to be His followers who were not in any way known to Him. Those counterfeiters get lumped in with true followers and cause strife.

Please, please don’t focus on Christians who fail. Focus on Christ. Did he succeed?

Following Jesus changed everything in my journey. I would not be a good and loving family member or friend if I did not share that with you. I know my heart. I know the crossroads I came to in different seasons of my life and how God gracefully and lovingly rescued me over and over. This is where my journey has come after focusing on the message of Jesus and not on the failing of people.

Is Jesus who he said he is? That is the question we all must address.

With all of my heart I say yes.