Dear Rev. Graham: Why do we need Jesus? Isn’t it enough to believe in God? I don’t see where Jesus fits into the picture. — S.R.

Rev. Graham: Simply stated, we need Jesus because He is God’s solution to the human race’s greatest problem: our sin. This is why the Bible says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Let me explain this by asking you a question: What do you think it is that separates us from God? Is it a lack of knowledge, or conflicting ideas about God, or perhaps a feeling that He doesn’t care? No, the real issue is far deeper than these. Only one thing separates us from God, and that is our sin. God is holy and pure, and even one sin — just one — would be enough to banish us from His presence.

How, then, can we be cleansed of our sins? We can’t do it on our own; no matter how hard we try, we’ll never be good enough to come into God’s presence. And that’s why we need Christ. He is the only person who ever lived who never sinned — because He was God in human flesh. And He came into the world for one reason: To take upon Himself all our sins, and become the final and complete sacrifice for sin.

My prayer is that you will see yourself the way God sees you — as a sinner in desperate need of His forgiveness. But more than that, I pray you will see Jesus Christ, who gave His life for you and now offers you God’s forgiveness and hope. Why not put your life into His hands — beginning right now?

Shared with you by Rev. Billy Graham

(Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)