A few weeks before he died [Benjamin Franklin] responded to an inquiry by President Ezra Stiles of Yake concerning his religions faith. Said Franklin: "As to Jesus of Nazareth,...I have...some doubts as to his Divinity, tho' it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and think it needless to busy myself with it now, when I expect soon an opportunity of knowing the truth with less trouble. I see no harm, however, in its being believed, if that belief has the good consequence...of making his doctrines more respected and better observed." [Church History in Plain Language, Bruce L. Shelley, page 331]The thoughts behind this quote made by Benjamin Franklin are what most of us as Americans are so thankful for: religious freedom...the right of free speech...TOLERANCE. We are so blessed to live in a country where we have the right to doubt religions and seek for ourselves truth. What breaks my heart about Benjamin Franklin's quote though is the fact that because he was nearing the end of his life and would soon cross over from life here on earth to what comes next, he thought it "needless to busy [himself] with [the study of] it now."
Benjamin Franklin was a brilliant man. He was an author, politician, scientist, musician, inventor, and much more. There is no doubt that he made his mark on history. In the words of my big brother: "Yes, but." Yes, he was brilliant, but what is it worth if you come to the end of your life and you are not the least bit concerned about what comes next? Benjamin Franklin claimed to be a Christian, and I cannot judge his heart. But, one of the foundational beliefs of Christianity is the deity of Christ. It breaks my heart that there are people in the world today who might hold the same views as Benjamin Franklin. They might believe in God but not the deity of His Son, Jesus Christ.
In John 14:6, Jesus says "I am the way and the truth and the light. No one comes to the Father except through Me" If Christ were not fully God, He could not have made this claim. But, because He is fully God, He makes this claim. No one will ever come to God the Father unless they have first trusted in the God-Man, Jesus Christ, as their personal Savior.
My prayer and plea is this...if you have not made a personal decision to trust in the Lord Christ Jesus to save you from the penalty of your sins, please do it now! And if you are not ready...if you have doubts, figure out what is holding you back and straighten it out! Ask someone for help or do your own research. I would personally love to talk to you! It is the most important decision you will ever make.
I'm praying for you.
In His Faithful Grip,
Allie
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