It's an honest question. Some are asking it openly. Others wish for an opportunity to ask it. Still others have the question lurking deep inside. I've discovered from experience that all three groups are present whenever I speak. Also, I've learned from letters and personal conversations with readers of my books that you are a part of one of these groups.

There are those who are undecided, openly inquiring about the Christian faith. Then, there are those who are uncertain, Christians longing to be sure of their faith. And finally, there are those who are unfulfilled, growing Christians, desiring the full measure of the joy and peace Christ promised.

All three groups are asking this same honest question from different perspectives. It's a very legitimate question and our answer will be all-important.

The question is, simply, "Why be a Christian?"

Those of you in the first group of inquirers really want to know what difference being a Christian makes. Does it work? You in the second group of uncertain Christians are wondering whether it's worth it to try to keep on living the Christian life, struggling against the current of cultural values and the lure of self-satisfaction that dominates nine out of ten of the people around you. Is it worth it? And you in the third group are wondering if Christianity really has any power. You are not fulfilled by your Christian faith because you have not personally received the evidence of the abundant life you read about in the Bible, and which others talk about so glibly.

Beneath all these questions of all three groups -- Does Christianity work? Is it worth it to be a Christian? and, Where's the power? -- is the more fundamental question (yes, let's dare to ask it) "Why be a Christian at all?" Let's throw caution, propriety, and pretense aside and ask this question. Why not? It's on all of our minds!

A Powerful Answer To An Honest Question

The author of Hebrews gives us a powerful answer to our honest questions. It is in one of the most propitious and comforting of the Bible's "He is able" ascriptions about Christ. It is also the one that needs the most careful explanation. One thing all of us, in all the three groups I've mentioned, share is a unison groan over theological terminology. We want reality, not lifeless words. So I want to be as free of "preacher talk" as I can be in considering this exclamation about the enabling power of the Lord: "He is able to save to the uttermost." Remember that the words "He is able" mean that He, Christ, has all power.

Why be a Christian? Does it work? Is it worth it? Where is the power? Let's take a look at this stunning promise.

Christ Is Able To Save

We've all been pressed with the presumptuous question "Are you saved?" It's usually asked in a pious way, drenched with superiority, as if the questioner really knew all the many-splendored facets of a positive answer.

One Sunday, a new member of my congregation brought her parents to a Sunday morning service. While they sat in the sanctuary waiting for the service to begin, an usher, who was looking for places to seat people, noticed there were two empty seats in their pew.