Expert: Phillip Senn - 4/20/2004

Question
I have a boyfriend of 2 years who considers himself to have faith, and he believes in God, but he doesn't know if he believes in Jesus. He doesn't understand why he should consider Jesus to be his son. I really love my boyfriend, but God is my number one priority, and I've told my boyfriend that if he can't accept Jesus, than there's really no future for us, and he's willing to learn, but of course, can't make any promises. How can I help him see that Jesus died for our sins, and that Jesus was God's son?

Answer
Before I address the question, I would admonish you to follow the Scriptural admonition, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers." I believe based upon what you have written, that you should be aware that goes beyond marriage, and would include dating as well, as dating is a preliminary to seeking a permanent relationship.

Now to address why you actually wrote. If your boyfriend believes in God, there must be a reason. If he believes the Scriptures to be the Word of God, then there is a basis for faith, not only in God, but also in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, "Ye believe in God, believe also in me." (John 14:1) He was actually telling His disciples about trusting in His Words...the things He was telling them. Scripture says that, "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. I believe that to mean, "coming to be convinced about the things of God happens when we trust God's Word to be true". It would be my earnest prayer that your boyfriend come to faith in Christ, but he needs more reason than to continue his relationship with you. He needs to see that his relationship with God has been severed ass a result of sin, and the only way for it to be restored is through trusting in Christ Jesus as his only means of having that relationship restored.

I hope this has answered your question. If not please utilize the question board again.

With Love in Christ,
Phillip Senn