Given the recent events in our country and world, people seem to be asking this question much more. I believe at the heart of it, people are searching for meaning and realizing that the things of this world simply fall short.

Whether it's money, success, relationships, and a variety of other things we fill our lives with, I believe people are asking greater questions such as:

• Is God real?

• Is Jesus real?

• What on earth am I here for?

• What is the meaning of life?

But this man, Jesus... how do I know he's real? How do I know someone written about in a Bible over 2000 years ago is actually real? My goal with this blog isn't to convince you from the perspective of hardcore evidence such as archaeological discovery, science, or even the reality that the Bible isn't merely a collection of stories but of letters and eyewitness accounts of what happened. In the coming months I may expand and provide that type of evidence, but for now, it will be from the perspective of faith.

How I Came to Believe Jesus Is Real

The irony of death is that it makes you examine your own life. In recent weeks, America experienced tragedy that led to millions of people questioning their own faith, coming back to the faith after many years, and sincerely examining their lives. It was a great tragedy that is being used for good as many people are coming to Christ.

For me though, the questions started when my grandfather passed away in December of 2002. I had just turned 18 and was a few months out from graduating high school. This was the first death I'd ever experienced and the first "up close" funeral where I actually walked up to the casket.

At this point in my life, I had really no faith background. We were not churchgoing people, and Jesus was never a topic of conversation unless my dad got mad about something, using the name Jesus in colorful ways. For most of my life, weekends were either soccer or hockey tournaments, so church was maybe a place we visited during Christmas and Easter. As I grew into my high school years, the weekends certainly weren't for church but for recovering from the weekend's debauchery.

The Moment I Started Asking "Is Jesus Real?"

So how then did I come to believe Jesus is real? Well, I began asking... is Jesus real? I can remember clear as day looking over my grandfather's body, and it just not making sense that "this was it." I began having an internal conversation and debate that our lives simply couldn't be over, that there had to be more to keeping the body alive than the heart pumping oxygen through the body, the nervous system, and all of the other little details that keep us going. I couldn't make sense that once the lights were out, it was simply over. I began asking questions like:

• We end up looking like wax figures in this box? No way!

• Is this it? This can't be it?

• What kept him going beyond what we know?

• Where do we go after we die? Our bodies get buried in a box and that's it?

• Do we have a soul? What even is a soul?

This internal dialogue put me on the path to becoming curious about spiritual things, about creation in a much greater way. It's crazy how God can use anything, even tragedy and death, to spark much greater questions about life than the here and now.

I Asked Jesus If He's Real

Over the next days and weeks to follow, I began asking Jesus if he is real. I remember going through my car radio and stopping on a local Christian radio station WMUZ 103.5 and stopping to listen. Honestly, I thought the music was a little weird, but I did like it. For context, my music of choice was pretty diverse and included 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre, Metallica, 311, and even electronic dance music. Diverse yes, faith-based worship? Absolutely not!

But it piqued my curiosity. There was something peaceful about it. I remember intently listening to the lyrics and finding it brought a sense of calm when internally, I was dealing with a barrage of questions.

It started with simple one-word prayers like "hey." Literally one-word prayers. I remember laying in bed after the new year, a few months after my grandpa passed away, staring at the ceiling. So I asked God (or Jesus, I didn't really know what to ask or say), "Hey, if you are real, make yourself real to me." And guess what? He did.

I Asked Jesus If He's Real, and He Showed Up

Be careful what you pray for because God shows up right where you are because he loves you. He doesn't need you to pray lengthy prayers, be a great orator, biblical scholar, or anything "special." He just wants a willing heart and an honest prayer.

The Bible says that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13). I'm no theologian myself, but the word "everyone" seems pretty straightforward. The Bible also says that Jesus died so that "none should perish but everyone should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9), and in John 3:16, that "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for our sins so that we can live in eternity forever. What an incredible sacrifice!

How Jesus Became Real to Me

I'm giving you the cliff notes version of how I actually got to a church. The short story is, the girl who invited me is now my wife of over 16 years, and God wrote a beautiful love story (I'll save that for a different blog). But prior to praying these simple prayers, you couldn't pay me to attend church. No way! After being invited to a youth group to do some community service, the pastor eventually asked if he could pray for me. It was a bit awkward, but I felt something that at the time I could not put into words, and that is love. I felt unconditional love, like someone put a warm blanket over my back, and from that moment on, I believe I was cloaked in the love of God.

A few days later, on a workout rug in my parents' basement, I got down on my knees and cried out to the Lord, "Jesus, I want to know you and follow you. Forgive me for my sins and come into my heart. Forgive me for the way I've lived my life up to this point. I believe."

That moment sealed my eternal fate. That one decision to follow Jesus set my life up on a trajectory, not without suffering, but one with the Maker of heaven and earth on my side. So how do I know if Jesus is real? He made himself real to me.

Friend, you can pray that same prayer right now with a sincere heart, and the same thing will happen to you. Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, will come dwell in your heart and take up residence in your mortal body. It sounds crazy, but it's true. Every person was created with a longing in their heart for more. It's why we are always striving for accomplishment and meaning. The only way that longing can be fulfilled though is by putting your trust and hope in Jesus Christ.

This life will be filled with trials and tribulations, but when you build your life on the foundation which is Jesus Christ, your life will stand and not just stand, but stand for eternity: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock" (Matthew 7:24-25).

Is Jesus Real? Look Around

This blog has been a personal testimony of faith, and so far, I've held to that promise. There is overwhelming evidence (science, archaeology, written testimonies) that God is real. Unfortunately, we live in a world that just doesn't want to believe that we were created by intelligent design. We want to be in charge of our own destiny, and that's fine. Everything will be proven in the end.

So if you ask yourself "Is Jesus real?" then look around. Beyond the intricate details of our own bodies, from conception to birth to growing, there are incredible amounts of detail within and all around us. Look at the backside of a leaf and you will see an incredible amount of detail that looks eerily close to a nervous system and blood vessels. Who created that?

In the book of Job, after being afflicted for years with bad health, losing his wealth, learning of his family being killed, Job stood steadfast. "Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, 'This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt'?" (Job 38:8-11).

There is so much intricate detail in creation that I cannot personally wrap my head around the logic of a spontaneous set of time or circumstances that led to the galaxy, planets, earth, all living creatures, and humanity as happenstance. I'm an analytical guy and at times tend to be a bit of a skeptic, but there is no way.

Jesus Is Real: The Ultimate Truth

The moment overlooking my grandpa's casket was used by God to bring eternal life from death. It's not to say that I haven't questioned God, argued with God, and even had moments of what felt like faith crisis, but God was always there. He was always patient with me, giving space to work out the different thoughts in my mind and come back full circle to the truth, which is this: Jesus says "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

C.S. Lewis says in his book Mere Christianity that "Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord." It's a logical approach, and to really pick the first two seems illogical.

Jesus comforts his disciples in the book of John: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going" (John 14:1-4).

Those would be very insane words if in fact it was an insane man who said them.

How to Know If Jesus Is Real for Yourself

Since this isn't an exhaustive account to prove that Jesus is real, I'll summarize with this: Ask him for yourself. Ask him to make himself real to you and see what happens.

My life has been radically changed, and I have testimony after testimony of what God has done in me personally, in my marriage, the miracles with our children, miracles in our finances, and beyond. It's an incredible journey, and that's why it takes great faith.

So if you are asking in this moment of your life, "Is Jesus real?" The answer is yes, friend. You just have to have faith.

Accept Jesus Into Your Heart Today

If you would like to accept Jesus into your heart right now as Lord and Savior, just say:

"Heavenly Father, I know I am a sinner and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Please come into my heart and life, and be my Lord and Savior. Thank You for new life in Jesus' name. Amen."

The Bible says that "there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10).

This means all of heaven is throwing a big party for you, Jesus is cheering you on, and so am I.

God bless you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jesus

Is Jesus real or just a story?

Jesus is absolutely real. While this blog shares my personal faith journey, historical records beyond the Bible confirm Jesus existed as a real person. Roman historians like Tacitus and Jewish historian Josephus documented Jesus' life and crucifixion. But more importantly, millions of people throughout history, including myself, have experienced Jesus personally through prayer and faith. He's not just a historical figure but a living Savior who transforms lives today.

How can I know if Jesus is real for myself?

The most direct way to know if Jesus is real is to ask Him yourself. Start with a simple, honest prayer like "Jesus, if you're real, make yourself known to me." God responds to sincere hearts. You might experience His presence through peace, circumstances, other believers, or an unmistakable knowing in your spirit. Reading the Bible, particularly the Gospel of John, and connecting with a local church community can also help you discover Jesus personally.

What does it mean to accept Jesus into your heart?

Accepting Jesus into your heart means acknowledging that you need a Savior, believing that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, and inviting Him to be Lord of your life. It's a personal decision to surrender control and follow Jesus. When you pray to receive Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside you, transforming you from the inside out. It's not about being perfect but about starting a relationship with God through Jesus.

Why do people question if Jesus is real?

People question if Jesus is real for many reasons. Some lack exposure to faith or grew up without a church background, like I did. Others face intellectual doubts about ancient history or struggle with suffering and pain in the world. Sometimes life circumstances, like the death of a loved one, trigger deep questions about meaning and eternity. These questions are natural and actually can be the starting point of a genuine faith journey. God isn't afraid of our doubts.

What happens after you pray to accept Jesus?

After you pray to accept Jesus, you become a new creation spiritually. The Bible says all of heaven rejoices over one person who comes to faith. You receive forgiveness for your sins, eternal life, and the Holy Spirit living inside you. Practically, this is just the beginning of your journey. You'll want to find a Bible-believing church, start reading Scripture, connect with other believers, and learn to pray. Your life may not change overnight externally, but internally, transformation begins immediately.

Can I still doubt and be a Christian?

Absolutely. Faith isn't the absence of doubt but choosing to trust God despite questions. I've had moments of doubt, arguments with God, and even what felt like faith crises in my own journey. God is patient and big enough to handle your questions. Many biblical figures, including Thomas and John the Baptist, experienced doubt. What matters is bringing those doubts to God honestly rather than walking away. Doubt can actually deepen your faith when you wrestle through it with God.

Is believing in Jesus the only way to heaven?

Yes, according to Jesus' own words. He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). This might seem exclusive, but it's actually incredibly inclusive because it's available to everyone who believes, regardless of background, past mistakes, or social status. Jesus paid the price for everyone's sins through His death and resurrection, offering free salvation to anyone who accepts it by faith.

How do I start reading the Bible as a new believer?

Start with the Gospel of John in the New Testament. It's written specifically to help people believe in Jesus and understand who He is. After that, read through the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) to learn about Jesus' life and teachings. Then explore Acts to see how the early church grew, and read Paul's letters like Romans and Ephesians. Don't feel pressured to understand everything immediately. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding, and consider joining a Bible study group at a local church for guidance.