In a stirring address at McCormick Place in Chicago, Billy Graham confronted the crowd with a question as old as the Gospels but as urgent as this moment: Who is Jesus Christ? He declared it was an hour of decision—a spiritual fork in the road from which no one could return unchanged. His words remain urgent today.
7 Unforgettable Truths the Billy Graham 1971 Message in Chicago
1. Jesus Is the Ultimate Sign
In a generation that seeks signs, Jesus declares, “I am the sign.” Referencing Luke 11, Graham reminds us that Jesus is greater than Jonah and wiser than Solomon. His life, death, and resurrection are heaven’s unmistakable signal to the world: God has come near.
2. You Cannot Escape Jesus
From Broadway to the big screen, from rock operas to art in the Kremlin, Jesus remains an inescapable figure. “Our generation is hung up on Jesus,” Graham said. We may try to ignore or redefine Him, but He continues to stand at the center of human history—and at the door of every heart.
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3. Jesus Is More Than a Man
Though fully human—tired, hungry, compassionate—Jesus was sinless. More than that, He claimed eternal existence and divine identity. “Before Abraham was, I AM,” He declared, aligning Himself with the very name of God. No other figure in history made such a claim with such authority and love.
4. His Death Was the Greatest Act of Love
Jesus didn’t die as a helpless victim. He chose the cross. “To this end was I born,” Graham quoted. He could have called legions of angels, but He stayed—for you. Beaten, mocked, crucified—yet He prayed, “Father, forgive them.” His suffering wasn’t just pain—it was payment.
