Around 3 in 10 Americans (31%) rightly say Jesus came to give life in abundance (“I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance,” John 10:10 CSB) and testify to truth (“I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth,” John 18:37 CSB).
Far fewer (9%) believe the Bible records Jesus saying He came to bring division rather than peace, despite Him making that claim in Luke 12:51. Altogether, only 3% of Americans recognized all four options in the list that match biblical quotes from Jesus.
Fewer than 1 in 10 Americans falsely identified other reasons for Jesus’ coming to earth: 9% believe Jesus said He came to be served (contradicted by Mark 10:45), 8% think He said He wanted to abolish the Old Testament law and prophets (contradicted by Matthew 5:17), and 8% say Jesus came to condemn sinners (contradicted by John 3:17).
“Despite widespread belief that Jesus really came to earth as a baby, there is far less familiarity with why Jesus said He came,” said McConnell. “However, the majority of Americans believe Jesus came to give His life for many, which is reflected in the angel’s words to Joseph in Matthew 1:21, ‘She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’”
This article originally appeared here.
