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Bieber the Believer

Written By Leslie Koh, Singapore

You must know Bieber, the Canadian songwriter and singer.

Bieber, the pop star who is as well known for his controversial behavior as he is for his hits.

Bieber, the teen idol who probably has as many detractors as he has fans. (For the uninitiated, that’s “Beliebers” of the “Beebs”.)

But do you know Bieber, the believer?

Yes, you read that right. Justin Bieber is a Christian. The latest issue of Complex magazine quotes Bieber talking about his faith in God, his love for Jesus, and his keenness to share the gospel. “I, personally, love Jesus and that was my salvation,” he tells the interviewer. “I want to share what I’m going through and what I’m feeling . . . ”

Un-Beliebers, you’re probably looking really skeptical now. Bieber? You ask. The same guy who has had several run-ins with the authorities over reckless and drink driving, vandalism, and anger issues? (And let’s not even start on his music.)

Oh, yes. Whatever you may say or think about Bieber, he’s been fairly consistent about his Christian faith. As far back as 2010, he had spoken about his belief in God, saying that he prays and reads the Bible regularly. In the latest interview with Complex, he talks a little more about his belief and what it means to be a Christian.

Perhaps the hard part is for un-Beliebers to believe that Bieber is really a believer (sorry, couldn’t resist that). Some may wonder whether he is being a good role model for his millions of fans. After all, you might argue, the Beebs’ behavior and lifestyle might come across as somewhat controversial, at least to some.

Fair enough.

But here’s something to consider. We were all sinners deserving of God’s wrath, but through His grace and mercy, we were forgiven, redeemed by Christ into His kingdom, and given the hope of salvation. We are, however, still far from perfect now. Indeed, we are all works-in-progress—undergoing God’s process of sanctification, which will take up our entire lives. Whether we’re a pop star or a normal person, God is working in us to make us more like Christ, day by day.

In the meantime, our old selves—the human nature that wants to sin—is at conflict with the Holy Spirit, who is working within us to transform us into Jesus’ likeness. As Paul has lamented, this means we sometimes do the things we know we shouldn’t, and don’t do the things we know we should (Romans 7:14–25).

“If we can understand that we’re all imperfect, let’s come to God and come for his help.” You know who said that? Yes, Bieber. He’s kind of spot on, isn’t he? In a way, we’re all on the same journey of faith and sanctification.

Here’s another thought. God desires that all men come to Him and be saved. That includes you, your friends . . . and pop stars. So perhaps we should learn to see the world from God’s eyes, and see people with God’s heart. Let’s rejoice when we hear of people turning to God, and pray that they may truly continue to seek to grow in their faith and see their lives transformed.

Whether you’re a Belieber or not, let’s cultivate the heart of a true Believer.

Photo credit: NRK P3 / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

7 replies
  1. Christopher Tan
    Christopher Tan says:

    Thank you Les for this article. It seems the “Prodigal son” has returned home to His Father. Who among us could say, we have never behaved like the “prodigal son”. God who loves us, continues to love us inspite of our waywardness.

    Reply
  2. Larry meyer
    Larry meyer says:

    Well, I have heard that biebers a Christian and that there’s many other rock stars that have professed faith including the drummer for the metal band, Iron Maiden. He’s not shy to anyone in expressing his walk with the Lord. I think these guys are the real deal. Reaching out to those in a non Christian world is frankly what it’s all about.

    Reply
  3. Gabrielle
    Gabrielle says:

    I was somehow distracted and kind of doubting if Justin B. really is a Believer (the tattoos, drinking, etc) but then I realized God doesn’t care about our outward appearances. He cares about what’s inside. Moved by this article, a great thanks to the author of thihs article. God bless you 🙂

    Reply
  4. jennifer salas
    jennifer salas says:

    i totally know and understand wat Justine Bieber is coming from. he longs to serve the Lord too while he is living out there in the world. he have a very worldly life but he still feel the emptiness inside of him without God in in his life. it’s like, there are things that he cannot give up. for example drugs, sex, etc. i was a backslider for a long time that’s why i know where he is coming from but God put me to a point to give it all up to Him. He is my savior. Now i am serving the Lord again and back in track with Christianity. i know it is hard in the beggining but if you pray to God he will give you the desires of your heart. if you want to serve him and you are living a sinful life tell Him and He will help you. God have put me into a point of having no choice but to serve Him. if you pray, He will do it for you, if you really want to serve Him and if you feel really guilty of all your sins. there is nothing too hard for the Lord. there is nothing impossible for God. God can move mountains. trust me.
    l

    Reply
  5. Bryan
    Bryan says:

    As a fellow christian, I have to say this.
    He also said in his interview “I think that everybody should get their chance to share what they’re doing or where their journey is headed, whether they’re straight, gay or what they believe in. We’re in a place now in 2015 where people have gotta be open minded.” What is this ‘open minded’ supposed to mean? And also “you don’t need to go to church to be a Christian” I think these words should be put in consideration too.
    Even if he shot out Jesus’ name and do miracle, we can’t ‘trust’ him until we ‘taste’ his fruit.
    Thanks, God bless us.

    Reply

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