One Reason Why You Can Trust in Jesus

Published: April 16, 2026

cross, Jesus, faith — Photo by James on Unsplash

By Mallory Mattingly

Atlanta Falcons running back Nathan Carter says the historicity of Jesus should encourage our faith in Him.

“The reason an atheist cannot find God is the same reason a criminal cannot find the police,” shared in a post on social media. “It’s because they are running away. It is hard to find something or someone when you are running away from the evidence that points you to their existence.”

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Carter explained that throughout school, students learn about different historical figures like Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great.

“We believe that these people existed, that they had influence, that they somehow changed the world,” the running back continued. “And yet, there is very little historical evidence about who they actually were and how they lived their lives. And all of the writings that we do have were either written by themselves or written hundreds of years after they died.”

It’s different with Jesus, though.

“Jesus of Nazareth is far more thoroughly documented in historical records than many figures typically studied in school,” Carter emphasized. “Jesus of Nazareth is, to this day, the most historically documented person ever to step foot on the planet. This is coming from very reliable and credible Christian and non-Christian sources.”

“The life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus are proven to be reliable and factual. It’s not a folk tale or a good Easter story. It actually happened!” he added. “Over 25,000 manuscripts prove that Jesus of Nazareth is a real person. His life was documented not only by his followers in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) but also by external historical sources that confirm Jesus’ life and impact.”

Carter then shared two quotes, one from Cornelius Tacitus, a Roman orator and public official, and Josephus, a “Jewish priest, scholar and historian who wrote valuable works on the Jewish revolt of 66–70 and on earlier Jewish history,” according to Britannica.

“He was called Christ, he was executed at the order of Pontius Pilate, and this was during the reign of Tiberius,” Tacitus said.

Josephus wrote: “About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he wrought surprising feats and was a teacher of those who gladly accept the truth. He won over many Jews and Greeks. He was the Messiah.”

“It would be foolish not to put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ; He is the most credible and reliable person who ever lived. Putting your faith in Him is the wisest thing that you could do,” Carter concluded his message.

Carter’s message ultimately points to a decision each person must make — whether to dismiss the evidence or lean into it. For the athlete, the overwhelming historical record surrounding Jesus is not just information but an invitation to faith.

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