Writer Maxine Harrison explores how Justin Bieber is using his platform to publicly wrestle with faith.
Singer Justin Bieber has been increasingly open about his relationship with God in recent years. With previous connections to former Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz to even singing songs with gospel artist Chandler Moore, the 31-year-old is clearly on a Jesus journey that he wants the world to know about. One of his latest Instagram posts posted during the Christmas season is particularly timely as it focuses on redemption, hope and facing forward.
On his Instagram account @lilbieber, a carousel post of notes shared his honest experiences with the music industry but the hopeful perspective he has on it for his future.
The series of quotes include: “I don’t want to burn the music industry down. I want to see it made new - safer, more honest, more human.” He coupled this with the Bible verse “Luke 23:34” which reads: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”.
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Another quote from the post reads: “Because I am healed, I can forgive. Not to pretend injustice didn’t happen, but so it doesn’t keep living in me”. He paired this with the scripture Romans 12:21 which reads: “Do not overcome evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Seemingly, Bieber’s pursuit of the Christian faith publicly began in 2014 when he was baptised by Carl Lentz. Though his public journey hasn’t been straight, like anyone, over a period of time he seems to be using his platform to document his journey and tell others about the work God is doing in him.
In todays cancel culture, Bieber’s message comes at a particularly timely moment, especially with many of his audience being Gen Z/ Millennials. It highlights that regardless of someone’s past, Jesus offers hope for redemption and therefore we cannot have eternal despair as Christians.
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The dark side of the music industry has been exposed in 2025 particularly with P. Diddy’s conviction. He was a mentor figure to Justin Bieber at one point early in his career through his relationship with Usher. Bieber’s representative released a statement via his sharing that while he is aware of the allegations against Diddy, he was not among the record producer’s victims, emphasising the validity of victims’ experience.
Bieber has previously spoken about how the music industry has shaped his identity, as he became a success as a teenager. He said the music industry: “didn’t always protect my soul”. His recent Instagram posts will have fans wondering what plans he has to help change the music industry. The post was met with welcoming arms as comments ranged from; “so proud of you for wanting to rebuild an industry that’s been broken and let you and countless others down many times. It’s time for change” to “Love you so much. You’re amazing and inspirational. Speak your truth, it’s helping so many others”.
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In the “Baby” singer’s Instagram post, he touches directly on his identity in Christ, stating: “Jesus didn’t just help me cope - he restored my identity. I’m not a product. I’m not what the industry demanded. I’m a son.” This scripture was paired with 2 Corinthians 5:17 which speaks about becoming a new creation in Christ. As we grab hold of 2026, Justin Bieber’s message is one to cling onto. No matter how 2025 went for you, 2026 is a new season and opportunity to allow God to do a new thing. As Isaiah 43:19: says: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
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