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Only two religions
Posted : 17 Sep, 2012 01:05 PM
There are fundamentally only two religions in the world. The one manifests itself in many forms and under numerous names, some even purporting to be Christian. It is the religion of self-effort, and by far the one to which most people subscribe. It teaches that man may win the approval of God by assorted 'good works,' be they ceremonies, sacrifices or good deeds. Usually the adherent never knows when he or she has performed sufficient works to merit God's eternal favor. It is an endless effort without knowledge or assurance, let alone peace or fulfillment.
The other religion is true, Biblical Christianity. Unlike any other religion of the world, its basic tenet is a resurrected, living Saviour who has already paid the penalty for the sins of mankind and satisfied the justice of God. True Biblical Christianity provides the knowledge and peace of present salvation. It provides proofs for the assurance of eternal life. True Christians also find fulfillment and meaning in this present life!
What Christ accomplished
The true Christ of the Bible lived the God pleasing life we do not and cannot live because of our sinful natures. He then satisfied the death penalty for sin (Romans 6:23) by offering His perfect life on the cross in our place. The one verse summation of this is:
II Corinthians 5:21
For he (God the Father) hath made him (Jesus Christ, God the Son) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
This may also be found in the oft quoted but much ignored verse:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Is everyone therefore a child of God?
Since Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for the sins of all mankind, the next logical question would be, "Then is all mankind saved?" Turning to the Bible for the answer we find:
Matthew 7:13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Only "few" find this road and gate, not because it is obscure or hidden, but because only a few really care to seek it.
What is the narrow way?
To identify the narrow way, we must seek the answer in the word of God.
John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
John 1:12-13
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood (as by human descent in a certain blood line), nor of the will of the flesh (as by human effort), nor of the will of man (as by the decree of a priest), but of God.
How may a person become a child of God?
We are dependent upon the word of God to enlighten us as to how a person may partake of the benefit of Christ's redemptive work.
Romans 10:9-10
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation...Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
John 6:29
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Acts 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Spoiled by lies and exaggerations
Unfortunately we live in an age of advertising hype. We have become skeptical toward anything we see, hear or read. Our immediate tendency is to not take things at face value. However, we must take God "who cannot lie" (Titus 1:2) at His word! only by believing on the finished work of Jesus Christ in our place may we become a child of God and a possessor of eternal life! Obviously this belief is not a mere head knowledge. It is a sincere heart felt surrender and trust in Christ as we recognize our lost condition.
What is our condition without Christ?
Again, the philosophies of our present society have spoiled us. We think we are just as good or better than the next guy, and that may be so. However, when it comes to the things of God, the comparison is not with other mortals, but with God.
II Corinthians 10:12
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
You may not appreciate these next verses. They are, however, the estimation of the hearts of men as given by the only One able to read the thoughts and intents of every human being, including you and me!
Romans 3:9-18
What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Bibletruths.org
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