Below is an excerpt from my Sunday school lesson a couple of weeks ago. The introduction and a portion of the commentary really resonated with me, so I wanted to share. What a great way to resurrect the ol’ blog.
-------------
In many nations of the world, religious pluralism is on the rise. That is certainly the case in North America. Consequently, public religious events are often required to have many faiths represented. To suggest that there is one God and that Christ alone is Savior is seen as narrow-minded and bigoted. Failure to be tolerant of opposing views will simply not be tolerated by those who demand tolerance.
As Bible-believing Christians, however, we must stand firm on the truths of God's Word. There is but one way to Heaven, and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6). This does not mean that we should be obnoxious or disrespectful toward people who believe otherwise, but we must not yield to the viewpoint that all religions are created equal.
Jesus Christ is the only way to God. He is the only source of eternal life. And, as if that were not exclusive enough, no person will ever come to God except by faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Salvation cannot be found in anyone else but Jesus Christ. No other name under the sky has ever been or will ever be revealed from God for human salvation from sin (Acts 4:12).
I could go on cataloging more of Christ’s exclusive claims from Scriptures, but I think these more than suffice to drive home the point that the gospel that we Christians are solemnly commissioned to proclaim to the world does not by any stretch of the imagination or any amount of rhetorical spin-doctoring fall into the modern category of politically correct! Therefore, let the image of Christ… inspire you to preach the gospel courageously!
Bible Expositor and Illuminator – Winter Quarter, December 2010, January, February 2011
The incorporated Trustees of the Gospel Worker Society, Union Gospel Press Division
3 comments:
This reminds me of something I'd wanted to ask you, dear believer. Have you read anything about astronomers' recent discovery of Gliese 581g? Read about it here http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2022489,00.html. Gliese 581g is a planet orbiting a star in our galaxy that falls into the "habitable zone." In other words, this planet shares the characteristics of Earth that make the existence of living organisms possible, such as a breathable atmosphere, temperatures that can sustain water, etc.
Of course, they haven't verified that there is water on Gliese 581g. Yet. We already know that other planets in our solar system have or had water, but don't fall within the habitable zone. So, no life.
Let's say, for argument's sake, that water exists on Gliese 581g. If there are bodies of water, and the conditions are right, there would almost certainly be organisms living in them.
In your mind, would that life be created by your God? What if there is intelligent life? Would you argue that your God created them, not whatever God they might subscribe to on Gliese 581g?
The insistence on only "one true god" seems a bit, well, self centered and condescending. Easy for me to say, of course, as a non-believer.
What do you think, Ryan?!
Cheers,
Josh
Have you ever heard of the phrase, "Who do you think you are, God or something?" Well, God is God, so it's okay for believers to be self-centered when it comes to him, because he’s God. To answer your question, if, and that's a big IF, there is life on other planets, yes the God I served created it, because he is sovereign, and He alone is the creator of the heavens and the Earth. I challenge you on this Raging Dad, while you're searching for evidence on something that may or may not exist on other planets, try channeling some of that energy on discovering God. You will learn that the evidence of his existence is all around you. Matter of fact, breath…. now say thank you Lord. :)
Ok cuz! I see you on the blog! Awesome entry! Can I ask one thing? Is it wrong to be 'ok' with others' religious beliefs-like not to press the fact that although Christianity is for me and my future family, maybe buddhism or muslim beliefs may work for someone else... and I can continue to be in prayer that others realize the REAL benefits (both in this world and after) of a Christian lifestyle...
How do we approach that? Have I fallen too comfortable with not being a better advocate for Christ on a regular basis? Since I don't like to argue religion, is that ok? Thoughts?
Post a Comment