Over the past few weeks, we've been talking about lies that Christians believe regarding sin. This week, we're going to take a turn and discuss a huge lie that is hurting too many people. It has to do with the remedy for sin.
Let's start with the lie:
One of the most popular lies in today's world (and sadly, the church) is that all roads lead to Heaven. A person can experience salvation and reconciliation with God through any form of religion or philosophy that they choose.
They say, "If you believe in Buddhism and follow its principles, God will honor that, and you will spend eternity in Heaven with Him."
They believe, "If you choose to practice Hinduism or Muslim or Judaism, it doesn't matter. All religions are the same."
They feel that the important thing is that you do what feels right to you and are a good person who treats other people well. Because of His love, God is accepting and will just be glad that you tried your best.
This is absolutely, 100% NOT TRUE.
The Bible is very clear: Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (John 3:35-36)
In Acts 4:8-12 Peter says,
"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 'Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well.
This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.'"
There are many other Scriptures that make it clear that the only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ.
Why is this true?
How was Jesus any different than any other religious teacher or leader?
Because Jesus was not just another man, He was the sinless Son of God Who came to the earth to live a sinless life and die on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all of mankind.
Jesus is not like any other man because He is the One True God. He sacrificially came to earth so that He could pay the penalty for our sins. It's essential to remember that even when He had a human body, as He walked and talked and ate like a normal man, He was always 100% divine.
Still, He was the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
The fact is that Jesus was not just a teacher like Mohammad or Gandhi. No, he is the literal Son of God.
Because God wanted to create a way to heal the relationship that sin had broken between God and man, He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, NLT)
It is only through believing that Jesus is the Son of God, asking God to forgive us of our sins because of Christ's death on the cross, and accepting His salvation that man can be forgiven of their sin and have a relationship with God.
This is the only cure for humanity's sin problem.
It can't be solved through other religions.
We can't even fix ourselves with self-help or being good enough. Actually, the Bible says that no one can ever be good enough.
The only solution way we can be forgiven and set free from sin and death is through salvation through Jesus Christ.
Anything else is a lie.
Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry."
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