A common topic of conversation-not only among the elites, but also among common church (and non-church) people-is how Christianity is just one of many ways to God. You have probably heard it just as I have: “You Christians are so close-minded. You think you are the only ones who are right. All roads lead to God.” In their minds, all religions are the same and none are better than another (unless, of course, you belong to said religion. Then you think you are the only one that is right). The common strain among all is they all have their good points and they all tell us how to get to God or some variation of that.
I beg to differ. While it is true there are many religions (obviously), it is not true that all roads lead to God. It is not my purpose in this devotion to tell why by listing every well-known religion and show why they aren’t. But I would like to sum it up with this: Each religion boils down to the creatures trying to get their god or gods to like them. Hence, the need for works. For alms. For treks to a city. For certain bodily disciplines. Each one is trying to reach up to their god and in the process gain his/her approval.
Christianity is different. Christianity teaches that we don’t have to try to reach up to God. We don’t have to work hard to get God to love us; He already does. We don’t have to work hard to get God to like us; He already does. In fact, God already showed us that! That is the meaning behind the Incarnation-God becoming flesh in the form of a baby. God has already reached down to us. He was fully human and fully divine, died on a cross to pay for our sins and rose again.
The best way for me to put it is the way I once hear it put: “Religion says, ‘Do’; Christianity says, ‘Done.'” Religion says this is what you must do; Christianity says this is what has been done. No matter what we hear from the crowd, there is still only one way to God and that is through Jesus Christ, His One and only Son. Faith in Him is the only requirement for salvation. John 14: 6 is still true: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” There is simply no other way to read that.
The other drastic difference between “true” Christianity and other religions… God wants to have a relationship with us. He wants us to know Him personally, affectionately, completely. Believing is just the first step. Building and maintaining that relationship will take a lifetime, but it is so worth it.
Good point Ryan. And what a HUGE difference that makes!
“Religion says ‘Do’; Christianity says, ‘Done.'”
I’d never heard this way of explaining our faith before, Bill, and it is profound! Thanks so much for this inspiration today.
Blessings!
You’re welcome Martha. I loved that when I first heard it and used it this past Sunday.
It is just amazing that the Creator of all things, wants us to have a relationship with Him. Not a casual relationship but a intimate life changing relationship. God made a way so that everyone could be saved and spend eternity with Him. To fully understand the love of God, is a constant learning process. As we pull closer to God, God invites us into a deeper relationship than we can imagine. It is mind blowing that every detail of our lives, is important to God. I want to pursue a love like that, and spend the rest of my life getting closer to God, because that gift is truly unmeasurable, and worth more than I could ever describe.
I, too, want to spend my life pursuing that as well Gail. It will take that and more to understand the love of God.
Love this, so true.
Thanks Dexter.