What about other Religions?

We must first say that there are things that are true and good in other Religions. We are not saying that all religions are as true as each other or that all religions lead to God. Some religions do not believe in God at all. There have been attempts by some liberal-minded people to synthesize all religions by emphasizing their similarities and minimizing their differences.  The assertion is then made that all religions are basically the same. This approach has not been found acceptable by many of those who seriously practice their religion. What results is something other than what they believe. 

Christianity has some important features that are not found in other religions. They are to do with Jesus Christ, who He is and what He has done.

Jesus Christ claimed equality with God and is worshipped by Christians as a Divine Saviour. He is the Son of God who has conquered death and saved His people from the consequences of their wrong doing. He was raised from the dead, is alive today and has promised to return.

Christianity shares with Judaism the possibility of having a relationship with God. Jesus taught that trusting in Him and what He has done for us, brings a believer into a personal relationship with God. God becomes the believer's Heavenly Father.

In Christianity, forgiveness and everlasting life are not given by God to us for being good, they cannot be earned that way. This sets Christianity apart from other religions. To obtain salvation or heaven or fellowship with God is not a matter of our performance, good works or religious activity. This is because every one alive today falls short of the standards God requires for us to have fellowship with Him. However God has taken the initiative and made a way for us to approach Him and that is through faith in His Son. Jesus lived the perfect life that we failed to live and so was able to pay the price or take the rap for our rebellion. Good works are important but are not the basis  for our acceptance by God.

The Christian hope is real hope because it does not depend on what we have done for God or for others, but rather on what God has done for us through the death of Christ on the cross.

Books: But don't all religions lead to God. Michael Green.

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