Are All Religions The Same?
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
John 14:6 (NIV)
“Aren’t all religions basically the same?” is a question often asked just to rationalize unbelief. The short answer is no, all religions are not the same. There are as many differences as there are religions. The one commonality among them perhaps would be that religion is man’s attempt to seek God whereas Christianity is God’s attempt at seeking man. Though Christianity may be classified by historians and theologians as a religion, in its essence it is more about a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, than rituals, rules, and regulations.
Religion puts the emphasis on man and what he must do. Christianity puts it on God and what He has done. It begins with God. God takes the initiative to “seek and to save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 (NLT) It’s the story of redemption where God provides the means for man to be reconciled to Him.
The greatest contrast between religion and Christianity is when Jesus walked this earth and was put to death by religious leaders, when even the politicians objected. Pilot said he found no fault in Jesus deserving death yet yielded to the demands of a religious mob.
No religion can provide for our basic need of forgiveness. Only Christ, who died, was buried, and rose again, can offer us forgiveness and a new life in Him. Never substitute religion for the personal relationship you may have with God through Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus makes this bold claim personally when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 (NIV)
Notice the definite article in that verse – the way, the truth and the life….” He didn’t say He was a way to God as if there were many other roads that all led to the same destination. To emphasize the point even more, He adds, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Those who followed Christ made a similar claim just days following His death and resurrection. When challenged about his faith, Peter boldly proclaimed, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Don’t use the excuse that all religions are basically the same to justify your unbelief. Examine the facts. Christianity is the only religion that invites you to ask questions! Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)
Even in the Old Testament, God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah and invited us to seek Him. I love the way The Message puts this passage in Jeremiah 29:13-14, "When you come looking for Me, you'll find Me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed. GOD's Decree.”
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.