Gospel Journey

What about: Other Religions

During the week, ask the question, "What about?" We'll be exploring the destinies of those who haven't placed their faith in Christ. Check out the devotional for today, then come back and look at the question:

What about: Other Religions

Many people have a sincere faith. They are trusting in something, but many are not trusting in Christ. Does God really care that people specifically trust Christ for their forgiveness of sins, or does He just want people to be religious? Check out Paul's encounter with very religious people. As you look at that passage, you'll notice a few things:

1. Paul was bothered by the view of idols. People worshipped gods, yet Paul was grieved that it wasn't directed to the True God.
2. Paul reasoned with Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. Though they were moral and believed in God, Paul found it necessary to share more with them.
3. Paul acknowledges that they worship an unknown god because of their ignorance.
4. Paul says that all of their temples they have built are in vain, for God does not reside in temples made for human hands.
5. God offers His salvation to all peoples.
6. Yet every man must repent and come through Christ alone (the One appointed to judge) for forgiveness.

Paul was passionate that people didn't just have faith. Paul knew it was critical for people to place their faith in Jesus. Some people think that having faith is the criteria. However, the Bible clearly states throughout it that the intensity of your faith is not what saves you, but the object of your faith.

You can believe you are a fire breathing dragon, but that doesn't make you one. (No matter how bad your breath may smell.) You can believe I am cool, but that doesn't make it so either. Paul did not leave people alone because they were sincere. Paul urged them to see they were sincerely believing a lie. We must turn people toward Christ for their salvation.

posted by danny2 @ 5:03 PM