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NASB | John 14:6 Jesus *said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. |
Bible Question: Most of us have heard someone say, "One religion is as good as another." Is this statement incompatible with what the Bible teaches? Non-Christian religions, Hinduism or Islam for example -- are they as "good" as Christianity? As valid? |
Bible Answer: Dear Hank, I have studied non-Christian religions a bit, and find that they rely upon a mystical relationship with god-gods and-or nature. Hinduism and Buddhism (and their many offspring) do not give any hope for today, only for a far-off 'someday.' Present-day Islam is far from their origins, the faith of Abraham. (I believe the Koran teaches great respect for the 'followers of the Book (the Bible),' which is not adhered to very much these days. As to the Jewish faith, this is more difficult. Thought the nation of Israel has strayed from the faith, I cannot find anywhere that specifically denies individual faith in God through the covenant to Abraham. It is easy to dogmatically deny salvation to all who do not call upon the name of Jesus. But then we make exception for children of believers. Again, how can WE, here, know when faith is applicable in, for instance, the mentally ill? At what point do we accept/deny deathbed 'confessions of Christ?' To answer your question, No, one religion is not as good as another. But how we measure the 'absolute' salvation in God the Father is, in my estimation, beyond our authority. I believe in Christ Jesus, and I will preach the Good News of His victory on the cross to all I know and meet. But to nullify His covenant to Abraham, and claim the ability to 'determine' salvation of others is not my burden. Love in Jesus' name, charis |