Have you ever heard someone say, “Aren’t all religions basically the same?”

Our culture, today, trumpets inclusivity. We don’t like it when people are left out of something, even if it’s because of their own choices. In many situations, inclusivity is a good thing, but what about religions or, more to the point, what about God and salvation?

Works vs Faith
Despite the claim that all religions are basically the same there is one, Christianity, which stands apart. How? If you categorize all religions under the headings, “Teaches how you earn your way into heaven” or “Teaches you can’t earn your way into heaven,” Christianity is the only religion that says you can’t do it and that’s not what it’s all about.

The Bible teaches us that we are saved by faith not works. You can do all the good or religious works you want. If you don’t have faith, you’ve missed it. Have you done horrible things? Through faith in Jesus you are forgiven and made righteous…you are saved.

The Instructions Test
It reminds me of the old test teachers give from time to time when they find their students aren’t reading the instructions on assignments. The test looks like a normal test with one exception. At the top of the test, in the opening instructions, it tells the student to read all instructions before starting the test. Then, at the very end of the test, there is an instruction to put your name on the paper and turn it in without answering any of the test questions and leave the room.

Whenever I’ve seen this test administered, there are a few who follow the instructions. Within a few minutes, they are getting up, turning in their tests and leaving the room with the rest of the students looking perplexed at the speed these students completed the test. The rest of the students spend the class period struggling through the test. Some realize at the end that they messed up. Some never figure it out.

It doesn’t matter how many questions the students who answered all the questions get right. They failed the test because it wasn’t about answering the questions. It doesn’t matter that the other students didn’t answer any questions, they passed because they followed the instructions.

Jesus is the Way
The Bible tells us that anyone and everyone can be saved, but it also says we only get to the Father (into Heaven) through Jesus. If we believe in Him we shall be saved.

This is a great comfort for those who believe. We can rest from thinking we have to earn our salvation. It’s also, however, a sobering thought as we see many who do not believe. Let us pray for them and share the Good News of salvation with them that they may also join in Christ’s rest.

Dear Jesus,

You are the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through You. Help me to trust in Your works, not my own. Be with those who do not, yet, know you. May Your Gospel be shared with them that they might believe and be saved.

Amen.