We live in a world where there are lots of various religions and belief systems. Even though there are similarities among all of these, there certainly are differences. I am asked quite often if it is possible to sort through all these differences, without getting confused, and focus in on the clear distinctions. Is it possible? I think it is, but it takes a humble heart and a desire to accept what the Bible teaches no matter what we might think.
Most religions of the world have various beliefs about God, sin, right and wrong, salvation, and heaven and hell. One belief that is almost universal among religions is that if you live a “good” life and your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds, you will go to heaven. Whether it is going to church, synagogue, or mosque or doing charitable things for people, there is a pervasive belief that these somehow help to make God look favorably on us when judging our ultimate destiny. This is where Biblical Christianity is uniquely distinct. We know that God is too holy and pure to look on or have sin in his presence (Habakkuk 1:13). Beginning in the book of Exodus, God demanded unblemished (or perfect) sacrifices to be made as a substitute for His people’s sins (Exodus 12:5). These were given as atonement for the forgivenss of the sin that brought separation between God and His people (Leviticus 17:11; Isaiah 59:2). Jesus came teaching that God still demanded perfection just as He Himself is perfect (Matthew 5:48).
You might be wondering, “If it requires perfection to get to heaven, then no
one deserves to go to heaven.” This is the exact message of the Bible. No one
is perfect; all have done things wrong and have offended a holy God (Isaiah
53:6; Psalm 14:1-3). Even those things we might think are good are considered
filthy in God’s eyes (Isaiah 64:6). These are the
things that separate us from Him (Isaiah 59:2) and should make us realize that
we need a savior. Are you trusting in your own works
to get into heaven? To trust that your own good deeds will earn God’s favor or
mercy is unacceptable in Biblical teaching.
Jesus lived a perfect life (Hebrews 4:15) and was sent to earth because of
God’s love to die on a cross as our substitute (Isaiah 53:4-5). So how can we
gain perfection? It is Jesus’ perfection as our substitute that we need. When
we put our trust in what God has done for us through Jesus on the cross, God
credits perfection to our spiritual bank account (Hebrews 10:14). The
God of the Bible will accept no other way to get to Him, except through Jesus
(Acts 4:12). I realize that this is a tough saying, but Jesus was very clear.
Anyone that does not go through Him will never get to the Father or heaven
(John 14:6). So… what makes Biblical Christianity distinct? It teaches that no
one will ever get to heaven by any good deeds, but instead only through
trusting in what Jesus did on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). Will you start today
by not trusting in your own good deeds, but trusting in Jesus’ work? You will
be blessed with eternal life if you do (Psalm 2:12; John 6:47). I hope this has
helped to show the unique belief of Biblical Christianity. Have a blessed week!
By Mondo Gonzales. Published in the New Lenox Patriot Newspaper, June 28, 2007, Sec. A-6. If you would like to see all of the archived articles go to: www.ccc-nl.org under recent messages.