Many Paths to God

Welcome, friends, to another week. I have heard many people say, "There are many ways to God." Oprah Winfrey and Billy Graham are two of many notable people who have said there are many paths to God. In 1973, Dr. Graham spoke about Christ and the many ways to Christ. Likewise, others, such as T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen, and others also maintain there are many paths to salvation. We notice three facts: 1. Large parts of the world do not believe Christ's sacrifice on the cross is not enough for salvation. 2. Many believe there are several roads to Christ when the Bible says there is only one way to him. 3. Oprah Winfrey and others advertise their untruths to millions.

That said, over 65% of people polled said many religions lead to eternal life. Only 29% said their religion is true and leads to salvation. Likewise, 30% of people polled said a person's beliefs determine eternal life, while 29% answered a person's actions lead to eternal life. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2008/12/18/many-americans-say-other-faiths-can-lead-to-eternal-life/

Sadly, in today's culture, 48% of people believe salvation is something people earn by doing good works or being a good person. Thirty-five percent of those polled responded salvation is by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. https://www.arizonachristian.edu/2020/08/04/1-in-3-us-adults-embrace-salvation-through-jesus-more-believe-it-can-be-earned/

"Today many Jews, and actually many Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Hare Krishnas, and lots of other people, believe that God is not exclusive -- that there are many paths to God. This "enlightened" view seems to be the culmination of man's quest for tolerance and true brotherhood, after millennia of hatred, bigotry, pogroms, forced conversions, and inquisitions." United Church Christ. The church explains belief in Christ and his sacrifice is the only way to salvation. https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/many-paths-to-god (Notice: the webs spells God with a small g). The author continues to explain there are not many paths. Taking this a little further, a survey by CBN notes among Christians, 18 to 39, 60 percent say that Jesus is not the only way to salvation. https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2021/august/new-survey-reveals-60-percent-of-christians-aged-18-39-believe-jesus-not-only-way-to-salvation

Even some in the church do not believe Christ is the only way to salvation. We are living in a time when everything and anything goes. The internet makes it easy to access information and for deceitful people to spread untruths concerning salvation and God's deity. Please do not be deceived. No one mocks God. There are at least 50 verses in the Bible concerning salvation, these are some of them.

I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. John 10:9

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6

This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent Jesus Christ. John 17:3

that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; 13 although I used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 12-17

Only one way exists. Salvation comes through Christ by his death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Any other way is counterfeit. It saddens me to think so many people think they can choose another way to come to Christ. Unfortunately, some who should know the Bible lead many astray with false, feel-good messages and not the truth. Please continue reading, studying, spreading the gospel, and praying for the lost and Isreal.

I hope you have a great week. One of the songs I like is "Just When You Thought." It says, "...just when you thought you could somehow outrun him. He'll meet you right where you are." It tells the story of forgiveness, God's love, and grace. Please do not forget to visit YouTube for the shortened companion video to this blog. Please email me at mailto:dorothy@savedheartfaith.com or mailto:dburrell38@yahoo.comThanks for stopping by, and have a great week.

highways