The religious landscape of our society is diverse and confused, but this is not a new or recent trend.  In fact, just a quick historical look at religion reveals that people have always seen God, worship, and faith differently.  From Cain and Able to the pagans and Israel, people just do not see religion the same way.  Of course some do not believe in God at all, and so add another facet to all the disorder.

I understand why some have lost faith in their faith and why others think it makes no difference what you believe anyway.  Atheism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity are just ways of thinking, and so long as you do not hurt others it’s all good.  Many have convinced themselves that whatever they want to believe and do is just fine with God.

Religion is just a mess because it is so confusing and divided.  What should be a light to the lost has become darkness itself.  Who knows what to believe?

God knows what we ought to believe, and He has revealed it to us in the Scriptures.  His Word is not confusing or difficult to understand.  As Paul said, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” (1 Cor. 14:33)  The problem is most people do not follow the Bible.  Instead, they may take a little Bible with their creeds, catechism, and manuals.  Many are just doing what they want to anyhow, even if it is not consistent with their “religion”.  Then you can throw in Atheists, Jews and Muslims who add even more religious confusion.  Everyone needs to stick to the Bible and accept what it says.

Let me show you how simple and clear the Bible’s message is when you let it speak for itself.

No one has a reason to deny God.
Romans 1:20 – “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”

No one has a reason to reject Christ.
John 20:30-31 – “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;  (31)  but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Salvation is found only in Christ.
Acts 4:12 – “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

We are saved by God’s grace through our faith in Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

We are baptized for the remission of our sins.
Act 2:38 – “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”

Baptism saves us.
1 Peter 3:21 – “There is also an antitype which now saves us–baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

All Christians should be united in their faith and doctrine.
1 Corinthians 1:10 – “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

There is one body or church.
Ephesians 4:4 – “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;”

Those who live immorally will be lost.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,  (10)  nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.  (11)  And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

If we love God we will keep His commandments.
John 14:21  He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

I know many would disagree with some of these points, but their issue is with the simplicity and clarity of God’s Word, not with me.  We all need to follow the gospel, for it is God’s power to save. (Rom. 1:16-17)

Terry Starling