Hello Friends!
Whether or not all religions are equally true can
be easily determined by examining the character of the One who founded
Christianity – Jesus Christ. There is a fascinating story from Erwin Lutzer
that explains why...
Christ Among Other Gods
Dr. Erwin Lutzer is the pastor of the historic
Moody Church in downtown Chicago, he is also an outstanding author. Back in
1994, he attended in Chicago a major symposium on the religions of the world.
Dr. Lutzer walked the convention center, visiting with some of the 7,000
attendees. He describes his experience noted below in his superb book called, Christ
Among Other Gods:
I walked through the
display area in search of a sinless prophet/teacher/Savior. I asked a Hindu
Swami whether any of their teachers claimed sinlessness. "No," he
said, appearing irritated with my question, "If anyone claims he is
sinless, he is not a Hindu!"
What about Buddha? No, I was told, he didn't claim sinlessness. He found a group of ascetics and preached sermons to them. He taught that all outward things are only distractions and encouraged a life of discipline and contemplation. He sought enlightenment and urged his followers to do the same. He died seeking enlightenment. No sinlessness here.
What about Baha ullah? He claimed he had a revelation from God that was more complete and more enlightened than those before him. Though he was convinced of the truth of his teachings, he made few personal claims. He thought his writings were "more perfect" than others, but he never claimed perfection or sinlessness for himself.
When I came to the representatives of the Muslim faith, I already knew that in the Koran the prophet Mohammed admitted he was in need of forgiveness. They agreed. "There is one God, Allah, and Mohammed was not perfect." Again, no sinlessness there.
Why was I searching for a sinless Savior? Because I don't want to have to trust a Savior who is in the same predicament as I am. I can't trust my eternal soul to someone who is still working through his own imperfections. Since I'm a sinner, I need someone who is standing on higher ground.
Understandably, none of the religious leaders I spoke with even claimed to have a Savior. Their prophets, they said, showed the way, but made no pretense to be able to personally forgive sins or transform so much as a single human being. Like a street sign, they gave directions, but were not able to take us where we need to go. If we need any saving, we will have to do it ourselves.
The reason is obvious: No matter how wise, no matter how gifted, no matter how influential other prophets, gurus, and teachers might be, they had the presence of mind to know that they were imperfect just like the rest of us. They never even presumed to be able to reach down into the murky water of human depravity and bring sinners into the presence of God. Erwin Lutzer, Christ Among Other Gods (Chicago: Moody Press, 1994), p. 62-64
What about Buddha? No, I was told, he didn't claim sinlessness. He found a group of ascetics and preached sermons to them. He taught that all outward things are only distractions and encouraged a life of discipline and contemplation. He sought enlightenment and urged his followers to do the same. He died seeking enlightenment. No sinlessness here.
What about Baha ullah? He claimed he had a revelation from God that was more complete and more enlightened than those before him. Though he was convinced of the truth of his teachings, he made few personal claims. He thought his writings were "more perfect" than others, but he never claimed perfection or sinlessness for himself.
When I came to the representatives of the Muslim faith, I already knew that in the Koran the prophet Mohammed admitted he was in need of forgiveness. They agreed. "There is one God, Allah, and Mohammed was not perfect." Again, no sinlessness there.
Why was I searching for a sinless Savior? Because I don't want to have to trust a Savior who is in the same predicament as I am. I can't trust my eternal soul to someone who is still working through his own imperfections. Since I'm a sinner, I need someone who is standing on higher ground.
Understandably, none of the religious leaders I spoke with even claimed to have a Savior. Their prophets, they said, showed the way, but made no pretense to be able to personally forgive sins or transform so much as a single human being. Like a street sign, they gave directions, but were not able to take us where we need to go. If we need any saving, we will have to do it ourselves.
The reason is obvious: No matter how wise, no matter how gifted, no matter how influential other prophets, gurus, and teachers might be, they had the presence of mind to know that they were imperfect just like the rest of us. They never even presumed to be able to reach down into the murky water of human depravity and bring sinners into the presence of God. Erwin Lutzer, Christ Among Other Gods (Chicago: Moody Press, 1994), p. 62-64
What did Jesus and those who knew Him have
to say about His sinless life? Here are just a few examples found in the Holy
Scriptures:
- He pointed out hypocrisy in the lives of His critics, but none of them returned the compliment: "Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?" - John 8:46
- Judas, an apparent friend turned enemy, testified, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" - Matthew 27:4
- Pontius Pilate, who needed to come up with a charge against Christ, confessed, "I find no fault in this man" - Luke 23:4
- Peter, who personally lived with Him for three years, said He "committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth" - 1 Peter 2:22
- The apostle Paul explained that God the Father "made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" - 2 Corinthians 5:21
Blessings on your studies and involvement in understanding and sharing the Truth!
If you have been blessed by this message or have a specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com
I love hearing from you. Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!
I love hearing from you. Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!
Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><
Shane K. Morin <><
Encouraging Concepts
Truth for Today
"Living Life From a Biblical Worldview"
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"Dedicated to the Never Ending Search for the Creator's calling within You" (TM)
Lighthouse Publications <><
"Dedicated to the Never Ending Search for the Creator's calling within You" (TM)
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