Religions are NOT all the same

I was reading in Acts 3 and 4 this morning and, following our celebration of Christ's resurrection yesterday, the passage spoke to my heart. Without going into specific detail about every religion man has ever pursued, I will simply say, all religions are NOT the same.

What do I mean by "religion"? The Oxford dictionary gives as a definition: "The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. ... A particular system of faith and worship."

Many today try to teach the concept that all religions are the same. They claim there are many ways to God (if he truly exists). No one religion is better than any other religion. We must treat all religions the same. But I do not believe that for a second nor does the Bible teach such nonsense.

Jesus has died on the cross, arose from the dead, appeared to over 500 people, and ascended into heaven. Then, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended and the apostles became dynamic witnesses for Jesus. In Acts 3, Peter and John heal a lame man and call upon the unbelievers to repent. The Apostles are seized by the priests and Sadducees at the beginning of chapter 4. What disturbed these religious zealots is noted in verse 2.

"Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead."

The message of the resurrection offended them and they wanted that message stopped. These two apostles appeared before the high priest and were asked by what power they healed the lame man. Peter gives the answer very clearly beginning in verse 10.

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

There it is. Christianity stands unique from other religions because it has a unique Savior. There is one and only one name by which men may be saved and that name is Jesus Christ. The proof that this is the case is the FACT that Jesus has been raised from the dead by God. He is a unique Savior. He is the only Savior of men given by God.

I may be viewed as simplistic, but if God has provided only one means of salvation, then true faith and worship must include this means of salvation. In other words, the only true religion is the faith and worship which teaches Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation.

True religion must be centered on Jesus Christ. Therefore, Christianity must be the only, true religion.

And the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead proves it.