This helps put things into perspective, thank you. I have another question however regarding the verses that you used. These verses state that all those who believe in Jesus are saved. You probably know that Christianity is not the only religion that believe in Jesus, for example on Islam where He is an important Prophet. I ask these questions because as someone who has grown up in a Muslim country, I realise that I could just have easily been born to a Muslim family and would adhere to their religious beliefs and values. I am blessed to have been born in a Christian family and to have a fruitful community, but I see the same warmth and love in Islam as I do in Christianity and I'm sure it's the case for other religions as well. I understand conversion and people who discover Christianity on their own but I'm not sure I would have found this path if I had not been born into it. I believe God is just so I believe there is an explanation I have not yet thought of. Thank you again.
Hello Naej,
It is no problem you asking questions. If I am unable to answer them, I'm sure other Brothers & Sisters in Christ Jesus here at Talk Jesus would help. You are correct that there are those who believe in Jesus, but the question arises when you look at their answers on who they believe Him to be verses who He identified Himself to be. Jesus asked Peter "
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Matthew 16:15. and Peter answered Him saying
Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:15-16
Notice this also in the verses I used in my previous post from the Gospel of John. What is that belief that is being talked about? Not just in the name of Jesus, but that He is the Son of God. Christianity readily acknowledges His divinity, while others reject it, and so don't truly believe in Jesus the Son of God you find in Scripture.
That is why telling others the Gospel is important. If they look at their own religions, the Jesus they find is not who He actually is, but what the World and the Adversary wants you to believe He is. A special man, but no different then you or me. The Son of God is left out.
Now as far as warmth, and love that is found in other religions. This should be reason enough to want to share with them the Son of God Jesus Christ to them and the saving Grace that can be found in only one. For Jesus said:
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 "
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 For the Jesus they believe in won't save them brother.
However, the minute you set before them something other than what they have been taught to believe who Jesus is. That is when the warmth and love you speak of will become selective. If it doesn't disappear all together. The opposite actions/behaviors will start to be exhibited, especially should you find yourself in a community or country that is predominately of another religion. It is then that Matthew 10:34, and the succeeding verses will start to make sense.
I truly hope this clears up some of the questions you have about belief in another Jesus. I still have loved ones who don't believe and also Brothers in Christ who also have loved ones, who have converted to other faiths. It is heart breaking, and something that we should bring to the Throne of Grace, in prayer that we might receive Mercy for them.
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
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