Faith in Practice

Wow.

That's all I could say.

Wow.

A report in Tuesday's Anniston Star outlined the results of a recent survey of 36,000 "religious" Americans. The report found that 70 percent of those surveyed believe that their religion is NOT the only path to eternal life.

In the truest sense of the word religion, the survey's findings have credence.

Religion is a man-made phenomenon. God never instructed us to be Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses or Catholics or Baptists or Methodists or any of the countless other religions we see today. He only requires that we repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). Therefore, it's true that no religion is the exclusive way to a relationship with God.

But, the survey included a breakdown of religions and where they stand on respecting other religions. That segment of the survey asked the question: Can many religions lead to eternal life? The survey showed that 66 percent of Protestants answered "yes."

SAY WHAT? Yes? From Protestants?

And included in that broad category of Protestants was the sub-category of Evangelicals. If I were to be lumped in with any religion, it would be the Evangelicals – those believers whose faith supposedly emanates from and revolves around the Bible, and, specifically, the teachings of Christ.

But, according to the poll, 57 percent of Evangelicals surveyed said they believe many religions can lead to eternal life.

... Wow.

How did that happen?

I think I might know.

In today's world, it's more and more imperative that we be willing to accept the cultures and beliefs of others — which is great for a game of pick-up basketball, and necessary for a healthy workplace environment. No one wants to offend or be offended.

But being receptive to any and all beliefs is deadly when it comes to salvation.

"If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Gal. 1:9)

Christ was likely the most offensive person to ever walk the face of the earth because he uncompromisingly declared that there was but one way to heaven, one way to the Father, one way to have eternal life.

"I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

The gospel is the good news of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:3-4).

While straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, it's open and available to everyone.

"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John 12:32)

The beauty of the gospel is that it defiantly holds up Jesus as the singular truth. It's either absolutely wrong or absolutely right.

If Jesus is not the way, then there is no way.

That's what the Bible teaches, but, apparently, 57 percent of Evangelicals don't believe it.

Wow.