Does It Really Matter What A Person Believes? - July 19, 2020

Does It Really Matter What A Person Believes? After All, Aren't All Religions Basically The Same?
Some years ago a Pastor, doing door-to-door mission work, was challenged by a man who said, "Look sir, there are hundreds of religions in this world, all with sincere followers, and each claims to be the only right religion. You may prefer Christianity, but how can anybody really be sure which religion, if any, is the true one when there are so many from which to choose?" "So many, you say?" responded the preacher. "I've only heard of two religions. Oh, there may be many differences in the religious teachings, attitudes, and opinions of people, but finally there are really only two religions. The one covers all those who expect salvation by their own doing; the other covers all who have been saved by something done by Someone else. That's why your question is really a very simple one. Can you save yourself, or must you be saved by Someone else? Now, if you can be your own savior, then you don't need my Savior. But if you know you cannot save yourself, I'd like to introduce you to Jesus Christ, the only One who can save anyone.
Some maintain that all roads lead to heaven; that it really doesn't matter what a person believes, since sincerity of conviction is enough. Could they be correct? Is Christianity just one of many religions, all basically the same? Or is ours the only true and satisfactory religion?
This morning, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and on the basis of the in-spired Word of God, we will address these concerns, arriving at the conclusion that there is only one true religion, the one built on the Foundation of Jesus Christ, the true God and the world's only Savior. In our Old Testament Lesson the Lord of Scripture declares that in the end all people will bow down before Him and acknowledge that He is the only true God. Today's Epistle Lesson emphasizes that all people are inherently aware of the existence and authority of the true God, though many reject Him. In the end, those who reject Him will suffer God's everlasting judgement, while those who believe will receive honor, glory, and eternal life. In our Gospel Lesson Jesus warns us to beware of false prophets, whose messages lead to destruction. He then compares faith in Him to a home built on a solid, secure foundation, while those who reject Him are compared to a home built on a foundation that will crumble. Other religions and ways to salvation may seem acceptable, but, as our Children's Lesson reminds us, eventually all those other roads lead to damnation. Only Christianity, which proclaims Christ as God the Son and the Savior of the world, is the religion that saves. That point, finally, is the emphasis of today's Sermon, based on Acts 4:12.
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