Faith Is For Weak People By Ray ComfortSýnishorn

“What’s so bad about other religions?”

Because of life’s difficulties and death’s inevitability, billions seek to find comfort and hope through religion. Many of the world’s great religions (great denotes size), such as Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, are known as “works righteousness” religions—one must do something to make it to Heaven. These works are done in the hope that one’s good efforts will make them worthy enough. Christianity recognizes we don’t earn a place in heaven nor are we worthy before a Holy God.

Moral law reveals that God is a perfect judge, and we are desperately wicked criminals who break the law. This truth radically changes the dynamic. It shows us that what we are offering the judge is not “good works” to balance the scales but futile attempts to bribe God’s favor. God will not be paid off or turn a blind eye to evil. No amount of sacrifice on our part causes God to forgive our transgressions. 

But God is rich in mercy. He provided the payment Himself in Christ whose suffering satisfied the demands of eternal justice. We broke the law and Jesus paid the fine. In other words, “The debt has been paid!” That means that our case can be legally dismissed. We can walk out of the courtroom, our death sentence having been absolved. This wonderful gospel is universal. It is good news for Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, and agnostics, as well as religious people who think they can live a good life, please God, and make it to Heaven. 

Remember always to show respect toward others and their faith when sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Telling a person they are deceived or wrong or coming across with a condescending or self-righteous tone prevents any honest communication from happening. 

Love is what set in motion the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross so that you and I would be reconciled to God and find eternal life. I was once without hope and purpose; in Christ, I now have both. It is this gratitude toward God and concern for the unsaved that fuel our drive to reach the lost: “. . . in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (I Peter 3:15).

Why do you think so many are involved in some form of religion? How does love toward the lost and gratitude toward Christ motivate and shape how you share the Good News?