#13 - Christianity vs Other Religions, what is the difference?

Don't all paths lead toward heaven? Isn't just being good what matters? What do other religions teach or thing about transitioning? When considering Christianity vs other religions, what is the difference? Can't we follow the teachings of Muhammad, Buddha, Joseph Smith, or Jesus Christ? Aren't they all the same, prophets and teachers?

What does the Bible say about this? I wanted to add a discussion about this topic because it is something a family member of mine was asking about, like "what is the difference" ? The common belief out there is that any path toward God must be good. It seems to make sense. Is that true?

Proverbs 14:12

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

Matthew 7:13-14

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Psalm 16:4

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.

John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

There are warnings in the Bible that the way to eternal life is narrow and not wide. And no man comes to the Father except through Jesus. The Bible says few will find the right path.

Matthew 7:15

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

Matthew 24:24

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

2 Timothy 2:18

Who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.

It is clear there are other paths that can intentionally block you from being saved. There are paths that deceive and lead astray.

Matthew 7:22-24

22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and, in your name, perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? Or are you following a religion? How do we know if a religion is false or not? If your beliefs about Jesus are wrong, do you risk having Jesus say to you, "I never knew you"?

The foundation of Christianity is this, that Jesus is divine, and we are saved by him through grace.

Could it be a problem (?) if your religion does not teach these two truths?

What about these ideas?

• Jesus Christ and Lucifer are both spirit brothers, as they are both offspring of our Heavenly Father.

• God is the Eternal Father, a distinct being with a glorified, perfected body of flesh and bones.

• Jesus is God's Son but not as God himself

• Life is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, driven by karma. The ultimate goal is to break free from this cycle through enlightenment.

• Requirements are to perform a pilgrimage or mission

• Faith includes belief in an afterlife, where everyone will be judged... based on their deeds.

• Alongside the Bible, other books complement or are more important than the Bible or are considered another testament of Jesus Christ.

• The head of the Church has the authority to change teachings and beliefs.

• Prayers can be to other entities or figures other than Jesus Christ.

• Mandatory participation in rituals or services is needed to advance in the church or gain spirituality.

• Traditions and leadership or the chain of command in the church are equal to the Bible.

Matthew 15:6

In this way, you have nullified the word of God because of your tradition.

Consider this. If your belief about God is incorrect, have you truly known God? Will following rules, rituals, church services, ceremonies, mandates, and traditions save you?

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

In Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, he says he worked harder than anyone, but acknowledges grace allowed him to do so. It was not his working that saved him.

The ONLY 'religion' that teaches salvation is by faith, and faith alone, is Christianity. All other religions rely heavily on works or things you must do. They can also have an alternative belief about who God and Jesus are. They can also rely on leaders, traditions, or on other books besides the Bible.

Various religions may use the terminology of the Bible, but with different definitions and meanings. Great moral, community, and family values can serve to reinforce what appears to be right. Members can be good people doing good works. Members are likely committed to the authority as taught by their religion. Some religions even teach that attempts to share the gospel of Christ are personal attacks against them. And when the whole extended family is in a religion, it is very hard to break free from that, because it is so tightly associated with identity. Different religions will teach different things about transition, some are accepting and some are not. As a trans, I feel like I am a 'walking-talking controversy' sometimes!

Religion can be a badge or a shield that we live behind. I recall Christians, who were street-witnessing, approaching me in a mall one time and asked, "Do you know Jesus?" I said, "I am Catholic" (I was at that time). "God bless you", they said and left me alone. Wow that was easy, I thought to myself. Sharing my religion made them go away.

Do you feel like you don't need Christianity because you are in the gender community, or follow Islam, are Buddhist, are Mormon, are Jehovah's Witness, are part of Christian Science, or Scientology, or are secure in your own religion? Do you feel secure in your identity? Do all roads lead to God?

To answer my family members' question, yes, your religion and beliefs make a difference. And yes, I believe Christianity is the only way because Jesus said the way is narrow and no one comes to the God except through him. I know this seems harsh, as some of the most moral and devout people can come from 'other' religions. Salvation though is about being saved and forgiven by Christ, and Christ alone. Works are important, but secondary.

1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus

Please know that God wants you in heaven. He wants to know you personally in a relationship, and not as a church member or follower of a religion. Choose Jesus. Your belief in him, as the only way, is what matters. Choose Life.

Christianity is not a religion per se. When we accept Christ, we are made new, we become a child of God.

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