Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 3/2/2005

Question
Why be a Christian over all the other religions?  How do you reconcile the differences in what other peoples believe?

Thanks,
Matt

Answer
Hi Matt,

Thanks for this great question!  

THe fact is that Biblical CHristianity is unique from all other religious systems.  Alomst every religious system is based upon a merit system.  If you produce enough good works and avoid enough bad deeds ( as defined by that particular belief system) then you get the eternal prize ( defined by that religious system).  The Bible teaches a different approach.

1.  All men have sinned.

Romans 3:23
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

2.  Because of that sin all men deserve the punishment for that sin...which is death...and the second death is Hell.

Romans 6:23
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Romans 5:12
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Revelation 21:8
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

3.  Since the price for sin is death, you cannot pay that price with good works.

Romans 3:19-20
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Galatians 2:21
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

4.  Jesus paid the price for sin in our place...that is why He died on the cross.

Romans 5:8
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

2 Corinthians 5:21
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

5.  You must personally accept that gift by faith.

Romans 10:9-10,13
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this is a help to you.

In Christ,
Pastor Don