By johninnc
Romans 3:25-26: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
The 2015 Parliament of the World’s Religions was held in Salt Lake City from October 15-19. According to organizers, 10,000 people, from 80 nations, and 50 religious traditions participated.
I went to the website for the event and found the following:
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
You should attend:
- If you are concerned about war, terrorism, and hatred
- If you care for creation and are worried about climate change
- If you are troubled by the widening wealth gap and wasteful consumption
- If you care for religions and nations working together in harmony for the good of humanity
You will also find:
- Trainers in dialogue, interfaith activism, fundraising, and organizing
- World-class religious music, films, exhibits, and performances
- Shopping for ethnic, international, and religious books and goods
Following are some notable quotes from, or regarding, the Parliament:
“When we all get together and consolidate and cooperate, instead of fighting, we’re gonna save the world.” Jane Goodall, biologist.
My comment: “we” are not going to save the world.
Acts 4:12: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
“It’s nice to remember that though our faiths take us on different paths, they can all ultimately take us to the same destination. Religion, when an engine for collaboration and addressing social problems, is a source for tremendous optimism about our collective destiny.” Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz.
My comment: There are separate destinies for those who believe in Jesus as Savior and those who do not.
John 3:5: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Of course, this line of humanistic reasoning is not brand new. From a 2010 article entitled “Future Religious and Ethical Leaders Ask the Hard Questions — Together” by Chris Stedman we glean similar quotes:
“While I have ultimately learned that my spiritual identity is not synonymous with Minnesota culture, perhaps there’s room for a new potluck where everyone’s dish is welcome.” Kari Aanestad, Master of Divinity student (who identifies as a Lutheran).
My comment: Jesus is the bread of life. Potluck religion is just death warmed over.
John 6:33: For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
“As young scholars, practitioners, and activists, our spiritual lives, or our careers might be in states of formation, but the public conversations about religion and ethics in the United States are also in a state of formation.” Joshua Eaton, Budhist, and Recent Master of Divinity graduate, Harvard University.
My comment: Neither religion, nor ethics can give eternal life.
John 14:6: Jesus saith unto him, I am they way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Now, one more quote from the Parliament:
“If everyone takes baby steps every day, beginning with a revolution of our forks, it will make a mighty and lasting difference. Let us not only just have a sustainable relationship with our planet, but rather let’s have a blissful one, leaving behind footprints of beauty.” Reverend Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder and director of Los Angeles- based Agape Spiritual Ministries.
My comment: Self-imposed dietary laws have no spiritual value whatsoever. We leave footprints of beauty by our faithfulness in preaching the gospel.
Romans 10:9: And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring good tidings of great things!
____________________________________
Dear reader, the ONLY way to get to heaven is to trust in Christ ALONE as your Savior.
God has provided fully for your salvation through Jesus.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Here is an overview of what that means:
1. Everyone is a sinner
2. The penalty for sin is death (eternal separation from God in a place of conscious torment – hell)
3. One must be perfect to get into heaven. Not good. Not great. Perfect.
4. One cannot do anything of himself to obtain this perfection – this includes turning from sin, committing your life to Christ and so on. God offers eternal life as a gift – it’s not for sale or barter.
5. God provided a sin-bearer for us (The Lord Jesus Christ, God in the
flesh. He had no sin of his own, but he came to die for us, paying the full penalty for our sin. He was raised from the dead, proving that His payment was acceptable).
6. All we can do to receive everlasting life is to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior.
7. Eternal life, once received by faith in Christ, can never be lost or forfeited, no matter what happens in our lives down the road.
What is there to do to receive eternal life? Simply BELIEVE that Jesus made that payment for your sin – for you.
If you would like additional detail, please click here: THE GOSPEL