Surely Religious People Worship The Same God

Surely Religious People Worship The Same God

By Michael J. S. Austin, Ph.D.

'There's no need to keep on preaching at me like that, we all worship the same God!' People in one religion are at times inclined to believe they ought to get converts from other religions to join theirs. After all, they have always been taught to believe only theirs is right and all the others are wrong. On the other side is the belief that if there is one God, he will accept the sincere worship of people in different religions. Just how do we sort this one out?

• ACCEPTABLE
One popular view aims to answer the problem by common sense. Thus, in a pluralistic world, in which we must not judge each other for our different beliefs, one view is as good and as perfectly acceptable as another. And if there are various ways of expressing worship to God, who are we to say one is right and the others are wrong? On that basis, the conclusion is, yes, sincere people who believe in one God are all offering worship to him.

However, despite that rule about not being judgemental, if you reckon it's a simple matter of common sense, for instance, that the major monotheistic world religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, all worship the same God, then don't forget, you still believe your view is correct, perhaps politically correct. In fact, you may find it difficult to respect any view which disagrees with your own.

• CLAIMS
But because that 'common sense' view relies on a false assumption I believe it ought to be rejected. That is, that somehow God has no particular preference in the way he is worshipped. Consider for a moment what is being assumed; that God accepts orthodox Jewish worship, even though its Scriptures are full of prophetic promise of the coming Davidic ruler, who being born in Bethlehem, would shepherd his people Israel, and even die for their sins and rise again in triumph. Would God accept worship that rejected with ingratitude his best and highest gift of love, in sending Christ, who 'will save his people from their sins'? (Matthew 1:21).

So then, what about Islam that makes big claims to be the final, true religion? This turns out to be one of the most confusing episodes in history, as the new beliefs have the idea they supersede Jesus Christ, who had already come at the climax, at 'the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself (Hebrews 9:26), centuries before Islam thought it could, in effect turn the clock back and recover the faith of Abraham. But Abraham was himself looking forward with joy to the coming of Christ (see John 8:56).

Thus Islam's claim to offer God's final way of worship fails completely, because it rejects the already completed, sacrificial sin-bearing work of Christ on the cross, which Islam does not even believe happened. Unbelief is not worship, but rather ought to be confessed as awful sin.

• CONFIDENCE
Considered on the basis of these various claims, only the God who has spoken and settled this issue once and for all has any right to final credibility and confidence. Thus, only historic biblical Christianity makes clear and plain the way to be reconciled to God and the way to worship God through the one appointed mediator Jesus Christ, who has been accredited for all to accept. The record stands in New Testament Scripture; Jesus authenticated his claims by numerous signs and wonders, many of which were recorded by eyewitnesses.

His crucifixion is one of the best recorded events of history and his bodily resurrection one of the best attested events of history. We have every reason for the utmost confidence that Jesus Christ is Lord, the eternal Son of God and the anointed King, raised to reign over the redeemed people of God.

• THANKSGIVING
Jesus said he is 'the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me' (John 14:6). He taught that God seeks worshippers, 'and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth' (John 4:24). The political correctness school of thinking believes that a plurality of different 'truths' should all be given the same respect, so that a truly progressive society will overcome multi-cultural sectarianism and division. But what a hopeless muddle, when the result is an all-competent State that rejects genuine religious freedom and treats the people who, conscience-bound, courteously beg to differ from the new State religion as if they were trouble-makers!

So, do all, irrespective of background, worship the same God? Here is a clear call to all outside of Christ to be challenged and encouraged to accept that as there is one true and living God, all worship offered to him must be 'in spirit and truth' through Jesus Christ, as Lord and Saviour who once shed his blood to ransom people for God's own possession.

It is Christ, who with God the Father, continues to give the Holy Spirit to all his ransomed children, enabling them to offer praise and thanksgiving to him who though he is far above all, has loved each one with an everlasting love. Does this make them feel superior to people of another religion? No, superiority has no place. We would never merit or earn such a wonderful salvation, which is why it is totally undeserved. We receive salvation as a free gift, and offer up our lives in adoration and worship, to him who alone is worthy, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb [Christ] be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever!' (Rev. 5:13).

ANSWERS - FOR A SEARCHING GENERATION

Hello - I've written several books and many articles - with the goal of showing that biblical Christianity answers the MOST VITAL questions of all - "Who am I?" "What does it mean?" "Has it gone wrong?" "Why JESUS - & why is HE so vital?" and "Who is God and what is he like?"

Please don't give up the search.

Best regards,

Michael J. S. Austin, Ph.D.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My new e-book - "Jesus DIED - Does it matter?" offers a thought-provoking question and answer approach to Jesus' crucifixion and whether or not it really happened.

Did Jesus really DIE? Not sure? An urgent message about this VITAL question!

Please use this link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PE2XN76

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Or take a look at my e-book, 'I saw Him Die - Viewing Jesus' Death TODAY', which gives a challenging view of Jesus' crucifixion and its meaning based on Hebrews in the New Testament.

Biblical truth for TODAY! http://www.amazon.com/saw-Him-die-Viewing-ebook/dp/B007TX696U/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_2

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Use my books and articles to help you find faith in Christ, or to strengthen your faith.

Article Source:  Surely Religious People Worship The Same God