"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
19/07/2008 - A One World Religion
I read a news brief yesterday which I wanted to comment on. For some time now there has been a movement to unite all religions and in this recent article entitled Pope says Christian unity efforts at 'critical juncture', the Pope made this statement:
"We must guard against any temptation to view doctrine as divisive and hence an impediment to the seemingly more pressing and immediate task of improving the world in which we live.'"
Among Christian churches, the unity movment is called ecumenism and its aim is to unite all denominations under the Catholic Church. On a wider scale, ecumenism aims to unite all religions into one. Today, there are organizations and grassroots movements with this goal. To the average person, this may sound like a good idea, especially when the claim is for the "seemingly more pressing and immediate task of improving the world in which we live." The supposed motive is usally one of peace, love and compassion. However, let's consider this movement in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Bible prophecy.
First, in John 14:6, Jesus said He is the only way back to God.
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
This is because He is God's provided Messiah for the world. His sinless sacrifice on the cross is the only place we can find an atonement for our sins.
The Bible declares, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Salvation in Jesus is received by faith and a gift of God's unmerited grace, not our works or religious activity. Therefore, how can the Gospel be united with any religion which deems personal merit as the basis of salvation? Salvation is found in a relationship with a person, not a religion. The Bible warns us that if we are trusting in our own merit, we are in fact rejecting Jesus and will die in our sins.
Second, consider this verse from Revelation.
"And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed" (Revelation 13:12).
Here, in the Book of Revelation, this person is referred to as the False Prophet. He is someone who directs the people of the world to worship the Antichrist. Its clearly some sort of One World Religion. In the Bible we have many prophecies concerning a final global kingdom which will reign before the return of Jesus Christ. There will be a One World Government and a One World Religion. During this time, two powerful figures will rule - the False Prophet mentioned above and the Beast who is also known as the Antichrist. Today, many religions are collectively waiting for a Messiah who they say is the Universal New Age "Christ". Even the Pope himself is calling for a new age. Many believe a man is coming who will solve the world's problems and bring great peace. However, when we look at God's Word, the Bible says the Antichrist will use peace to destroy many.
"And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand." (Daniel 8:23-25)
He will also have great power to do signs and wonders but the truth is, this final kingdom is led by Satan, the god of this world and great deceiver.
"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
For two excellent documentaries concerning the Biblical End Times prophecies and the world we live in today, watch both Megiddo films in the Videos section.
So in light of Bible prophecy, this combining of the world's religions is not of God and is not the answer. The real solution is salvation and forgiveness through the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for showing us the end from the beginning and warning us of what's to come. Lord, please wake your sleeping children and show them their need for salvation in Your Son. For Your glory, I ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen."
>>BACK TO BLOGS
I read a news brief yesterday which I wanted to comment on. For some time now there has been a movement to unite all religions and in this recent article entitled Pope says Christian unity efforts at 'critical juncture', the Pope made this statement:
"We must guard against any temptation to view doctrine as divisive and hence an impediment to the seemingly more pressing and immediate task of improving the world in which we live.'"
Among Christian churches, the unity movment is called ecumenism and its aim is to unite all denominations under the Catholic Church. On a wider scale, ecumenism aims to unite all religions into one. Today, there are organizations and grassroots movements with this goal. To the average person, this may sound like a good idea, especially when the claim is for the "seemingly more pressing and immediate task of improving the world in which we live." The supposed motive is usally one of peace, love and compassion. However, let's consider this movement in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Bible prophecy.
First, in John 14:6, Jesus said He is the only way back to God.
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
This is because He is God's provided Messiah for the world. His sinless sacrifice on the cross is the only place we can find an atonement for our sins.
The Bible declares, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Salvation in Jesus is received by faith and a gift of God's unmerited grace, not our works or religious activity. Therefore, how can the Gospel be united with any religion which deems personal merit as the basis of salvation? Salvation is found in a relationship with a person, not a religion. The Bible warns us that if we are trusting in our own merit, we are in fact rejecting Jesus and will die in our sins.
Second, consider this verse from Revelation.
"And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed" (Revelation 13:12).
Here, in the Book of Revelation, this person is referred to as the False Prophet. He is someone who directs the people of the world to worship the Antichrist. Its clearly some sort of One World Religion. In the Bible we have many prophecies concerning a final global kingdom which will reign before the return of Jesus Christ. There will be a One World Government and a One World Religion. During this time, two powerful figures will rule - the False Prophet mentioned above and the Beast who is also known as the Antichrist. Today, many religions are collectively waiting for a Messiah who they say is the Universal New Age "Christ". Even the Pope himself is calling for a new age. Many believe a man is coming who will solve the world's problems and bring great peace. However, when we look at God's Word, the Bible says the Antichrist will use peace to destroy many.
"And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand." (Daniel 8:23-25)
He will also have great power to do signs and wonders but the truth is, this final kingdom is led by Satan, the god of this world and great deceiver.
"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
For two excellent documentaries concerning the Biblical End Times prophecies and the world we live in today, watch both Megiddo films in the Videos section.
So in light of Bible prophecy, this combining of the world's religions is not of God and is not the answer. The real solution is salvation and forgiveness through the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for showing us the end from the beginning and warning us of what's to come. Lord, please wake your sleeping children and show them their need for salvation in Your Son. For Your glory, I ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen."
>>BACK TO BLOGS
