Shortly after the multi-religion memorial service for the 911 victims, my teenage son caught me a bit off guard with his question. He had gone to church, attended Sunday-School, and all the other related church activities since he was born, not including the fact, he was a PK (preacher’s kid). “Dad, what’s the difference in Christianity and all the other religions?” Trying to hide my shock and praying for wisdom, I answered, “The resurrection of Jesus. Without that fact, we wouldn’t be any different.” That simple answer seemed to satisfy his question. However, it made me begin thinking if we had missed something in our spiritual training.
Not long after that, he and I had finished a day of hunting, reached my truck and I told him to unload his 30-30 lever action rife. Even before I unloaded my gun, his rife fired and by an inch missed making a hole through the roof of my truck. I started screaming “don’t you know how to unload your gun?” “No, dad! You always unload the guns and you never taught me how.” Did I ever have a humble ride home.
You are probably asking what these two events have in common. Both showed me I took for granted and assumed that he understood something I should have explained. Children gain much of their understanding of the world through observation, especially their parents. Yet, some lessons come only through instruction always starting at the basics. We should never take for granted that anyone knows something we think they should know. How much more necessary is this for spiritual training from both parents to their children and ministers to their congregations.
I wonder how many people attended church yesterday for Easter appearing as well-dressed Christians but lacked a true understanding of the difference between Christianity and other religions. In this age of political correctness and the demand for religious tolerance, it is essential we know and understand that all Christ’s works rested on His resurrection. Paul affirms this truth, If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. v19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. v20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep (1Co 15: 17-20).
Having studied and taught world religions, I cannot deny that others religions have bits of helpful teachings. However, all the founders of religions outside of Christianity are dead. None of them conquered death. For Christians, our Savior Christ Jesus . . . abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Tim 1:10). I always end the funeral of a believer with a verse those in Christ will sing at resurrection. DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING (1 Corn 15:55).
People proclaim today that all roads lead to the top of the mountain. Let’s assume this statement is truth. The reality comes at the top of the mountain—there is only one door to the Father and eternal life and that door is Jesus. So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture (John 10:7, 9). He also said, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me (John 14:6).
The resurrection assures us that the Father accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. Because of this, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit empowering us to live the Christian life. No longer do we have to fear death because His resurrection assures us of our resurrection into eternal life. It assures us He will return again as He promised. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also (Joh 14:3). It also confirms His teaching that we may suffer and even die because we believe in Him,
We cannot take for granted that even those who call themselves Christians understand the importance of His resurrection. This fact makes Christianity unique. No other religion can claim this. Without this assurance, the multitude of Christians who are currently enduring persecution, displaced from their homes, suffering in prisons, and facing martyrdom could not remain faithful. First, make sure you understand the importance and meaning of the resurrection. Then don’t take for granted those around you are grounded in this truth. We are living in perilous times. Yes, we are different from other religions; our Savior paid for our sins through His death, and resurrection from the death and is alive interceding for us today.
Sustaining Word for the Week: The chorus of a Gaither hymn says it well. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future.