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Do All Paths Lead to God?
Friday, March 14, 2025 by Rick Stockwell
Do All Paths Lead to God?
READ John 14:1-14
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
-- John 14:6 (NIV)
The major religions of the world all share one thing in common: the Golden Rule. Stated in various ways, it boils down to this principle: Treat others the way you’d like to be treated.
Do all religious paths lead to God? According to Buddhism, the follower must adhere to the Middle Way and accumulate enough karmic merit for entry into Nirvana, an abstract void. Adherents of Confucianism focus more on living good lives today rather than the afterlife. Under Judaism, those who believe in life after death (based on Isaiah 26:19 and Daniel 12) strive to earn their way into heaven by obeying the law. Hinduism promotes the concepts of karma and reincarnation, that what you sow in this life, will determine the type of creature you’ll become in the next—insect, animal, or human. Islam states that each person is assigned two angels for their lifetime—one to record their good deeds, and another their bad—and if the good deeds outweigh the bad, they’ll one day be granted access to heaven. Christianity proclaims that God sent his only son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on a cross to pay for our sins, thereby qualifying us for entry into heaven.
The religions described above are so different they can’t all lead to God. With the exception of Christianity, all require you to work your way into heaven (if they believe it exists).
God gives us free will to make our own choices. “… Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household” (Acts 16:31).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Christianity = done; other religions = do.
Prayer: Father in heaven, please help us to follow the path you’ve laid out for us.
Prayer Focus: THOSE DECIDING WHAT TO BELIEVE.
Rick Stockwell
Rick Stockwell is employed as an IT Program Manager. He teaches Sunday school for kindergartners, is an elder at his church, and is the author of two Christian novels: THE WALL and THE BATTLE. He's been married for thirty-four years, and has two children and five grandchildren.
Book link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07HQ8G3MJ
Comments
Carl Paquette From Fort Mill, SC At 3/16/2025 9:33:36 AM
Rick, Thank you for your devotional work. I look forward to each posting. Hope all is well...sending along my very best, as always. CarlReply by: Rick Stockwell
Thanks, Coach. I'm glad you're enjoying the devotionals.Diane McAndrews From West Hartford At 3/14/2025 9:50:50 PM
Hello Rick, I really enjoyed today's Thought for the Day. I especially liked reading about each different religion in a simple way, and how each believed their path to God or Heaven would be met. Christianity was different. It stands alone. Thank you for distilling the essence for us.Reply by: Rick Stockwell
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