In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect ... 1Pet 3:15

Do all religions lead to God? An occasional series in apologetics, part two

“All religions lead to God” False humility Avoids arguments Convenient “All religions lead to God” Intellectual laziness False equality

It matters All = none Wish fulfilment ≠ reality Christianity creates a paradox Jesus claimed uniqueness … and contest Gospel invalidated It matters Falling into error Real risk of missing out

God doesn’t agree I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no saviour. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed – I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘that I am God’. Isa 43:11,12 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. Jesus

People of any religion may come to God People of no religion may come to God Religion stops people coming to God

All religions agree about everything, except … Nature of the divine (monotheist, polytheist, pantheist, atheist) Character and personality of God God’s will for humanity Where we came from, and where we’re going How we act toward God and each other What ‘salvation’ looks like … and a few other things besides

What’s different about Christianity? God is one … in three persons; Father, Son, Spirit God is loving, just, merciful and holy God is perfecting humanity as the bride of Christ, through his work on the Cross alone We were made in God’s image, spoiled it, and will be made perfect again We should love, worship and obey God, and love and serve one another Salvation is the freedom to act and live like Jesus

Christ’s Way is a relationship, not a religion like all others ‘Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.’ Acts 4:12