The “Right” Religion
What makes Christianity the “right” brand of religion while all others are wrong?
This is a fundamental and controversial question for anyone subscribing to a religious organization, whether Islam, Hindu, Buddhism, Judaism, or others. I was raised Catholic. In learning the principles of “tolerance” and “love for neighbors”, I often asked myself, “Who am I to tell others that their religion is wrong and mine is right?”
Furthermore, while I am called to make disciples of all men as an evangelist for Christianity, I have thought about how I would reject anyone working to convert me to their religion. I suspect that others, like me, would have a difficult time denouncing their previous religion in place of another.
“Works” to Get to Heaven
But there are some very core differences that are unique to Christianity. Primary among them for Christianity is that Christ is the only doorway to afterlife in heaven.
However, there is another specific foundational principle I want to highlight now. This principle is the principle of WORKS.
“Works” are a component of many spiritual philosophies. The idea that things we do or don’t do are actually steps on our pathway to heaven is somewhat ubiquitous. The concept may actually be so logical as to be engrained in our subconscious.
“Rest” to Get to Heaven
Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) . Note that this is a radical shift in the works mentality. Specifically, Jesus tells us that he has done all the “work” for us – through His death on the cross. When we truly understand this, it leads to freedom! We are not obligated to burn offerings to our God, or to pray at five specific times per day, or to any other specific actions as our “tickets” to heaven.
When we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord, we gain the gift that God will judge us by Jesus’ character and not our own. When we really understand our own sinfulness, and the concept of original sin, we realize that it is literally impossible to live the perfect life necessary to go to heaven on our own merit.
An Important Caveat
While “works” are not necessary to getting into heaven, this does not mean we do not pursue good works as stewards in building the Kingdom of God on earth. What is different here is the motivation. Instead of the motivation being “duty”, our motivation becomes “joy”. Specifically, because of the gift of Christ through His death on a cross for us sinners, our gratitude drives us to live and work for him from our response to that gift.
