Jesus lived, the question, re: favoritism, becomes…
How could God send people from Sumatra and other faraway places to hell
when they never even heard of Jews, Judaism, or Jesus?
Some Christiantheologyteachesthatduring thethreedaysfollowing the
Crucifixion that Jesus was "under-ground", he gave those who missed out
previously their opportunity for salvation;
1 Peter 3:18-19;
18
For Christ ... was put to death in the body
but made alive by the Spirit, 19
through whom also he went and preached
to the spirits in prison [supposedly including people of other religions]..."
Let's accept this interpretation for the moment. If God doesn't show favoritism,
what about Sumatrans and Native Americans after the Crucifixion, but before the
first missionaries arrived? What kind of "god" throws people He loves into eternal
hell when He never exposed them to Christ's gospel in the first place? What kind
of "god" asks us to demonstrateallegianceby accepting a belief that curses our
parents to hell, eveniftheyfollowedtheGoldenRuleofdoinguntoothers aswe want
done tous? Or because criminal acts by those professing to be Christian, like the
Conquistadors, or Hitler, made them think Christianity is evil? How can salvation
come from a God who asks us to break His own Fifth Commandment;
Exodus 20:12;
"Honor your father and your mother…"
andExodus 21:17;
"Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death."
A "god" who requires that, and who saves one group who received the news
but not those who weren't told, has not lived up to any of the list of four
Divine attributes. This is totally out of character for the Jesus described in
the Gospels. Traditional theologymakesduplicitousliars out of the Father and
Christ. Thankfully,it'sonlyamisunderstandingofwhat"belief in Christ" means.
Romans 2:12-16 (coming up) provides a specific solution for people who aren't
andtruetothe Four Divine Attributes. To understand what Paulwrote in Romans
and elsewhere in the New Testament epistles,you need to know what the terms
"Jew"and"Gentile"meant to Paul.
Jesus taught the people a form of messianic Judaism known as "the Way",
which later was given the name "Christianity".
From "NIVNAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE" (from Zondervan's Study Bible CD-ROM);
"CHRISTIANITY The word doesn't occur in the Bible.
It was first used by Ignatius, in the first half of the second century."
Acts 24:5,14, below, describes a moment in Paul's trial, which was presided
over by the Roman governor,Felix. The lawyer Tertullus, whorepresented the
high priest, speaks first (verse24:5). Paul replies next in verse 24:14…
Acts 24:5, Tertullus;
"We have found this man to be a troublemaker,
stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world.
He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect…"
Acts 24:14, Paul;
However,
I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way,
which they call a sect* [of Judaism. Not a separate religion.].
I believe everything that agrees with the Law
and that is written in the Prophets,…"
Early Christianity was Judaism, the Law and the Prophets, with the Messiah
before and after previous prophecies were fulfilled. Therefore, Christianity
is a form of Judaism,and much scripture addressedto "Jews" applies to
members of the newer Jewish sect, "Christianity". "Gentile"means a person
not of the Jewish faith. Before Jesus, "Gentile" meant a person not under the
Law of Moses. Paul believed Jesus was the Messiah. Therefore, he believed
Jesus' Law was in addition to God's previous Law.
1 Corinthians 9:21, Paul;
To those not having the law I became like one not having the law
(though I am not free from God's law
but am [also] under Christ's law),…"
Do we,
then, nullify the law by this faith?
Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law."
Paul believed Jesus' teachings were the Law interpreted in the spirit God
intended, i.e., the Law fulfilled correctly. When he wrote, "law", Paul meant both
the Laws of Moses and Christ, and when he used the term "Gentile", it was meant
as someone not Jewish or Christian. To Paul, the term "Jew" applied not only to
those commonly known as Jews, but all who follow Christ, i.e., Christians. Now we
have the definitions necessary to understand what the term "Jew" means in
Romans 2:12-16 on the next page…
* In the King James version "sect" is replaced by "heresy". Jesus and his followers must have been practicing Judaism. Why else would Jews call the "Way" a heresy?
The Narrow Gate — Romans 2:12-16 (NIV)
Romans 2:12-16, Paul;
12 "All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law,
and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law."
[Gentiles are judged fairly, taking into account what they're taught.
For Jews: the Law of Moses. For Christians; Jesus' Way and teachings.]
13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight,
but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous."
[It's not which religion that counts, it's if you obey the law that
matters. Jesus' law simplified is "Love one another as yourself."]
14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law,
do by nature things required by the law,
THEY ARE A LAW FOR THEMSELVES [--my capitals],
even though they do not have the law,"
[ When non-Christians or non-Jews are kind to other people and respect God and
his creation, it doesn't matter if they knew beforehand who Jesus is, as the next
two passages attest;Matthew 12:32 & Luke 12:10, Jesus (the Son of Man);
15
since
they
show
that
the
requirements
of
the
law are written on their hearts,
their consciences also bearing witness,
and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)"
[ If we love our neighbors, by extension we love God, and God's law is written
in our hearts. Our consciences, God and of Christ within us, will judge us…
John 10:35, Jesus; …—and the Scripture cannot be broken—…" ]
Romans 2:12-16, cont.;
16
This will take place on the[Judgment] day
when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ,
as my gospel declares."
"No one comes to the Father except through me…" is that "Jesus" is only one
of many names Christ has used. His other names include; "Gabriel", "Brahma",
"Elisha","Deganawidah" (the"Peacemaker"),"Tunkashila",and more. Jesus has
visited all peoples, so each already has a path through Christ. This is covered
in far greater depth in the next chapter, "The Many Names of Christ".
As it is written…
Ephesians 2:13-14, 18, Paul;
13 But now in Christ Jesus
you
who
once
were
far
away
have
been
brought
near
through
the
blood
of
Christ.
14
For he himself is our peace…"
18
For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."
another" are "saved". That's the good news of the gospel! Traditional Christian
theology offers a counterfeit "salvation" requiring the Father and Christ to deny
their Four Divine Attributes, contradicting Christ's words…
John 5:19, Jesus;
"I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself;
he can do only what he sees his Father doing,
because whatever the Father does the Son also does."
John 5:22, Jesus;
"…the Father judges no one,…"
Jesus does only what the Father does. Since the Father doesn't judge,
neither does the Son.
John 8:15, Jesus; "You judge by human standards;
I pass judgment on no one."
John 6:37-39, Jesus;
37 All that the Father gives me will come to me,
and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.
38 For I have come...to do the will of him who sent me.
39
And this is the will of him who sent me,
that
I shall
lose
none
of
all
that
he
has
given
me,
but
raise
them
up at the last day."
Romans 2:15, Paul;
"…their [people at the judgment] consciences also bearing witness,
and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them."
John 3:20, John;
Everyone who does evil hates the light,
and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed."
Psalm 34:21; Evil will slay the wicked;…"
Romans 12:16, where God judges us through Jesus Christ, reconciles with
these passages only if it's meant as self-judgment by Christ's spirit within us,
because Jesus can't judge.The guilty,ego-centeredconsciencesof the wicked,
drive themselves away from the Light. Romans 2, verses 15 & 16, show how
another are saved—but they must acknowledge Christ in his fullness at this time
if they want in. For those with humility and proper heart-set—love for others—
this will not be a problem.
Some will argue "Gentile" refers to non-Semitic Christians. If this were so,
why, if we're already saved, would our conscience accuse or defend us as
Romans 2:15 states? In 1 Corinthians 9:21, Paul said;
"…though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law…"
AsChristiansareunder Christ's Law, how can they be a "law for themselves",
as it says in Romans 2:14? The term "Gentile" means exactly what Paul meant it
to mean—anyone not Jewish or Christian. This sheds an entirely new light on…
1 Corinthians12:12-13, Paul;
12
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts;
and though all its parts are many, they form one body.
So it is with Christ.
13
For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-
whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—
and we were all given the one Spirit to drink."
Now, we understand the different peoples and faiths together form the
we'll look at four more versions of it…
CATHOLIC (NAB) VERSION
Romans 2:12-16;
12
All who sin outside the Law, will also perish* without reference to it,
and all who sin under the Law, will be judged in accordance with it.
13
For it is not those who hear the Law who are just in the sight of God;
rather those who observe the Law will be justified.
14
For when the Gentiles who do not have the law
by nature observe the prescriptions of the law,
they are a law unto themselves, even though they do not have the law.
15
They show that the demands of the Law are written in their hearts,
while their conscience also bears witness
and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even defend them.
16
on the day when, according to my gospel,
God will judge people’s hidden works through Christ Jesus."
* Interpret "perish" figuratively as meaning "extreme embarrassment" and "guilt",
not literal "death".
KING JAMES VERSION*
12 For as many as sinned without law shall also perish without law:
and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
13
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God,
but the doers of the law shall be justified.
14 For when Gentiles, which have not the law,
do by nature the things contained in the law,
these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves
15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts,
Their consciences also bearing witness,
And their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;
16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ
according to my gospel."
Romans 2:11, Paul;
For God does not show favoritism."
NEW WORLD TRANSLATION
12
For instance,
all those who sinned without the law will also perish without the law,
but all those who sinned under the law will be judged by the law.
13For the hearers of the law are not the ones righteous before God,
but the doers of law will be declared righteous.
14
For whenever people of the nations that do not have the law
do by nature the things of the law,
these people, although not having law, are a law to themselves.
15
They are the very ones
who demonstrate the matter of the law to be written in their hearts,
while their conscience is bearing witness with them and,
between their own thoughts, they are being accused or even excused.
16
This will be in the day when God through Christ Jesus
judges the secret things of mankind.
according to the good news I declare."
* Italics in the King James version are not mine.)
NEW REVISED STANDARD
12 All who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law,
and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.
13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God’s sight,
but the doers of the law who will be justified.
14 When Gentiles, who do not possess the law,
do instinctively what the law requires,
these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves.
15 They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts,
to which their own conscience also bears witness;
and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them
16 on the day when, according to my gospel,
God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all."
DIRECT GREEK TO ENGLISH LITERAL TRANSLATION
(taken from The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament);
12
For-as many as without law sinned, without law also will perish,
and as many as in(under) law sinned, by law will be judged;
13 for-not the hearers of law [are] just with God,
but the doers of law will be justified.
14
For-when Gentiles –
not having~[the] law by nature the things of the law practise,
these a law not having to themselves are a law;
15
who demonstrate the work of the law written in the hearts of them,
bearing joint-witness
their conscience and between one another their thoughts accusing or even defending,
16 in a day when judges God the hidden things – of men,
according to the gospel of me, through Christ Jesus."
Next, examples of scripture supporting the principle salvation extends to
righteous people of different religions.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37;
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus.
"Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
26 "What is written in the Law?" he [Jesus] replied. "How do you read it?"
27 He [the expert in the law] answered:
" 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ;
and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "
28 "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
29
But he [the "expert in the law"] wanted to justify himself,
so he asked Jesus,
"And who is my neighbor?"
30
In reply Jesus said:
"A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the
hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away,
leaving him half dead.
31
A priest happened to be going down the same road,
and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
32
So too, a Levite,
when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was;
and when he saw him, he took pity on him.
34
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.
Then
he
put
the
man
on
his
own
donkey,
took
him
to
an
inn
and
took
care
of
him.
35
The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper.
'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return,
I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
36
"Which of these three do you think
was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
37
The expert in the law replied,"The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
Samaritans followed a religion similar to Judaism. Its roots were partially from
Judaism, with elements adopted from the religions of people imported intoSamaria
by the Assyrians from Babylon and elsewhere. This is documented in 2Kings17:24.
This parable supports the Narrow Gate, specifically points out the Samaritan
(who follows another religion but has a good heart) is worthy of salvation, whereas
the Levite and priest of the "correct" religion, Judaism,weren't.Jews, by the way,
shunnedSamaritans(John 4:9),muchasmanyChristiansshunMuslims,Hindus,
"Pagans", and even members of other sects of Christianity. In doing so, people
deny Christ by disobeying his commandments, such as;
Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus;
1 Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
2
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged,
and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
People deny Christ by disobeying what he said in Luke 11, too…
Luke 11:9, Jesus;
"So I say to you:
Ask and it will be given to you;
seek [truth and knowledge of God] and you will find;
knock [politely, reverently,]
and the door [of spiritual knowledge] will be opened to you."
THE "NARROW GATE" IN ISLAM
Sura 4:164;
"Of some apostles We have told thee before:
of other apostles We have not told thee…"
Sura 13:38-39;
38
To each age its book.
39
What He pleaseth will God abrogate or confirm:
for with Him is the source [and timing] of revelation."
Sura 5:69;
Verily, they who believe (Muslims),
and they who follow the Jewish religion,
and the Christians,
and the Sabeites—
whoever of these believeth in God and the last day,
and doeth that which is right,
shall have their reward with their Lord:…"
fear shall not come upon them, neither shall they be grieved."
Sura 57:29; That the people of the Book may know
that they have no control over aught of the favours of God,
and that these gifts of grace are in the hands of God,
and that He vouchsafe them to whom He will;
for God is of immense bounty."
Sura 10:48; And every people hath had its apostle…"
Sura 22:34; And to every people have we appointed rites,
that they may commemorate the name of God…"
Sura 22:67; To every people
have we appointed observances which they observe."
Sura 30:22;
And among His signs are the creation of the heavens and of the earth,
and your varieties of tongues and color.
Herein truly are signs for all men."
Sura 29:46;
Dispute not, unless in kindly sort, with people of the Book;
And say ye,
"We believe in what hath been sent down to us [Qur'an]
and what hath been sent down to you. [Entire Old & New Testaments]
Our God and your God is one,…"
THE "NARROW GATE" ALL ACROSS MOTHER EARTH
Here is a portion of the vision given the Lakota Sioux prophet Black Elk,
from "Black Elk Speaks" (p.33), demonstrating proper use of spirituality;
"And I saw that the sacred hoop of my people
was one of many hoops that made one circle, wide as daylight and as starlight,
and in the center grew one mighty flowering tree
to shelter all the children of one mother and one father.
And I saw it was holy."
The key thing is, it must be done the right way.
The way shown by Baha'u'llah (Baha'i), in "The Book of Certitude" pp.103,104;
"These attributes of God are not and have never been
vouchsafed specially unto certain Prophets, and withheld from others.
Nay, all the Prophets of God,
His well-favored, His holy, and chosen Messengers, are, without exception,
the bearers of His names, and the embodiments of His attributes.
They only differ in the intensity of their revelation,
and the comparative potency of their light…"
Malachi 2:10;
Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us?"
Romans 2:11; ...For God does not show favoritism."
John 10:29; ...no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand…"
Sura 22:34; And
to
every
people
have
we
appointed
rites,
that
they
may
commemorate
the
name
of
God…"
2 Nephi 29:6-10;
6
Thou
fool,
that
shall
say:
A
Bible,
we
have
got
a
Bible,
and
we
need
no
more
Bible.
Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews [i.e., Someone else]?
7
Know ye not that there are more [spiritual] nations than one?
Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men,
and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea;
and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath;
and I bring forth my word unto the children of men,
yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
8
Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word?
Know
ye
not
that
the
testimony
of
two
nations
is
a
witness
unto
you
that
I
am
God,
that I remember one nation like unto another?
Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another.
And when the two nations shall run together,
the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.
9
And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same
yesterday, today, and forever;
and that I speak forth my words according to my own pleasure."…
[Anytime, anywhere, no people excluded]
9 cont.;
…"And
because
I
have
spoken
one
word
ye
need
not
suppose
that
I
cannot
speak
another;
for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man;
neither from that time henceforth and forever."…
And the way shown by Sri Krishna (Hindu);
Šrïmad-Bhãgavatam Book 10, Chapter 4, pp. 181-183;
p. 181;
[Brahma] looked about him
and saw Krishna [Hindu name for God] in each form in the universe,
Krishna in all beings and things.
He saw Krishna as the light of all lights, the revealer of the whole universe,
and knew that everything [and all names for the One]
was He…"
p. 182 Brahma;
"Blessed are those Who art not concerned about philosophy, or doctrines,
But who live and follow Thy life-giving words;…
Those whose divine sight is clear Find Thee within themselves…"
p. 183 "Thou
[Krishna]
art Atman, the divine Self;
Not without do the wise seek Thee, but within,
For Thou art present in the hearts of all."
2 Nephi 29:6-10. cont.;
10
Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible
ye need not suppose that it contains all my words;
neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written."
For I command all men,
both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south,
and in the islands of the sea,
that they shall write the words which I speak unto them;
for out of the books [plural] which shall be written
I will judge the world, every man according to their works,
according to that which is written."
Interestingly, Nephi lived around the time of Isaiah, and spoke of future books
in the plural. He spoke before Jesus, Muhammad, and Baha'u'llah, too. And once
more, the way shown by Black Elk;
"And I saw that the sacred hoop of my people
was one of many hoops that made one circle, wide as daylight and as starlight,
and in the center grew one mighty flowering tree
to shelter all the children of one mother and one father.
And I saw it was holy."
Psalms 100:1,3;
1
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
3
…Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we [all the earth] are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
Many good-hearted Christian believers will have a hard time accepting that
traditional theology is flawed. Yet the Bible clearly states…
2 Peter 2:1-3;
1
But there were also false prophets among the people,
just as there will be false teachers among you.
They will secretly introduce destructive heresies…
2 Many [mainstream religion] will follow their shameful ways
and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.
3 In
their
greed
these
teachers
will
exploit
you
with
stories
they
have
made
up."
If people can be convinced to accept traditional Win/Lose theology as truth,
it provides religious leaders with spiritual power and control over their followers.
Those who have been deceived have a choice…
Luke 12:47-48, Jesus;
47 "That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready
or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows.
48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment
will be beaten with few blows."
Anyone who blindly condemns other religions before thoroughly researching their
holy books with an open heart and mind has disobeyed Christ. In fact, they fulfill
the present day role the Pharisees played in Jesus' time. So, this parable applies to
modern-day Pharisees, too;
The Parable of the Two Sons
Matthew 21:28-31, Jesus, speaking to self-righteous Pharisees;
28 "What do you think? There was a man who had two sons.
He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'
29 " 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30 "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing.
He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
31 "Which of the two did what his father wanted?"
"The first," they answered.
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth,
the
tax
collectors
and
the
prostitutes
are
entering
the
kingdom
of
God
ahead
of
you."
and "personal relationships" with God as they condemn others are the Pharisees'
unwitting spiritual heirs. Non-judgment was a central theme of Jesus' ministry.
Galatians 3:26-29, Paul;
26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,
27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ
have clothed yourselves with Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female,
for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's [spiritual] seed,
and heirs according to the promise."
A Christian's genetics aren't altered by "faith in Christ Jesus". The phrase
"you are Abraham's seed" is meant spiritually, not genetically. A true Christian
is akin to Abraham spiritually. An exampleof Abraham's spirituality is found in
Genesis18:22-33, whichhappensrightafterGodpromisedhimasonfromSarah
throughwhomagreatnationwouldbecreatedto bless the whole earth. The Lord
also told Abraham He was going to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Genesis 19:3-11 portrays Sodom's inhabitants as being very wicked people.
Nevertheless,Abraham wasn't satisfied with only his own "salvation". Compassion
for his fellow-man compelled Abraham to plead with God to spare the two cities.
He begged God to spare both cities on behalf of the righteous, yet sparing the
"unsaved" along with the "saved". He asked God to spare Sodom for the sake of
fifty righteous people. When God agreed to do so, Abraham bargained with God
to save the city for fewer and fewer, from 45 down to 40, 30, 20, and finally,
10 righteous people. Abraham, who was "saved" pleaded with God to spare those
who weren't saved. How many Christians pray Muslims may be saved as Muslims?
Hindus as Hindus? Would we want others to pray for us if roles were reversed?
Jesus said, Matthew 5:44;
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…"
How many of us are content with our personal salvation while believing those
of other faiths are lost? Such behavior isn't spiritually akin to Abraham's.
John 8:39,41,44, Jesus;
39
If you were Abraham's children…
then you would do the things Abraham did.
41
You are doing the things your own father does.
44You belong to your father, the devil…"
I sometimes wish Jesus' language was more gentle, but he had his reasons for
speaking sternly. Traditional Christian win/lose theology denies Christ's gospel,
again and again. Asitsfollowerscondemnothers,their words condemn themselves.
Here's more examples supporting non-judgment of other religions…
The Greatest Commandment
Mark 12:28-34;
28 One of the teachers…asked,
"Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
29 "The most important one," answered Jesus,
"is this:
'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
31 The second is this:
'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
There is no commandment greater than these."
32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied.
"You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.
33 To love him with all your heart,
with all your understanding and with all your strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself
is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him,
"You are not far from the kingdom of God."
salvation, wouldn't want their parents to be saved, even though they'd died
"unbelievers"? Wouldn't we pray to our new deity they'd somehow be saved?
Wouldn't we ask fellow Hindus to pray for the souls of our families?
Romans 2:12-16 spells it out. You've seen the preceding parables. How can
any Christian deny Christ and Abraham by not begging God forsalvationof
thoseofotherfaiths? Canwesaywe've taken in Christ'sgospel, that we're
"in Christ", when we choose to cast aside his grace and mercy for others?
Jesus and the apostles warned theology would be tainted by false teaching.
We shouldn't be surprised their prophetic words have come to pass. We show
true faith in Jesus if we follow through on that faith in thoughts and deeds.
Our hearts must be changed so we, like Abraham, pray others are saved just
as theyare. Then,weareAbraham's spiritual heirs. If not, then we are no
better than present-day "Pharisees", "Sadducees", and "teachers of the law."
As it is written…Matthew 12:7, Jesus;
If you had known what these words mean,
'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,'
you would not have condemned the innocent."
The Parable of the Merciless Servant
Matthew 23-35, Jesus;
23 "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle
accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed
him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay,
the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had
be sold to repay the debt. 26 "The servant fell on his knees before him.
'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'
27 The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go."
28 "But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants
who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him.
'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
29 "His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him,
'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
30 "But he refused. Instead,
he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.
31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly
distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 "Then the master called the servant in.
'You wicked servant,' he said,
'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.
33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'
34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured,
until he should pay back all he owed.
35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you
unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
Whilethisparableprimarilyconcernsforgiveness,itmayalsobeappliedtosalvation.
The"servantofGod" who was doomed was redeemed by Christ, his debt paid off
with Christ's life. Yet the merciless servant won't plead to God people of other
faiths be saved, both those alive and those who've died. His ransom is paid and he'll
accept that, but he's willing to have the law applied literally for other people, who
by his belief must be thrown into hell (prison). He didn't stop to think what the
situation might be like for other people. They're "sinners" getting their "just"
punishment. He doesn't realize he just pronounced his own sentence at the
Judgment. Woe unto him. He doesn't understand God loves all his children.
Nor does he understand that Christ is the Good Shepherd, who cares so much
for each of his sheep he had Paul write the Narrow Gate with such precision.
Nor does he understand the spirit of love and mercy throughout Christ's gospel
and the parables you've just read. He must not have read Psalm 7, either,
or applied it to himself…
Psalm 7:14-15;
14 He
who
is
pregnant
with
evil
and
conceives
trouble
gives
birth
to
disillusionment.
15
He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made."
righteousness upon those who have these "signs", while indicating those who
do not have such "signs" arespirituallylacking. Itcould just as well be any
of various forms of baptism, recital of creeds, fasting, abstinence,
or other traditional symbols of righteousness.
Romans 4:11, Paul;
And he [Abraham] received the sign of circumcision,
a
seal
of
the
righteousness
that
he
had
by
faith
while
he
was
still
uncircumcised.
So then,
he is the father of all who believe [in their hearts and acts],
but have not been circumcised [or been baptized, or recited a particular creed],
in order that righteousness might be credited to them."
Abraham's faith was proved by loving his neighbors,notbybeing circumcised
showed utmost respect to God, and God appreciated it.
Matthew 7:12, Jesus;
So in everything [including your theology, and what you say],
do
to
others[includingmembersofotherreligions]
what
you
would
have
them
do
to
you,
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
James 2:8-13;
8
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture,
"Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right.
9
But if you show favoritism,
you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."
12
Speak
and
act
as
those
who
are
going
to
be
judged
by
the
law
that gives freedom,
13 because judgment without mercy
will be shown to anyone
who
has
not
been merciful.
Mercy triumphs over judgment!"
If God teaches us to be this way,the Almighty must be that way, too.
Does it make sense God would teach us to be another way? If God is merciful,
why condemn ourselves by rejecting His grace for all good-hearted people.
1 Corinthians 7:19-20, 23-24, Paul;
19 Circumcision [as representing one religion] is nothing
and uncircumcision [as representing another religion] is nothing.
Keeping God's commands [to love one another] is what counts.
23 You
were
bought
at
a
price;
do
not
become
slaves
of
men[andwickedtheology].
24 Brothers, each man, as responsible to God,
should remain in the [spiritual] situation [i.e., religion] God called him to."
1 Corinthians 7:24 raises an issue which must be addressed. Verse 24
advises people to stay in their present religion, provided it meets the standard
set by Matthew 7:12 and James 2:8. This may appear to threaten growth for
churches. If peopleofother faiths are"saved",what's the purpose of churches?
Will people come to church anymore? Clergyneed not worry,provided they teach
God'sfullgospel. Churcheswillcontinueto play a vital role in bettering humanity.
However, prophecy says churches who teach a satanic gospel of separateness
and unfair judgment are destined to fail. We'll take a look at these prophecies
in a later book, God willing. A representative sample of these prophecies is
Christ'smessagestothesevenchurches in Revelation2:1-3:21. Christians must
repent and teach the full gospel, including the Narrow Gate, Romans 2:12-16.
We must not be proud, or Jesus will tell us…
Matthew 15:3-4, 6, Jesus;
3
"And why do you break the command of God
for the sake of your [theology] tradition [that ignores Romans 2:12-16]?
4
For God said,…"
Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus; 37
…" 'Love the Lord your God
with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
38
This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
Matthew 15:3-4, 6, cont.; [and]
4 "…'Honor your father and mother'…"
[…and your neighbors' fathers and mothers, too]
4, cont.; "…and
'Anyone
who
curses
his
father
or
mother[ortheirneighbors']
must
be
put
to
death.'
6
…Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition."
Matthew 23:15, Jesus;
"Woe to you,
[whichever "fundamentalist", "evangelical" "Christians" reject these words],
you hypocrites!
You travel over land and sea to win a single convert,
and when he becomes one,
you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are."
The world is in distress. Terrorism. Iraq. God doesn't want religion turning
Christians against Muslims, and vice-versa. Were this actually necessary for
grace of the Narrow Gate is choosing to serve Satan. This is what Jesus was
saying to the Pharisees in Matthew 23:15 and to those who require others to
curse theirparentsasa prerequisite to their own salvation. Don't judge or
condemn other faiths. If God left a Narrow Gate permitting entry at the final
moment for people of other faiths, other faiths must also have something of
value. Otherwise God would have shown favoritism, because non-Christians
wouldn't have received fair preparation for spiritual growth before the Judgment.
Atthe TowerofBabel,God scattered humanity because we had become too
powerful, yet weren't spiritually ready for such power. To reunite us after we
learned what we needed to learn, God gave each group a unique aspect of
spiritual knowledge, the sum total of which is necessary to rebuild the Tower,
but this time the "right" way--Creator's way.
1 Peter 2:4-5;
4
As you come to him, the living Stone [Christ]--
rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him--
5 you also, like living stones,
are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood,
offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
To regain the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth we must fully accept Christ's
gospel. We must live the gospel and love each other, not judge and condemn.
If we want others to understand us, the Golden Rule says we must try to
the door to the "Way of Holiness" connecting all faiths through Christ will be
opened wide for us, and peace wil prevail on earth. All faiths have spiritual
gifts we must all learn, if we wish to know God.
John 12:32, Jesus;
But I, when I am lifted up from the earth,
will draw all men to myself."
Christians have assumed because others must come to Christ, that Christians
have no need for other sacred sources and should avoid them. That assumes
prophets of other religions are frauds and God didn't love all peoples enough to
give each a valid path tosalvation. That belief denies Christ and his words…
Mark 9:38-40;
38
"Teacher," said John,
"we saw a man driving out demons in your name
and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us."
39
"Do not stop him,"
Jesus said.
"No one who does a miracle in my name
can in the next moment say anything bad about me,
40
for whoever is not against us is for us."
TheBible is a spiritual work, meant to be understood spiritually. Remember
as you read the next passage that spiritual "slavery" isbondage of the heart
and mind to sinful thought, such as harmful theology, not physical chains.
1 Corinthians 7:23-24, Paul;
23 You were bought at a price;
do not become slaves of men [and their wicked theology].
24
Brothers, each man, as responsible to God,
should remain in the [spiritual] situation [i.e., religion]
God called him to."
Galatians 5:6, Paul;
For in Christ Jesus
neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.
The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."
John 14:2, Jesus;
In my Father's house are many rooms;
if it were not so, I would have told you."
Revelation 3:19, Jesus;
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.
So be earnest, and repent."
Focus on important things. Does the religion respect life? Every individual?
The Earth? Since God is in each, this is a good measure. Christ is always the
focal point, only in ways perhaps you hadn't considered previously. But all
salvation comes through him in the many parts of his full Name.
One More Thing…
Thepreviouspagesprove there are valid paths to God outside traditional
Christian theology. However, there is one important issue that hasn't been
addressed. Even though we know Christ came to us many different times with
many different names (see next chapter, "The Many Names of Christ") it still
states in the following passage that the specific name, "Jesus Christ",
Acts 4:8, 10, 12;
8
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them:…
10…It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,…
…this man stands before you healed.
12
Salvation is found in no one else,
for there is no other name under heaven given to men
by which we must be saved."
Verse 12 states, "Salvation is found in no one else". Clearly, Jesus' name
by itself doesn't save, it has power because it represents the person Jesus
and the spirit inside him. What is meant by "there is no other name under
heaven given to men by which we must be saved" is that salvation rests in that
one person. Any part of Christ's name represents him, whether it be "Jesus",
"Immanuel","Gabriel", "Brahma", "Quetzlcoatl", "Deganawidah", Tunkashila,
Baha'ullah, etc. Through whichever name, the name "Jesus" is always included
because it's the same "person". It wasn't necessary that Peter speak Christ's
full name, only that he indicate the person who has the power to save.
