Thursday, April 13, 2006

They just don't get it

Here is a link to an article in USAToday. The article is fairly accurate in its claims. The problem is, baptism is not just a religious expression. Notice under the link is the summary of the article found on the front page.

Rite of baptism trickling away

"Christians finding alternative paths to God and marrying people of other faiths may mean fewer children and converts will experience the ancient ritual of sprinkling or immersion."

What really gets me is the first 6 words: "Christians finding alternative paths to God". And the paper states it as if it were fact when it is really just a fantasy. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me." (John 14:6 NASB) There are not many ways to God, there is only one way.

God is not some great mystery that can be discovered through some warm, fuzzy emotional event. He is a Holy Father who loves His children, but He is also perfectly just. And that justice demands that the penalty of sin, death, be paid. The real meaning of Easter is that Jesus came and gave His life to pay our sin-debt.

Let me summarize: Jesus came to earth by virgin birth, a miracle from the very beginning. He lived a sinless life. The only man ever to do so. And He died a criminal's death. Why? For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. That's why.

So the next time you hear someone talk about finding other ways to God, remember that Jesus is the only way. What would happen if we refuted every person who made that claim with the life-changing gospel?

No comments: