Last week the Tribune-Review printed the results of an extensive poll done by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. This is one of the largest polls ever conducted of Americans' religious beliefs with over 36,000 adults interviewed. All the well known religions were represented. The question highlighted by the Tribune was "Can many religions lead to eternal life?"
The results are not suprising, but no less stunning. In bold type the article announced "Seventy percent of those affiliated with a religion believe that many religions, not just their own, can lead to eternal salvation." Of those in the Christian categories 79% of Catholics; 72% of the Orthodox community; and 66% from Protestant groups answered yes to the question. Certainly many of these people responded with a yes believing that there are individuals in the other Christian affiliations who are likewise saved. With this in mind, the figures are no doubt inflated. But, even if the percentages were cut in half, the American church obviously has a serious problem.
Of most concern here is the Protestant numbers. In the mainline denominations 83% said yes as did 59% of members in historically black churches. Even adjusting the numbers down, this is not unexpected because the wolf of liberalism has entrenched itself in these places. Remember, to the liberal mind "absolutes" are an anathema. This is why when the word liberal and Christian are put together, the word "OXYMORON" lights up like a billboard. But, before casting too many stones in that direction - 57% of Evangelicals agreed there are other ways to heaven.
Evangelical being defined as those who actually believe the Bible is God's inspired - authoritative - absolute - inerrant - true for all always - revelation and perfect guide for our life, redemption, and relationship with our Creator. So basically, disturbingly, about one in three Bible believing Christians also thinks the Cross of Christ is a cross of no account.
Oh, where to start? The obvious would be the Bible's very clear assertion that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and eternal life. John 10:1-21 says He is the Door and those attempting any other entrance are thieves and robbers. John 14:5-21 plainly declares "I am the way...No one comes to the Father except through Me." Peter states it in Acts 4:12 and John in his second epistle, verses 7 through 11. Not to mention the entire text of the New Testament broadcasting the same thing. Isn't it puzzling how so many "christians" in the survey missed these facts; or is it they just don't believe them?
Second, religion saves no one. God did not create us for or call us to a religion with Himself; He created us for and calls us to a relationship with Himself. Huge difference! Religion, in whatever form, is a man made entity intended to either appease God or become our own god. Religion takes our eyes off what God has done and does for us and keeps us focused on what we can do for ourselves - which is nothing; we can do nothing apart from Him. (John 15:1-11) Religion convinces us that good people, nice people doing good and nice things go to heaven. Yet the Bible tells us there are no good people. (Rom 3:9-20) The Bible tells us our works are like filthy rags. (Is 64:4-7) The Bible tells us we all need a Savior. (John 3:16) Religion is a false pursuit that the devil delights in and God hates! And religion will always seek to turn the Cross of Christ into a cross of no account.
More on this next time.