by Martha Paxson
Everyone, whether or not they claim a specific religion, has faith in something or someone beyond themselves. We trust technology to start our cars each morning, produce a stream of clean water each time we turn on the faucet, or provide electricity that erases our darkness at the flip of a switch.
Religious beliefs also cause us to have faith in different ideologies.
Hinduism and Buddhism focus on karma, good works, and reincarnation to guide their lives.
The Jewish faith believes that one supreme God created the universe and humankind, but that His promised Messiah has not yet come.
Even within what is known as “mainline faiths” there are numerous denominations and distinctions — Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, and more.
What should an intelligent yet questioning seeker believe?
In the same way that none of us would choose to trust a broken water line, a faulty electrical connection to provide power, or a dead battery to energize our cars, we must be certain that any religious doctrine guiding our lives is based solely upon the most reliable Source: the Word of God, our Creator.
The Apostle Peter preached that Jesus Christ alone is able to provide the salvation of our souls (1 Peter 1:8, 9). Early disciples and subsequent believers have willingly sacrificed their lives rather than deny the truth of God as displayed through the life, death, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus.
John 20 describes the attitudes of early believers after Jesus rose from the dead. Mary failed to recognize Christ until He spoke and the fearful disciples doubted her message of hope until they saw Jesus with their own eyes. Yet, the Lord noted that while His followers believed because of seeing, future generations would be blessed by faith alone (John 20:29).
Today, authentic faith finds its source in the Word of God alone. Its Author has proven His trustworthiness, love, and willingness to restore and maintain our relationship with Him. He is the only One Who can — and DOES — guarantee the outcome of your faith in Him.
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