What Does The Bible Say About Other Religions?
With over 4,000 religions in the world, you may wonder what the Bible says about other faiths. If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: The Bible teaches that salvation is found through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Other religions do not provide the way to heaven.
In this comprehensive article, we will examine several key Bible passages to understand the biblical perspective on world religions. We’ll cover topics like whether all religions lead to God, what the Bible says about other gods, and how Jesus viewed other faiths.
Exclusivity of Salvation in Jesus
Jesus is the Only Way to the Father
The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ is the only way to God the Father and eternal salvation. Jesus himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
The apostles also taught that there is no other name under heaven by which people can be saved (Acts 4:12). This means that a relationship with God is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ. His sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and resurrection provide the only way for people to have their sins forgiven and receive eternal life.
All other religious leaders and systems point to human efforts to try to reach God, but the Bible says our efforts are insufficient. We need the salvation Jesus offers because He alone is God incarnate come into the world to redeem mankind.
The exclusivity of Christ sounds narrow-minded in today’s pluralistic society, but it is consistent with Scripture’s claim that Jesus is the unique God-man Savior of the world.
Salvation is Only Through Jesus’ Sacrifice
The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). Every person needs forgiveness and salvation because our sin separates us from a holy God. The good news is that God showed His great love for us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:8).
When Jesus died, He took upon Himself the punishment we deserve for our sins. His sacrifice makes forgiveness and cleansing from sin available to all who place their faith in Him. Salvation comes solely by God’s grace, not human effort or goodness (Ephesians 2:8-9).
When people trust in Jesus alone for salvation, their sins are wiped away, and they are given new spiritual life as children of God. This salvation through faith in Christ is a gift offered to all, but it is only effective for those who repent and believe in Jesus.
Without personal faith in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to pay for sin, there is no salvation. Every other religious teacher has died and remained in their tomb. Only Jesus conquered death and offers salvation to all who believe in Him.
Call to Make Disciples of All Nations
Though Jesus is the only way of salvation, Scripture calls believers to make disciples of Christ among people of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). First, Christians should share the gospel of Christ sensitively and respectfully with people of other religions.
Second, disciples should love others sincerely as Christ commanded, no matter their religious background. Believers can build relational bridges with diverse neighbors to minister effectively. Third, Christians can work together with people of various faiths to serve the needy and pursue justice in society.
Cooperation to make the world better provides opportunities to share Christ’s love in action. Fourth, disciples of Jesus should pray persistently for all peoples to hear the gospel and respond in faith. Missions-minded churches realize many in the world have little access to hearing about Jesus.
Expanding cross-cultural evangelism efforts offers more people a chance to accept God’s gift of salvation in Christ.
Monotheism and Idolatry
No Other Gods Before the Lord
The Bible clearly states that there is only one true God and that believers should worship no other gods or idols. Exodus 20:3 says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” This commandment forms the basis for the monotheistic belief in the one true God.
As Deuteronomy 6:4 declares: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” The God of the Bible demands exclusive devotion since He alone is the Creator and Sustainer of life.
Consequences of Following False Gods
The Bible contains warnings about following other gods. Those who turn to false gods face negative consequences. As Jeremiah 11:12 explains, “Then the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they offer incense, but they cannot save them in the time of their trouble.”
Praying to gods who have no real power is an exercise in futility. Only the one true God can respond to prayers. Following false gods also leads people astray morally (1 Kings 11:1-13).
Avoiding Idolatry
Since idolatry displeases God, the Bible instructs believers to avoid it. Passages like 1 John 5:21 provide clear direction: “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” An idol can be anything that substitutes for the one true God.
Even for modern believers, John Calvin warns that “the evil in our hearts is a factory of idols.” Avoiding idolatry requires staying focused on the Lord through prayer, reading Scripture, fellowship with other believers, and living by biblical principles.
The Bible clearly promotes monotheism – belief in one God. It condemns polytheism and idolatry. As passages like Isaiah 46:9 remind us, “I am God, and there is none like me.” There is no other true, all-powerful, eternal creator God besides the Lord.
Any “god” apart from Him is merely a weak imitation that offers nothing to its followers.
Jesus and Other Faiths
Jesus as the Truth
Jesus made the profound statement “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This affirms Jesus’ role as the sole route to salvation and an intimate relationship with God.
The apostles likewise preached that there is no other name under heaven by which one can be saved (Acts 4:12). This highlights the uniqueness and exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the one way to God. Though seemingly narrow-minded, it stems from Jesus’ own words and the Bible’s overarching narrative of redemption through Christ alone.
This truth prompts Christians to spread the gospel worldwide since people’s eternal destiny hinges on responding to it.
Tolerance and Love for All People
Though Christianity teaches that faith in Christ is the only way to heaven, it does not negate being tolerant and loving to people of all faiths or no faith. Jesus taught His followers to love their neighbors (Luke 10:27), including enemies (Matthew 5:44).
The Bible also instructs believers to live at peace with everyone if possible (Romans 12:18). This exemplifies treating all people with dignity, respect, and compassion. However, it does not mean endorsing other religions as equally valid paths to God.
Christians can genuinely love others without approving of their beliefs. In fact, their urgency to share Christ stems from a deep desire to see people experience salvation through Him.
Urgency to Spread the Gospel
If Jesus is indeed the only way to a relationship with God and eternal life, it logically creates an imperative for Christians to spread this message globally. Though some accuse Christians of being intolerant for doing so, exclusivity and urgency go hand-in-hand given what is at stake – where one spends eternity.
Christians believe ultimate love is making sure people hear about salvation in Christ (Acts 4:20), even at personal cost. This leads to making disciples locally and supporting foreign missions. According to Gordon-Conwell’s Center for the Study of Global Christianity, over 50,000 foreign Christian missionaries were sent globally as of 2020.
Such mobilization stems from Jesus’ Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This urgency brings the gospel worldwide though some sadly reject its exclusive claims about Jesus.
Conclusion
In closing, while the Bible recognizes the existence of other belief systems, it clearly teaches salvation is found exclusively through Jesus Christ. Christians are called to share this good news with gentleness and respect.
By examining what Scripture says about world religions, we gain wisdom in relating to people of all faith backgrounds.
