Many "faiths"

"Many Faiths"

Did Jesus pray for his disciples to be divided? "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:20,21).

While attending a "revival" being held by a local denomination, one of the visitors was a local "pastor" from another denomination. He was asked to lead the opening prayer, and during his prayer, he said, "We thank God for the many faiths today, that we may choose the one we want as we serve Christ". Probably most of the religious citizens of our area have heard this type of statement made. Considering this statement, let’s ask some questions: Was the statement a good one? Was it true to God’s Word? Did it just sound good, so, since it did not affect your outlook on "your" religion, it seemed right?

It is our hope and expectation that you will take your Bible and, in the light of God’s Word, examine the things in these articles to see if they are in line with the Bible. The standard by which we must judge all teaching is His Word, and if a teaching does not conform to that standard, each of us has a God-given responsibility to let the teacher or writer know. If in the comparison of a teaching with God's Word one finds he has not obeyed God’s Word, but rather the word of a man, he must at once renounce that word and accept and obey God’s Word, if he expects to please God.

There can be no doubt that, in light of John 17:20,21, the preacher's prayer noted above was wrong and not in keeping with God’s Word. The "faith" is that which we are to believe, and we are to contend earnestly for the "faith" (Jude 3). This faith was delivered to the saints in the first century AD. It has been in effect for over 1900 years, and remains in effect today. The "ones" listed by Paul in Ephesians 4:5 remain yet today unchanged. There is still only "one faith". To believe and teach a lie, and even to use the avenue of prayer to God to promote a lie, does not change the fact that it is still a lie.

In a religious world that promotes division, it becomes even more urgent that each of us study God’s Word to know what He requires, as well as what He hates and will not accept. Free by-mail Bible courses will come to your home, with just your request. No one will call on you, or ask you for money. You use your own Bible and study at your own pace. The important thing is to know what the Bible teaches!