Founded on mercy

Do all paths lead to God? Some believe that all religions are a variation of the same theme - doing this or that and going to heaven. At first glance, it seems to be so. Hinduism promises the believer unity with an impersonal God. Getting into nirvana requires good works during many rebirths. Buddhism, which also promises nirvana, demands that the four noble truths and the eightfold path through many rebirths be kept.

Islam promises paradise - an eternal life full of sensual gratification and pleasure. In order to get there, the believer must adhere to the Articles of Faith and the Five Pillars of Islam. Leading a good life and sticking to traditions leads the Jews to eternal life together with the Messiah. None of these can save the trailer's rescue. There is always a big if - if you can follow the rules then you will get your reward. There is only one "religion" that can guarantee a good result after death, without at the same time including a reward for good deeds or a right way of life. Christianity is the only religion that promises and delivers salvation through the grace of God. Jesus is the only one who sets no conditions for salvation except the belief in Him as the Son of God who died for the sins of the world.

And so we come to the center of the crossbeam of the "identity in Christ." The work of Christ, which is a work of redemption and replaced the works of men, is grace, at the center of which is our faith. God's grace is given to us as a gift, as a special favor, and not as a reward for anything we have done. We are examples of the incredible riches of God's grace and goodness toward us, as demonstrated in everything He has done for us through Christ Jesus. (Eph 2).

But this can seem too easy. We always want to know, "What's the catch?" "Don't we have to do something else?" For the last 2.000 years, grace has been misunderstood, misapplied, and many have added much to it. Because of gnawing doubt and suspicion that salvation by grace is too good to be true, legalism proliferates. It arose at the very beginning [of Christianity]. Paul gave the Galatians some advice on this matter. "All who want to be respected in the flesh urge you to be circumcised, so that they will not be persecuted because of the cross of Christ [which alone saves]." (Galater 6,12).

As believers in Jesus, the Savior, we are under grace, not under the law (Römer 6,14 and Epheser 2,8). What a blessing to be free from tire jumping and hurdle racing. We know that our sins and sinful natures are covered by the grace of God at all times. We don't have to hold a performance for God, nor do we have to earn our salvation. Do all paths lead to God? There are many paths, but only one way - and it is based on grace.

by Tammy Tkach