Faith & Reason Nexus

If all religions are equally valid, then why does Scripture emphasize the following?

1. Christ Took Away One System

• Christ replaced the old law with a new covenant:
  • Hebrews 10:9 – “He takes away the first that He may establish the second.”
  • Colossians 2:14-17 – The old law was nailed to the cross.
  • Matthew 5:17-28 – Jesus fulfilled the Law of Moses, bringing a higher standard.

2. False Teachers Exist

• Scripture warns of false teachings and their danger:
  • Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing.”
  • 1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
  • 2 Peter 2:1-2 – False teachers bring destructive heresies.

3. Multitudes Gave Up One Religion

• Many in the early church left old beliefs and embraced the gospel:
  • Acts 2:5, 37-41 – 3,000 souls responded to Peter’s sermon.
  • Acts 4:4 – Many believed, and the number grew to 5,000.
  • Acts 6:7 – Even priests obeyed the faith.
  • Acts 10:1-6 – Cornelius, a devout man, was directed to hear the gospel.

4. Saul Changed Religions

• Paul (formerly Saul) left his former beliefs to follow Christ:
  • Galatians 1:13-14 – Paul zealously practiced Judaism but turned to Christ.
  • Acts 26:4-5 – Paul testified about his transformation before rulers.

5. Scriptures Emphasize One Way

• The Bible stresses unity and one truth:
  • John 17:20-22 – Jesus prayed for oneness among His followers.
  • Ephesians 4:4-6 – “There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God.”
  • Galatians 1:6-9 – Any other gospel is condemned.

6. Paul Persuaded Men to Follow Truth

• Paul worked tirelessly to convert others:
  • Acts 18:13 – Paul persuaded people to worship God rightly.
  • Romans 10:1-3 – Paul desired that all would know and obey the truth.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 – Paul feared the Corinthians would stray from the simplicity of Christ.

Conclusion: Obey the Truth and Purify Your Soul

• 1 Peter 1:22 – “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth…”

The Bible makes it clear: not all religions are the same. Christ established one true path through His sacrifice, and Scripture repeatedly calls us to reject false teachings, embrace the gospel, and obey the truth for the purification of our souls.