This letter is in response to an observation by Colton Long. In that article, he points out that Jewish, Muslim, and Christian religions have the same father, Abraham. Yet they war constantly.
Humans tend to act more strongly on their ideological political and religious perceptions then the true principles of a loving God.
Nevertheless, there are important differences between Christianity and other religions. I don't want to instigate hostility or proselytize but want to inform readers in their decisions regarding a Godly path.
Christians believe that the same God (in whom Jews, Muslims, and Christians all believe) sent His only son to save us from our sins.
None walk through this world sin free. None deserve everlasting life in heaven in His perfect presence. But Christians believe that Jesus died for our sins and that whoever believes in him will not be condemned. We believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and in our own resurrection to heaven.
Jews and Muslims believe they obtain heavenly life through noble actions. But Isaiah warns "all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags."
Can our behavior really impress a powerful God (Allah, or Yahweh) who has laid the Earth's foundation, fixed the limits of the sea, and knows the place where lightning is dispersed? Christians don't believe so. We rely simply on our faith in Jesus Christ to save us from condemnation by a loving yet just God.
Finally, when Christians fail, we fall at the foot of the cross of our Savior's crucifixion for forgiveness and relief from our just punishment.
And that reality is what separates Christianity from all other religions. Christians love our brothers and sisters of all religions. We appreciate our similarities but hold the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ deep in our hearts.
Timothy Pagana M.D
Williamsport
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom
