In his last letter entitled "Someone is wrong" (Thursday, July 17), Bill Wiedmann stated there is a problem with the Christian path to salvation because the other religions share the same belief. That false claim can be quickly and easily cleared up if you will go buy a plastic fold-out comparison chart ($3.99 at Lifeway Christian book store) called, "Christianity, Cults and Religions." It compares the main points, side-by-side, of 20 religions and cults with those of biblical Christianity.
You will find out that one of the main critical differences is that the other religions claim that you have to do some kind of good works to earn your salvation. Christianity makes the exclusive claim that salvation is obtained by depending only on the finished work of the all-sufficient sacrifice made by Jesus Christ (the Son of God) on the cross. Christian salvation is a free gift from God that we could never hope to earn by doing enough so-called good works. The preacher Charles Stanley has said: "If our salvation depended upon doing good works, how would we ever know when we had done enough of them?" How terribly insecure we would be trying to perform that impossible task.
Another most serious difference in the religions that the comparison chart will clearly show is how differently each one defines exactly who Jesus Christ is. You really do need to read it for yourself. You will be shocked at how different they really are about Jesus! For example, the Mormons claim that Jesus is the "elder brother" of all spirit beings, including God's enemy, Satan! That's radically different than the Christian definition of Jesus!
Of course, that comparison chart is not the only source I would suggest in finding out the real truth about God and religions. One of my favorite books is, "The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel (a former atheist who got saved by Jesus). You might especially pay much attention to Chapter 5, "It's Offensive to Claim Jesus Is the Only Way to God."
Here is a quote from the beginning of Chapter 5 by theologian R.C. Sproul: "Moses could meditate on the law; Muhammad could brandish a sword; Buddha could give personal counsel; Confucius could offer wise sayings; but none of these men was qualified to offer an atonement for the sins of the world ... Christ alone is worthy of unlimited devotion and service."
Another wonderful book (also in paperback) is, "How Can I Know?" subtitled, "Answers to Life's 7 Most Important Questions" by Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas. In it you'll find chapters such as, "How can I know there is a God?", "How can I know the Bible is true?", "How can I know that Christianity is the right religion?", "How can I know God is good with all the suffering in the world?" and "How can I Know I'm going to heaven when I die?"
Last of all, I would recommend reading the Billy Graham question and answer column featured in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Monday through Saturday) and found where the TV schedule is. You will be surprised how much you will learn in this brief column.
May God bless,
Lloyd Hoffman
Hot Springs
Editorial on 07/21/2014