This question is asked of me several times over the years since I became a Christian. There is a simple answer and a logical conclusion to the understanding of the difference between all religions and what Jesus preached and taught from the Biblical scriptures.
All religions including Buddism, Hinduism and Islam as well as (Judism which gave birth to Christianity) teach a system of works on the individuals part to obtain their salvation and to please a holy righteous God. This is created as a ceremonial pageant as well as a sacrifice of ones time, material things, and rituals which are practiced in hopes only.
The problem with this is that these ceremonial practices are produced and created through ones self righteousness and self works. This produces arrogance and a boastful attitude that elevates the individual as feeling they are closer to God and better than others who do not do all the extras they do.
For example: Take a couple of verses from the Koran in the Islamic religion.
009.029 SHAKIR: Fight those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the latter day,
nor do they prohibit what Allah and His Messenger have prohibited,
nor follow the religion of truth, out of those who have been given the Book,
until they pay the tax in acknowledgment of superiority and they are in a state of subjection.
009.030 SHAKIR: And the Jews say: Uzair is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths;
they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them;
As you can see from these verses that if others do not agree with their ceremonial beliefs then their destruction must be their end. Don't get me wrong. Christianity that has drifted into left field through the years and at times has also developed the same self righteous attitude when they departed from the scriptures and basic teaching of Christ.
As part of the Islam religion,all true Muslims must perform 5 duties,called the Five Pillars of Faith.These are given here in their original order:
Lets look at Islam once again. Islam is built upon 5 pillars of faith. They are:
Shahada
(affirmation)
The duty to recite the creed:
"There is nothing worthy of worship save Allah,
and Muhammad is the Messenger of God"
Salat
(prayer)
The duty to worship the One God
in prayer five times each day
Zakat
(almsgiving)
The duty to give away alms and to help the needy
Siyam
(fasting)
The duty to keep the Fast of Ramadan
Hajj
(pilgrimage)
The duty to make the pilgrimage to Mecca
at least once in a lifetime
As you can see from the 5 pillars of faith. They are all dependent upon the individuals duties and manifested works. The other which has been added recently is Jihad. The duty to fight in a holy war. This is another reason we are seeing terrorism abound as many of these unfortunate and naive individuals seek to pleas an unknown God by killing others. The Bible quotes: There will be those who will kill you thinking they are doing God a service.
So what is the foundation of True Christianity that Christ taught. The problems of the world start from the heart. There they are conceived, given nourishment and then manifested outwardly.
In a religion. Salvation would depend upon, duties, rituals, works and self righteousness of each individual giving them a greater opportunity to gain more favor in the after life when they elevate themselves above those who do not. This is the price each individual must pay to gain his or her own salvation with God.
Jesus teachings on the other hand are based upon God himself paying the price for that ugliness which is conceived in the heart and not the individual paying the price. First the heart has to change before the individual can change. Under this practice each human is on the same platform and only has to make a choice to accept his grace, love as Gods gift or to reject it.
Digest this scripture. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works, least any man boast.
God despises man's pride because it is what causes arrogance and hatred. Jesus said that the two greatest commandments were to, Love God with all your heart and the second is like unto the first. To love others as you would love yourself. Everything is based upon these two teachings which is far from any religious teaching or works.
John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. That whosoever believed in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. This takes salvation out of the hands of sinful, corrupt men and places it in the hands of God motivated by LOVE, obedience and desire instead of works.
Other words if God created us then God is also providing an escape for those who will open their hearts in love for his truths and our concerns for each other. Therefore humbleness, remorse, compassion, mercy, grace, love, joy, peace, faith, trust will be the motivation for the individuals works and not his self righteousness. This is what separates the men from the boys and brings us closer to a heavenly Father who demands obedience and not sacrifice to gain his favor.
You will find the final answer in Romans 10: 9-10 for your salvation that will create within you a new person and introduce you to the one who wants to share his love for you.
So forget the religion and embrace a personal relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. "Jesus Christ." You won't be hating and blowing up innocent people, and will become an asset to God and a blessing to others no matter their nationality, creed,religion or color.
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