A news article the week of November proclaimed that the Pope preached the desire to have brotherhood between Christians and Muslims. He went on to say, “... and the commitment for understanding between cultures ... and for reconciliation,” The Pope claims to be the Vicar of Christ acting in his place and on his behalf. However, preaching brotherhood with Muslims is the very opposite of the scriptures. The scriptures aren’t about reconciliation with other beliefs, but about reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:19: 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  In the two following verses he wrote: 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The major difference between any religion that can be named and the truth presented in the Bible is simple. The scriptures teach belief in Jesus Christ as the only way to God and his consequent salvation. John wrote in John 14:6: 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  The others teach that deeds of some nature will determine salvation. The deeds may be good or they may be destructive, depending on the essence of the religion or belief, but no matter, salvation does not come by works of any kind done for the benefit of self. As Paul wrote: [Ephesians 2:8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [Eph 2:9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [Eph 2:10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

One of the most disturbing issues of trying to appease other beliefs is the fact that any appeasement toward those of other beliefs requires the watering down of the belief system taught in God’s Word, and which in turn requires a fellowship with darkness. John wrote in I John 1:6-7: 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Those who claim to walk in the light of Christ, and who attempt to accommodate other beliefs, all of which have no standing before God, are deluding themselves.

We find the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 6: 14-15: 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  Some claim this refers to the marriage bond but the context makes it clear that Paul is speaking to the believer about the new life in Christ. The old associations can’t continue and contrary to some teachings, those who are married to an unbeliever aren’t required to leave their spouse.     

Reconciliation requires unwavering belief in Jesus Christ as the way to reach God and in Ephesians 5:6-11, Paul reminds the saved of that fact by writing: 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  

Fellowship, a partnership and communion with unbelievers in the name of peace and reconciliation isn’t the way of God. Fellowship in scripture is for like believers who have faith in Christ. Anything else is fellowship with darkness and compromising the truth won’t save anyone. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1Timothy 4:16

© 11-28-2006 DEC

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