The first statement in the Ten Commandment which Moses spoke to the people in Exodus 20: 2 is I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage and in verse 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. The meaning of those words didn’t change when Jesus did away with requirements of keeping the law to bring salvation. The same God who is the subject of the commandments is the same God whom Jesus honored and said was his Father, and the same God whom we are instructed to worship and honor. Paul told us in Ephesians 4:6: One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  When God told the children of Israel they were to have no other gods before him, he meant it because he used the word shall and Paul made it plain God is the be all and the end all of all creation.

In Ephesians 4: 4-5 Paul wrote: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, … The word one excludes all others since it is emphatic in intent and singular. President Bush said he believes all religions pray to the same God. He may believe that, but they don’t when the facts are examined. Each religion has a different teaching of what their god is and how he is reached, and not once in his discourse did he mention Jesus Christ; and there is the main difference between the gospel of Christ and the other religions. There can be no other body or group or man that can make a legitimate claim of being a way to God and be acceptable to God. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Additionally, President Bush said, “I believe that Islam is a great religion that preaches peace.”  Many people want peace but on their terms and then as well miss the biblical meaning of peace. The gospel isn’t one that brings peace on earth as the primary object of the gospel. Rather, peace with God will lead to peace with others and the President seems to have missed that most important part of the gospel. When Cain slew Abel it was because Cain was mad at God for blessing his brother and not him.

The gospel message is that peace with God must be made by man and God in Christ made that possible. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:15: Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; The law couldn’t bring peace between man and God. God made that possible with Christ. Paul wrote in Romans 5:1: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  In addition, Paul tells us the how the God brings peace: 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled … That came through Jesus and his shed blood on the cross.

Disparate beliefs can’t cause peace among men when those on one side insist on pushing their belief onto others by force to bring change. The gospel of Christ is the only message on earth that uses the power of the preached word to change the hearts of men toward God and then toward each other. Yet, there is a limit on being at peace with others and it depends on the behavior of those with whom the Christian wishes to make peace. Paul wrote: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12: 18) The McGarvey and Pendleton’s Commentary says it best: It takes two to live at peace.  So far as the Christian is concerned, the rule of peace is absolute.  He must stir up no needless opposition, he must avoid every act likely to give offense, he must harbor no resentment. But, so far as the other party is concerned, the rule is conditional, for no one knew better than Paul, out of life's bitter experiences, that the most sacrificial efforts to keep the peace may be frustrated by the acts of enemies whom no consideration can pacify, no concession quiet. At times the Christian may have to act in a manner that is defensive in nature, and that will be determined by the situation. Peace is the goal, but a very un-peaceable action may be required to bring it about.

None of the other beliefs can bring peace between man and God. They may preach peace, but the message is false as Paul told the Galatians. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9)  Read Exodus 20:2-3 again. God brings man from the bondage of sin and that is one of the reasons we are told to have no other god. Only God though Christ is able to bring the peace so earnestly sought. 

© 10-07-2007 DEC

                                    Next Lesson The Trouble With Jesus

                (Source http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58026)