When I was in medical school, I sat through a lecture describing the physiological changes associated with hypertension. During the break, one of my classmates declared, “Wow! When we are all gods someday, it will be so great! No more disease, no more suffering!”
Several of my medical school classmates shifted uncomfortably, some rolled their eyes, and others just nodded and showed no facial expression. Later, in casual conversation, one of my classmates turned to me and said, “Wow, didn’t know that Christians believe that!” I attempted to explain that most Christians do not believe the things he was saying. I then attempted to explain what Christians do believe but his eyes glazed over. “It’s all the same.” He was indiscriminately lumping what my classmate, who was not a Christian, was espousing as mainstream Christianity. I was frustrated but realized that many Christians, including myself, sometimes do the same with other religions.
In college, I did take upper division religion classes, studying other major world religions. I am certainly not an expert but I know enough to recognize when a teaching is a fringe element and not part of their mainstream theology. Christians also need to be well versed with their main doctrinal teachings. To call oneself a Christian, it is critical to understand what one believes in.
I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:4 (NLT)
Some religions teach that when we die, we will all become gods and live with a Supreme God in Heaven. Unfortunately, that is not what the Bible teaches. However, pointing out the contradictions in the Bible may be a futile undertaking since some of these other religions have their own Bible translation which omits key phrases or adds words that support their doctrinal teachings. Yet, even within mainstream Christian churches, heretical teachings have crept in. Our Lord Jesus Christ warned of this.
And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.
Matthew 24:10-11 (NLT)
When Jesus Christ spoke these words, He was warning His disciples of what will happen as we approach the end times, just before the beginning of the Tribulation and the appearance of the Antichrist. Although no one knows when this will begin, we do see many warning signs of wars and rumors of wars, famines, increasing natural disasters, and disease. In these dangerous times, all Christians must be absolutely sure of what they believe. False teachings and teachers are growing and we must be ready to defend our faith.
Amen.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 