Subtitle: "…those based on human achievement and those based on divine accomplishment."
Excerpt: "…those based on human achievement and those based on divine accomplishment."
Quote Source – John MacArthur
A Biblical Christian worldview perspective – MacArthur went on to say, “One says you can earn your way to Heaven; the other says you must trust in Jesus Christ alone.”
Short, pithy quotes on the deep truths of God can be thought-provoking, but often fall short of their intended purpose. Respectfully, MacArthur makes a good point but misses the broader picture.
His statement is limited to those who believe there is a Heaven, and many do not. Further, it speaks to the difference between a works-based salvation vs. a grace-based theology (Ephesians 2:8-9), but misses the gospel message that undergirds God’s divine accomplishment in providing a pathway for those who wish to follow it. Finally, his quote fails to address the source of this dichotomy, given that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of varying religions in the world, each offering a unique path beyond death.
Why only Two Religions?
Ultimately MacArthur is correct; there are only two religions, but the difference between them is more vast than he suggests.
First, there is Biblical Christianity, which is a belief in a Trinitarian Creator-God as defined in His love letter to mankind, the Bible. We have the option of accepting Him by faith through a belief in His Son, Jesus Christ, as both our Savior and Lord. The link below provides more detail on this heart change, which involves repentance or turning away from our sin.
The second religion in the world is to reject the first. Since our time on earth is relatively short, our true nature will be seen on the other side of the grave. In this supernatural realm there are only two paths, Heaven with God or Hell without God; hence, there are only two religions.
Biblical Christianity encompasses a supernatural worldview that reflects the dichotomy between good and evil, God and Satan, Heaven and Hell, and our spirit vs. the Holy Spirit. This perspective contrasts with an earthly view, which recognizes thousands of different religions. The former suggests not only clarity and eternality but also represents a milestone of our lives, which falls outside of time. The latter is mankind’s way of discounting God entirely or approaching Him on our terms with our own false set of beliefs.
Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words
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