What is the significant difference between Christianity and all other religions?
1. All other religions teaches ‘Work Salvation’ – you work towards attaining salvation.
Muslims – must fulfill the 7 pillars of Islam; Hinduism – Karma (do good get good, do evil get evil); Buddism – Charity increases merits and more merits more changes for heaven.
BUT only Christianity teaches us that we can’t do anything to be saved because our merits has been gained on the cross by the Lord Jesus Christ who died for us when we were yet sinners.
2. All other religious founders (gods, goddess, prophets etc.) has died and been buried.
BUT only JESUS rose again from death and won over the final enemy – the death. HE has open the door to Heaven to those who believes in HIM.
So we have HOPE beyond grave because our GOD lives. JESUS is risen and alive.
In John 14:3 – JESUS promised HE will come back to take us with HIM. No other gods or prophets of other religions could have said that because they knew they will die and they don’t even know their destiny after death. ONLY JESUS being God HIMSELF can give us HOPE that HE will prepare a place in Heaven for us and come back to take us with HIM.
The second coming of Christ and HIS plans for us has also been prophesied by 4 others in the Bible:-
1. Angels – Acts 1:11
2. Apostle Paul – 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17
3. Apostle Peter – 2 Peter 3:10-14
4. Apostle John – Revelation 22:12
The 2nd coming of the Lord is the most anticipated and awaited event in the history of mankind! It is yet to fulfil but it will surely fulfill. Our awaits for our Hope with hope. But this waiting period also serves us a great reminder to be prepared for the coming king. Remember! Jesus is not coming back as a Saviour but as a King who will judge all of us.
The words of the Apostle Peter and John scares me when I read them. The hope comes with responsibility and requires some response from our side.
Today, are we prepared for the 2nd coming of the Lord? What if He suddenly comes tonight? Remember! HIS coming is life a thief in the night without and warning or signs.
Apart from all the above the LORD JESUS Christ Himself has foretold us about HIS coming and made some important points that we need to understand. (Mark 13:24-27)
Mark 13:24 – Jesus also warned us before HIS second coming there will be tribulation (suffering/persecution) for God’s children.
Matthew 24: 9 – Again JESUS warns of the suffering we have to face.
Suffering for the Gospel sake is inevitable for Christians. Take heart! Christians are destines to suffer for the Gospel sake.
Matthews 5:10-12 – We are ‘blessed’ when we suffer for Gospel sake. “Blessed” here means ‘happiness that comes from receiving Divine favour’ in Greek. Jesus is saying God’s favor will rest upon those who suffer for HIS name sake.
JESUS has never taught us to run away like cowards when we are confronted with persecution for Gospel sake but endure it till the end (Matthew 24:12-13). Don’t be deceived by many false prophets who teach technics and secrets on how to be spared from persecution.
The Bible is clear, JESUS is clear in HIS teaching that suffering for HIS name sake is inevitable for HIS children. So, let us face persecution with courage and endure through it till the end holding to our faith in our Saviour, Redeemer and God, JESUS Christ.
The Apostle Peter has also warned and taught us in 1 Peter 3: 13-17; 4: 1-2; 12-19.
The 2nd coming of the Lord is certain! It is not a story or prediction but it is our ONLY Living Hope. HE will come back and take us to be with Him forevermore.
Live with a great expectation for the day of the Lord. Live for His glory and having His agenda in our mind rather than ours as Paul says in Colossians 3:1-4.
