What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Antichrist—Before It’s Too Late

 

The term antichristos appears in the Bible only in the Johannine epistles (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7), but the concept it represents is found more broadly throughout Scripture. The prefix anti denotes opposition—specifically, one who opposes Christ, rather than someone who falsely claims to be Christ. This idea of the ‘antichrist’ can be seen in Old Testament passages such as Daniel 7:7ff and 21ff. In the New Testament, strong opposition to Christ is also described in 2 Thessalonians and the book of Revelation.

When John writes about the antichrist, he does not deny that an evil figure, called the antichrist, will appear at the end of the age. However, he emphasizes that the spirit or attitude of the antichrist is already present in many people (1 John 2:18). John further defines the antichrist as anyone who denies the Father and the Son:

“Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son” (1 John 2:22).

Additionally, John asserts that anyone who refuses to acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh is the antichrist (2 John 1:7).

Although Paul does not use the term antichrist, he refers to a similar figure in 2 Thessalonians 2:3ff, whom he calls “the man of lawlessness.” This figure clearly aligns with John’s antichrist. His defining trait is that he opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship (2 Thess. 2:4), even claiming to be God. While he is not Satan himself, his arrival is powered by the activity of Satan (2 Thess. 2:9).

According to Paul, Satan’s ultimate act is not in the past but lies ahead in the future. Evil will one day make its final and greatest assault on good, led by this mysterious figure who derives his power from Satan. He will be the embodiment of Satan’s climactic rebellion against God.

Nevertheless, the outcome is certain: Christ will destroy the “man of lawlessness” (2 Thess. 2:8), defeating Satan’s final challenge.

The book of Revelation also presents imagery associated with the antichrist. At times, the symbolism refers directly to Satan—for example, the 'great red dragon' in Revelation 12:3, explicitly identified as Satan in verse 9. However, the “beast” of Revelation 11:7, though not Satan himself, is closely associated with him, as demonstrated by his actions.

Ways We Glorify God

 

God has created us to reflect His glory (Psalm 29:2). In all that we do, whether building our relationship with God, loving our neighbours, or exercising stewardship over creation, we are called to display God-like qualities such as skill, integrity, and moral virtue. Although our actions are marred by our sinful nature, they can still reflect the excellence of our Creator. While imperfect, they significantly glorify God.

Here are some ways we can glorify God in our daily lives:

·         When our ultimate goal in life is to glorify God (John 8:50).

·         By loving God above all else (Mark 12:30).

·         By loving our neighbours—parents, spouses, children, relatives, friends, and anyone we encounter (Colossians 3:12–14).

·         Through our good deeds toward others (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

·         In our thoughts and words (Colossians 3:2).

·         By praising God with our lips (Psalm 63:3; 86:12).

·         Through our obedience to God and His Word (Malachi 1:6–7; 2:2).

·         By praying in Jesus’ name (John 14:13).

·         By bearing the fruit of the Spirit (John 15:8).

·         By living a holy life (1 Peter 2:9).

·         Through sexual purity [and marriage] (1 Corinthians 6:18–20).

·         By giving generously (2 Corinthians 9:13).

·         Even through our suffering and in death (John 21:19).

·         By sincerely confessing our sins (Joshua 7:19).

·         Through the strengthening of our faith (Romans 4:20; 2 Peter 3:18).

·         By standing up for God’s truth (Jude 3).

·         By being zealous for His name (Revelation 2:2).

·         By remembering God even in our eating and drinking (1 Corinthians 10:31).

·         When we lead others to God (Galatians 4:19).

·         By giving God the glory for all we have accomplished (1 Corinthians 15:10).

·         Through our work (Colossians 3:23).

·         In how we spend our free time (Ephesians 5:15–16).

·         By honouring God with our health (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

May God bless and keep us always.

The Metaphysics of Glory: The Revelation of God’s Glory in Scripture and Church

 

The term “glory” is generally translated from the Hebrew word kabowd (pronounced kah-BOHD), which conveys the root idea of “heaviness,” and by extension, “weight” or “worthiness” (BibleHub – Heb. 3519). It is often used about humans to describe wealth, splendor, or reputation. For Israel, however, the true source of glory was not her armies but Yahweh Himself (Jeremiah 2:11).

The “glory of God” refers to the manifestation or revelation of God's being, nature, and presence to humanity, often accompanied by physical signs.

In the Old Testament

The glory of Yahweh accompanied HIS people during their exodus from Egypt and was visible in the cloud that led them through the wilderness (Exodus 16:7,10). This same cloud rested on Mount Sinai, where Moses witnessed God’s glory (Exodus 24:15–18). Although no one could see God and live (Exodus 33:20), a partial vision of HIS glory was granted (Exodus 34:5–8).

The glory of Yahweh filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34–35) and was particularly evident during times of sacrifice (Leviticus 9:6,23). Later, it came to dwell in the Temple (1 Kings 8:11; 2 Chronicles 7:1–3).

In the Prophets, the concept of God’s glory is presented both physically, such as in Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiel 1:28), and more spiritually, as seen in Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 40:4–5; 60:1–3). Isaiah’s vision uniquely combines physical and spiritual aspects (Isaiah 6:1–4).

In the New Testament

The Greek word for glory is doxa, meaning honor, splendor, and majesty. In the New Testament, “glory” refers to the revelation of God's character and presence through the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is described as “the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3).

The glory of God was revealed to the shepherds at Jesus' birth (Luke 2:9,14), and to HIS disciples during HIS earthly ministry (John 1:14). It was first revealed at HIS initial miracle (John 2:11) and later at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8). In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ "hour of glory" is understood as the moment of HIS sacrificial death (John 7:39; 12:23).

HIS resurrection and ascension are also seen as powerful manifestations of divine glory (Luke 24:26; Acts 3:13). Ultimately, God's glory will be fully revealed at the Second Coming (Mark 8:38; 13:26).

In the Church

The glory of God, revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, is still to be seen and reflected through the Church (2 Corinthians 4:3–6). This is the glory of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:7–11), which believers share now (1 Peter 4:14) and will share in fullness in the life to come (Romans 8:18), especially as they suffer with Christ.

The mission of the Church is to ensure that the world acknowledges God's glory—displayed in HIS works (Acts 4:21), in HIS followers (1 Corinthians 6:20), and most supremely in HIS Son, the Lord of Glory (Romans 16:27; cf. Romans 15:9).

You Thought Christians Were Safe from Judgment? Think Again!

 

The Bible clearly affirms that there will be a final judgment for both believers and unbelievers. All people will stand before the judgment seat of Christ in their resurrected bodies to hear HIS proclamation concerning their eternal destiny (Rev. 20:11–15; Acts 17:30–31; Rom. 2:5).

Jesus Christ will be the judge (2 Tim. 4:1; Acts 10:42; John 5:26–27). Unbelievers will face judgment (Rom. 2:5–7), which will involve varying degrees of punishment (Rev. 20:12–13; Luke 12:47–48; cf. Matt. 11:22).

Believers, too, will be judged by Christ (Rom. 14:10, 12; 2 Cor. 5:10). However, this judgment will not result in eternal condemnation for them—that is, separation from God in hell (John 5:24; Rom. 8:1). Rather, the day of judgment will be a time of reward for believers and punishment for unbelievers.

During this judgment, all secret words and deeds—even sins—of believers will be revealed (1 Cor. 4:5; Col. 3:25). Just as there will be different degrees of punishment for unbelievers,¹ there will also be varying levels of reward for believers.²

That being said, we sometimes observe individuals who profess to be Christians, yet whose lifestyles raise serious questions about their allegiance—whether they are truly disciples of Jesus or followers of Satan. This is where we must consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21–23:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

These individuals evidently believed they were Christians. They had even exercised spiritual gifts such as prophecy, exorcism, and miracles. Yet Jesus plainly declares, “I never knew you.”

A similar warning is found in the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4). Some people hear the Word, but Satan immediately snatches it away. Others receive it with joy, but because they lack deep roots, they quickly fall away when trouble or persecution arises. Still others are unfruitful because of life's worries, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things.

John 15:6 reinforces this warning: those who do not remain in Christ are like branches that are thrown away and burned. Similarly, sobering passages in Hebrews (6:4–6 and 10:26–31) speak of the danger of falling away after having received the truth.

In conclusion, we must seriously ask ourselves: Are we truly remaining in Christ? Are we bearing fruit? For those who claim to be Christians but do not abide in Christ and bear fruit, Scripture warns that they will be cast away and excluded from the eternal blessing of life with God in heaven.

Endnotes:

¹https://rajkumarrichard.blogspot.com/2022/08/different-levels-of-punishment-in-hell.html

²https://rajkumarrichard.blogspot.com/2021/04/varying-rewards-in-heaven.html

Websites were last accessed on 14/05/2025.

Are Mothers More Important Than Fathers? A Biblical Perspective

 

I recently watched some famous basketball players reflect on their mothers during Mother’s Day. The stories followed a similar theme: these men were raised by single mothers living in deep poverty, yet their mothers somehow made it work. Today, those players are millionaires—if not more.

This made me wonder: are mothers more crucial to a family’s well-being?

I manage a WhatsApp channel, and I posted a poll there asking whether mothers are more important than fathers. Surprisingly, fathers won the poll!

Then I decided to seek wisdom from the Bible.

The Role of a Father

A father in a Christian family has a clearly defined role:¹

• To be the head of the household, marked by love and sacrificial leadership, as Christ leads the church (Eph. 5:23).
• To foster the spiritual growth of his children (Eph. 6:4).
• To provide for the family’s physical needs (1 Tim. 5:8).

From a practical standpoint, God has designed fathers to have a unique and powerful influence on their families:²

• A father’s strength can be a source of protection.
• His words can inspire and motivate.
• His hugs can offer deep comfort.
• His smile can instill joy and confidence.
• His presence can make time fun and productive.
• His physicality can offer healthy challenge.
• His guidance can be life-changing and foundational.
• His correction can be life-saving and life-giving.
• Adventures with him can be exciting and memorable.

The Role of a Mother

A godly mother either possesses or develops the following qualities:³

• Speaks kindly (Prov. 31:26)
• Is nurturing (1 Thess. 2:7–8)
• Is loving (1 Cor. 13:4–5)
• Is patient (Col. 3:12)
• Is wise (Prov. 1:8–9)
• Works hard (Prov. 31:27)
• Is humble (James 4:6)
• Is faithful (Deut. 6:5–7)
• Is compassionate (2 Cor. 1:3–4)

According to Barna research, mothers tend to excel in the following areas:⁴

• Providing spiritual guidance and encouragement
• Engaging in conversations about faith, the Bible, sex, and any concerns children may have
• Supporting their children with encouragement, advice, and empathy

The Complexities of Single Parenthood

But what about single parents?

In a single-parent household, who is more effective—the father or the mother?

The truth is, neither can fully replace the other. Each has a unique, God-given role. However, a key factor for a successful single-parent household is the time and attention the parent can give to the children.

From a practical standpoint, especially when it comes to homemaking and childcare, it’s often more difficult for a single father to manage everything alone. In contrast, a single mother may find it somewhat easier to handle these responsibilities.

To conclude, the best foundation for any family, whether led by two parents or one, is complete dependence on God. A family rooted in Christ will always be better off than one that isn't.

 

Endnotes:

¹https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_father_and_mother.htm

²https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/fathers-matter-the-importance-of-a-father/

³https://therapyforchristians.com/blog/characteristics-of-a-good-mother-in-the-bible

⁴https://www.barna.com/research/moms-christians-households/ 

LGBTQ+ in the Crosshairs: How Will the New Pope Address One of the Church’s Biggest Challenges?

 

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has become the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church, assuming the title Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American ever to hold the papacy, marking the beginning of a new era for the Roman Catholic Church. 

Now the spiritual leader of nearly 1.1 billion Catholics—nearly double the estimated 600 million Protestants—Pope Leo XIV faces the monumental task of guiding the Church forward. The pressing question is: Will he follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis, or forge a different path?

Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, made significant strides in promoting inclusivity within the Church, particularly concerning the LGBTQ+ community. His famous remark—

“If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”

—underscored his more open stance.

Time Magazine Source 

 In 2023, Pope Francis ruled that Catholic priests could bless same-sex couples and signed a document allowing transgender individuals to be baptized and serve as godparents.

In contrast, Pope Leo XIV has expressed a more traditional perspective. In a 2012 address to bishops, he criticized the influence of Western media and culture, stating they promoted “sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel.” He specifically referenced the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.”

New York Times Source 

On the issue of gender dysphoria, Pope Leo XIV has also taken a conservative stance. As Bishop of Chiclayo in northwestern Peru, he opposed government efforts to include gender education in schools, saying:

“The promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it seeks to create genders that don’t exist.”

New York Times Source

The question now looms large:

Will the new Pope take a conservative path, or will he prove to be as progressive—or even more so—than Pope Francis?

Time will tell.

 In the meantime, let us uphold Pope Leo XIV in our prayers. May he lead the Roman Catholic Church with wisdom, compassion, and faithfulness, guiding believers to be devoted disciples of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Is The Christian Doctrine Of Salvation Flawed?

 

Many good people adhere to non-Christian worldviews. They avoid heinous acts such as child abuse, torture, rape, and murder. While they may sometimes lie, curse, think bad thoughts, or occasionally cheat, they do not cause significant harm to others. However, according to the Bible, they are still destined for hell.

Meanwhile, Christians commit similar or even worse sins but are promised heaven simply because of their faith in Christ.

How is this fair?

To examine the validity of the Christian doctrine of salvation, we must first define the term ‘salvation.’

Salvation is defined as “deliverance from the power and effects of sin,” “liberation from ignorance or illusion,” or “preservation from destruction or failure.”¹

Understanding the Christian definition of sin is crucial. Sin is essentially “doing what is wrong,” “missing the mark,” or “a positive act of committing evil that ought not to be done.” A more profound definition of sin is that it is “an assault on God.”

The Bible teaches that sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). Sinful acts are described as follows:

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like” (Galatians 5:19-21; cf. Mark 7:21-22).

Some may wonder why sin matters. Why does the Christian faith place such importance on sin and its effect on humanity’s eternal destiny?

According to the Bible, those who sin fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). God is holy, and those who believe in Him are called to be holy: 

“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:14-16; cf. James 4:4; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

Since sin affects humanity’s relationship with God, it matters, especially in the context of eternal life with Him.

Because sin separates man from God, every religion teaches its doctrine of salvation.

The Christian Doctrine Of Salvation

Christianity teaches salvation by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8-10 states:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

The Bible explicitly states that salvation is only possible through belief in Jesus Christ:

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6; cf. John 3:18; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5-6).

A key distinction between Christianity and other religions is the mode of salvation. In most religions, salvation is achieved through rituals or good works (salvation by works). In Christianity, however, God seeks humanity by sacrificing Himself on the cross, so that those who believe in Jesus Christ receive the benefits of HIS atoning sacrifice (salvation by grace through faith).

If salvation depended on good works, the responsibility of salvation would shift from God to man. However, humanity is prone to sin, making perfect obedience impossible. Every good deed would be tainted by sin.

Salvation: “DO” Vs. “DONE”

All major religions outside Christianity emphasize doing good works for salvation. Christianity, on the other hand, proclaims that salvation is done—God bore the sins of the world, died on the cross, and resurrected on the third day, defeating sin and death.

The Question Of Justice

It is undeniable that many non-Christians are good people. They avoid heinous crimes, yet according to the Bible, they are destined for hell. Meanwhile, Christians who sin—even grievously—are promised heaven because of their faith in Christ.

How should this apparent contradiction be reconciled?

No human—Christian or not—is sinless. Everyone sins, and because God is holy, there is a colossal schism (massive gap) between man and God. Every religion teaches a way for man to be saved from sin.

But What About Christians Who Continue To Sin After Salvation?

The Bible teaches that those who believe in the Triune God and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ are not condemned:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2).

Christians, though forgiven, still have a sinful nature. However, when they place their faith in Christ, the power of sin is broken (cf. Romans 6:20-23, 7:14-15, 8:8).

Upon surrendering to Jesus, believers become God’s children (Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:15). Just as children sometimes disobey their parents, Christians sometimes disobey God. However, they can no longer live in sin as they did before because their nature has changed (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 3:4-10).

1 John 1:9 teaches that believers should confess & repent of their sins and seek God’s forgiveness. Confession involves acknowledging the severity of sin and turning away from it. This should be a continual practice in a believer’s life.

Though believers still struggle with sin, Jesus intercedes for them as their High Priest (Romans 8:34). The goal is holiness, and sanctification will one day be complete (1 John 3:2). Until then, Christians continue to fight against sin (Matthew 5:29-30; Colossians 3:5-8).

What About Hypocritical Christians?

The Bible clearly states that faith in Christ should produce good works:

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26; cf. John 12:46, 15:5).

A Christian’s life should bear the fruit of the Spirit:

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-25).

If a Christian’s life remains unchanged after salvation, they are in a dangerous spiritual position.

Conclusion: Is The Christian Doctrine Of Salvation Flawed?

No, the doctrine is not flawed.

1. Christians are saved solely because of Christ’s death and resurrection.

2. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not works.

3. Born-again Christians should strive to live a holy life.

The Christian doctrine of salvation teaches that no one can earn salvation through good deeds. Instead, salvation is a gift from God, freely given to those who believe in Jesus Christ. True faith should manifest in righteous living, reflecting the transformative power of grace.

Endnotes:

¹https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salvation

Guidance from An Early Christian Teaching on Living a Christ-Centered Life

The question of how Christians should live their lives resonates with every sincere believer.

The early Christian apologetic text, The Letter to Diognetus, provides a profound and compelling teaching from which every Christian can learn.

CompellingTruth.org describes this letter as follows:

"The Letter to Diognetus, also sometimes referred to as The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus, is a letter defending the Christian faith. Believed to have been written between AD 130 and AD 180, this letter is possibly the earliest example of Christian apologetics, which is the exercise of using reasoned arguments to defend Christian belief and practice. The letter was found in a thirteenth-century codex ascribed to Justin Martyr and first published in 1592. Because of its reasoned defense of Christianity, many transcripts of the letter were made, which is fortunate because the original was destroyed in a fire in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War.

The Greek writer and recipient are unknown. Mathetes means 'student' or 'disciple,' and Diognetus means 'God-born.' The writer claims to be a disciple of the apostles and uses language consistent with an ancient Christian community known as Johannine Christians, who emphasized the apostle John's teachings. The recipient being addressed as 'God-born' is also consistent with John's teaching that those who believe are 'born of God' (John 1:12–13; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18)."*

Source: CompellingTruth.org

 May God bless you as you read this wonderful teaching from the second century. May our lives be shaped to reflect Christ in all that we do. You can read the full text here: Christian-History.org

 

Chapter Five

Christians are not distinguished from other men by country, language, nor by the customs which they observe. They do not inhabit cities of their own, use a particular way of speaking, nor lead a life marked out by any curiosity. The course of conduct they follow has not been devised by the speculation and deliberation of inquisitive men. The do not, like some, proclaim themselves the advocates of merely human doctrines.

Instead, they inhabit both Greek and barbarian cities, however things have fallen to each of them. And it is while following the customs of the natives in clothing, food, and the rest of ordinary life that they display to us their wonderful and admittedly striking way of life.

They live in their own countries, but they do so as those who are just passing through. As citizens they participate in everything with others, yet they endure everything as if they were foreigners. Every foreign land is like their homeland to them, and every land of their birth is like a land of strangers.

They marry, like everyone else, and they have children, but they do not destroy their offspring.

They share a common table, but not a common bed.

They exist in the flesh, but they do not live by the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, all the while surpassing the laws by their lives.

They love all men and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned. They are put to death and restored to life.

They are poor, yet make many rich. They lack everything, yet they overflow in everything.

They are dishonored, and yet in their very dishonor they are glorified; they are spoken ill of and yet are justified; they are reviled but bless; they are insulted and repay the insult with honor; they do good, yet are punished as evildoers; when punished, they rejoice as if raised from the dead. They are assailed by the Jews as barbarians; they are persecuted by the Greeks; yet those who hate them are unable to give any reason for their hatred.

Chapter Six

To sum it all up in one word, what the soul is in the body, that is what Christians are in the world.

The soul is dispersed through all the parts of the body, and Christians are scattered through all the cities of the world. The soul lives in the body, yet is not of the body; Christians live in the world, yet are not of the world.

Pope Francis Makes Headlines Again! Is Every Religion A Way To Arrive At God?

 

Vatican News reported, “During an interreligious meeting at Singapore's Catholic Junior College, Pope Francis urged young people to work toward unity, become responsible citizens, and pass down what they have learned to future generations.” He continued, “God is God for all, and if God is God for all, then we are all sons and daughters of God.” Pope Francis also said, “All religions are paths to reach God. They are, to make a comparison, like different languages or dialects to get there. But God is God for everyone.”¹

Is every religion a way to arrive at God? Are all religions the same? Do all religions lead to heaven?

No.

In an earlier blog of mine, I explained why all religions cannot lead to God & heaven:²

“Three reasons could be posited to explain why all religions cannot lead us to God and heaven:

            1. Every major religion contradicts the other.

            2. There can be only one God.

            3. There can be only one means of salvation.

Every Major Religion Contradicts The Other

Every major religion claims exclusivity. I provided a glimpse of the exclusivity claims of the major world religions in an earlier article of mine, entitled Exclusivity Claims of Major World Religions. While discussing the exclusivity claims of Hinduism, I wrote, “Hinduism excludes other religions based on its core doctrines. Consider the doctrine of God in Hinduism. Brahman, the absolute God of Hinduism, is a mysterious being.

Although Brahman is one God, he manifests in innumerable forms, “Hinduism is unique because it is essentially a monotheistic faith which acknowledges polytheism as reflective of the diversity in God’s creation. God is one, but also many. He manifests Himself in innumerable forms and shapes.” But the God of Christianity does not manifest Himself in innumerable forms. Hence, Hinduism should exclude Christianity or Islam on the basis of the Godhead. The same holds true for doctrines such as karma and reincarnation, which absolutely contradict Christianity and other religions.”

Even Islam, Buddhism and Judaism claim exclusivity. So if every religion contradicts the other, then all religions are not teaching the truth. Only one religion would teach the truth, whereas the others do not.

Historic Christianity also claims exclusivity. Conservative Christians believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven. This belief renders every non-Christian as an eternal inhabitant of hell. But the conclusion that Jesus is the only way to heaven is predicated on the premise that Christianity is the only religion that makes valid truth claims.

Since every religion contradicts the other, all religions cannot lead man to God and heaven.

One God

God is the ‘maximally great being’ or the ‘greatest conceivable being’ or the ‘greatest being possible.’ The maximally great being should be omnipotent (infinitely powerful), omniscient (possessing unlimited knowledge), and morally perfect, to say the least. 

Such a maximally great being ought to be singular. In other words, there cannot be two maximally great beings. They cannot be maximally great if they are equal. Maximal greatness signifies that one of the two would essentially be greater than the other.

Therefore, there can only be one God.

One Salvation

Salvation is the deliverance from the power and penalty of sin. Sin is an assault on God. In other words, sin is the transgression or violation of God’s commands.

If God is one, then the sin of mankind is essentially against that God (because there are no other Gods). Hence, there can be only one means of salvation, for it is that one infinite God who offers the means of salvation to erring finite humans.

But what if God offers two or more means of salvation to the erring humans? Is this possible? It is possible as long as the means of salvation do not contradict each other.

There are two major means of salvation offered by the major world religions. While Historic Christianity offers salvation by the grace of God through faith in Christ, the other major world religions teach salvation through good works.

Salvation by grace through faith is a non-negotiable tenet of Historic Christianity. Historic Christianity teaches that mankind cannot perform good works (i.e. be perfectly obedient to God) to go to heaven because man is a perpetual sinner. Hence, God graciously sent HIS Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to die on behalf of all (the sins) of mankind, thereby paying the penalty for sin, which is death. Christ then overcame death through HIS resurrection and ascension. Thereby, those who believe in Christ are saved by virtue of Christ’s one-time perfect sacrifice and their belief in HIM.

Contrarily, the other major world religions teach that mankind would have to perform good works i.e. being obedient to God, to go to heaven. For instance, Islam teaches that worship of God and obedience to his commands are the prerequisites for salvation.

Hence, salvation by grace through faith contradicts salvation through good works. Since the means of salvation in other religions and Christianity contradict each other, there could only be one way to be saved.

Conclusion

There is only one way to God. All religions cannot lead us to God. Those believing that all religions lead to God are treading dangerously. They are risking their eternity.

If you are in that boat, think this through and make sense of your life. If you pray to God to lead you to the right path, HE will. May the truth set you free.

 

Endnotes:

¹https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-09/pope-calls-singapore-youth-unity-during-interreligous-dialogue1.html

²https://rajkumarrichard.blogspot.com/2019/01/three-reasons-why-all-religions-do-not.html

Websites last accessed on 15^th September, 2024.

DOES JESUS CHRIST HAVE TWO WILLS OR ONE? (MONOTHELITISM OR DYOTHELITISM)

Whether God incarnate, Jesus Christ, has two wills or one is pertinent for a better understanding of our Lord Jesus and how His truly human and truly divine natures relate to one another. Before we proceed any further, let us define certain vital terms related to our context:

Person: “Person” is a center of self-consciousness, intentionality, and will.¹

Nature: That which makes humans distinctly human rather than animals.

Will: That which enables a deliberate action.

Monothelitism: Jesus has only one will – a divine will.

Dyothelitism: Jesus has two wills – a human and a divine.

Jesus Christ is a divine person (the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity) with both a divine nature and a human nature (the Hypostatic Union). Therefore, the question of wills in Jesus Christ is predicated on whether the will is a function of the “person” or the “nature.”

If the will is a function of the person, then Jesus Christ should have only one will, which is the divine will. If the will is a function of one’s nature, then Jesus Christ should have two wills—one divine and one human—because Jesus has two natures: one divine and one human.

Ligonier.org explains why the church voted in favor of the Dyothelitism view: “Monothelitism was declared a heresy and the reason it was declared a heresy is because the church concluded a will is in extent an essential part of a nature. If Jesus didn't have a human will as well as the divine will, it would be very difficult to see him as truly and fully human. We know he has a divine will because he was the Logos from all eternity and the second person in trinity that has a will. So, we know he has a divine will. If he has only one will it's just the divine will and the church, I think, rightly concluded that that would mean he did not have a fully human nature because he wouldn't have a fully human will.”²

On the contrary, Dr. William Lane Craig holds to Monothelitism. He states, “…the will is properly a faculty of a person rather than of a nature, I believe that there is but one will in Christ, despite his having two natures. For there is one person who is Christ, namely, the divine second person of the Trinity.”³

A common objection posed to the Monothelitism view is: if the will is a function of personhood, then would the Triune God—who is one God in the form of three persons—possess three distinct wills? If so, would these wills contradict each other? If they contradict each other, then they cease to be God, as this situation would limit God’s omniscience.

William Lane Craig states that God’s absolute perfection entails a perfect harmony between their wills, “Now if we affirm a robust conception of a person as a center of self-consciousness, intentionality, and will, as I think we should, it follows that the three Trinitarian persons have three wills. Of course, as the wills of three perfect persons, their wills always agree and are in harmony. Though there are three distinct acts of will, they all will the same thing.”⁴ [Emphasis Mine]

The church affirmed Dyothelitism by considering the following verses from the Bible:

Matthew 26:39 (NIV): “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  

Luke 22:42 (NIV): “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

John 5:30 (NET): “I can do nothing on my own initiative. Just as I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will, but the will of the one who sent me.”

John 6:38 (NET): “For I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me.”

Other passages assume human will in Christ (John 4:34, 5:19. 8:29, 14:31; Rom. 5:19; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 10:9.

To defend his position, Craig argues that if the will is associated with one’s nature then Christ should have two persons – a divine and a human.⁵

This is nothing more than an introduction to this complicated subject where, I believe, theology and philosophy should intersect to provide an adequate understanding of it.

Endnotes:

¹https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/monothelitism-and-the-trinity

²https://www.ligonier.org/posts/does-jesus-have-one-or-two-wills

³https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/monothelitism-and-the-trinity

⁴Ibid.

⁵https://www.reasonablefaith.org/media/other-videos/dyothelitism-vs-monothelitism & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIr3o799aFA&ab_channel=ReasonableFaithOrg

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