Articles
Only The Real Deal Will Do
At a recent men's breakfast, the speaker told a story about having a conversation with a man who worked for the US Secret Service. They are a branch of the US Treasury Department, and part of what they do is deal with counterfeit money. He pointed out that when these men and women are in training for spotting counterfeit bills, they only train with one bill, the real McCoy. If they know the features and details of the original, they can spot any counterfeit.
Next came a very valid comparison to religion, and while I won't quote what he said, I'll include it in my thoughts here.
Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me..." There is absolutely no counterfeit way to salvation, no look alike, no act alike, no fraud that we can follow, it's Jesus or it doesn't happen.
We can apply the same to His Word. In the same book Ch17 vs 17, Christ says, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." God's Word is truth, and it is the only truth, and no modification, no new rendition, no additions or deletions compose the truth. We either enter Jesus by His truth, or it doesn't happen.
Why then, are there so many versions out there, and why do people make statements like "it doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you believe....we are all going to heaven". People say that, teach that and believe that, but unless scripture itself is UN-true, then that line of reasoning is just flat wrong. Jesus says there is one way! ONE!. By my reasoning, that leaves out all the other teachings out there.
Anything that is not the genuine is a fake. Anything that is not the original is a copy, and never identical. Anything that has additions or deletions is incomplete and therefore not sufficient for salvation. It may look good, feel good, taste good, and otherwise pass the 'smell' test, but unless it is the one and only, it won't work!
Today, take a close look at everything you have come to know regarding religious matters. Remember, Satan has the power to make things look religions, but scripture says they are empty of any power. Don't let something counterfeit fill your heart and keep you from the real thing, Jesus Christ, and His unadulterated Word, which He is, and which He teaches. While something similar may feel OK and even bring total satisfaction, the Bible says it won't work!
