NARROW-MINDED CHRISTIANS

In a world of nearly seven billion people, living in over two hundred nations, adhering to over a thousand different religions, and speaking hundreds of languages, it is absolutely ludicrous to believe that only those of like mind will spend eternity with God. After all, didn't Jesus die for the sins of the whole world (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 2:2)? And even though the vast majority of humanity has never heard the name Jesus, all religions believe in God; non-Christians merely call Him by another name, right? Narrow-mindedness has always been a source of mistrust, hatred, and wars. Wouldn't it be great if everyone would simply use the title "God" for God, and thereby remove the main source of division in the world?

Christians are seen as arrogant, and the majority of the world views them as being both ignorant and dangerous. Some writers have even gone so far as to label Christians "haters." Even in America, the last bastion of Christianity, there is a movement to eradicate all hints of their beliefs from society. In fact, this anti-Christian sentiment is gradually becoming the law of the land. The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), nicknamed by some Christians as the "Anti-Christ's Lawyers United." tries to make the appearance of being against all religion, but only takes Christians to court. Apparently, they have no problem with a religion that celebrates the death of Americans, and which has declared its intent to eliminate the Jewish people. I would not be at all surprised if many of them believe that if it weren't for Christians and Jews, the Muslims would be a peaceful people. I hate to inform them that once all Christians and Jews are gone, they will go after the Buddhists and the Hindus next. In fact, while the radical Muslim extremists proudly declare death to America and to Israel, they are blowing up Buddhists, Hindus, and even members of the "other denomination" of Islam. And yet, it is Christianity that is seen as intolerant; go figure!

Well, our critics do have a point. Jesus Himself said, "Enter in at the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there be who go in that way; because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads unto life, and few there be that find it" (Matt. 7:13-14). From these two verses, it appears that Jesus is declaring the majority of humanity will be rejected by God. Jesus was even more narrow-minded when He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes unto the Father, but by Me" (Jn. 14:6). But one might ask, didn't you say that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world? Yes I did. However, one must compare Scripture with Scripture. He also said, "I said, therefore, unto you, that you shall die in your sins; for if you believe not that I am He, you shall die in your sins" (Jn. 8:24). Jesus died for everyone's sins, but each person must receive Him by faith (Jn. 1:12). A person must accept His payment for his sins, or he will have to pay for them himself. It is like someone putting a million dollars into your bank account; it is useless unless you believe it is there, and you spend it. You see, unless one is narrow-minded, he cannot become a Christian! So, I am guilty as charged!