The World: Bogus Belief #3

It doesn’t matter what one believes, just as long as you treat people right.

Jesus said, “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.” (John 12:48) In other words, a person has to have faith in Christ and in His word, the bible. Without it, a person can believe whatever philosophy they want—it will do them no good.

He also said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matt 7:13-14) This echoes what Proverbs says: “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Prov 14:12) There are all kinds of roads to heaven—or so we think.

As far as practicing the Golden Rule—which many believe sufficient to enter heaven. note what Jesus said:

“If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (Tax collectors were regarded as the scum of the earth.) If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matt 5:46-48)

God is perfect in the sense in that He extends His blessings (sun, rain, etc) on both good and evil men. If you loan money to your buddy but withhold help from a stranger, you’re not acting as God would act; you’re being discriminate. You’re not practicing the Golden Rule.

Insisting that treating people right will get you into heaven means rejecting Jesus Christ as the means of forgiveness and salvation. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6) You don’t get to heaven without Christ.