If God is so loving, why then, is the path to heaven so narrow?

All Questions, Christianity

If God is so loving, why is the Christian path to heaven so narrow?

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Christianity,   All Questions

Last Updated

Feb 15, 2025

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This question can be further elaborated by another question “why is the Christian path so narrow, and why does it not include many who think they are right in their own consciences?”

In order to answer this question, we must first understand why so many religious beliefs exist and why they have conflicting views of God. This diversity is because of Satan’s intention to deceive souls, preventing them from hearing and understanding the true gospel.

Even if you have a legal currency note, counterfeit currency will always exist. Similarly, while counterfeit religions may seem right in people’s minds, they are only replicas made by Satan to divert attention from the true God.

What is fascinating about the Christian path to heaven is that while it is narrow it is a road full of mercy and grace. Contrary to being restrictive, the Christian path is inclusive in its call for faith in Jesus Christ.

In fact, if the Christian path had been overly restrictive, it would have included many burdensome requirements to reach heaven, such as stringent laws to follow, monetary contributions, or deeds to perform to escape a caste system for example and so on.

However, Christianity does not demand these; it offers salvation freely through faith in Jesus Christ.

Comparing worldviews

Take, for example, the pantheistic worldview (with its caste system). In this system, there is no opportunity for individuals to change their predetermined path. They are ultimately at the mercy of the universe to settle their karmic debt. Such a path, with no avenue for liberation should be considered restrictive and narrow.

This is in stark contrast to Christianity, which offers freedom and hope to all who put their faith in Him, regardless of their background.

As far as Christianity is concerned, Jesus’ statement that He will not cast out anyone who comes to Him (John 6:37) is indicative of an inclusive path. It simply points out that all who put their trust in Him  can enter the gates of heaven. The narrowness lies only in the fact that we cannot create our own truths or tailor religion to our preferences.

Bible says God is one, and His provision (His salvation) is one. By turning away from His provision, we are, in effect, not submitting to the generosity of God but becoming narrow in our decision-making.

The path prescribed in the Bible is not restrictive at all; rather, it is a road filled with God’s prevenient grace and is a free gift for the entire world to receive as the apostle John perfectly records;

John 3:16 (NKJV)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

The Christian path is narrow in truth but wide in grace—offering salvation freely to all who believe in Christ.

Why Christianity?

All Questions, Christianity

Why Christianity?

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Christianity,   All Questions

Last Updated

Feb 15, 2025

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In a world filled with religions, many people often ask, “why Christianity?” What makes the Christian faith unique? Here are some key aspects that set Christianity apart.

Christianity is testable: 

Unlike many other religions, Christianity stands out because it is based on absolute truth and is open to investigation. The claims of Christianity are rooted in historical events that can be examined and verified.

We have extensive manuscript evidence that supports the reliability of the biblical texts, and archaeological discoveries continually confirm the events recorded in the Bible. For instance, finds like the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Pool of Bethesda, and inscriptions mentioning Pontius Pilate all validate the historical accuracy of Scripture. Additionally, non-Christian historical sources, such as writings by Tacitus and Josephus, also reference Jesus and the early Christian movement, further supporting the authenticity of the Christian faith.

    Jesus claimed to be God:  

    One of the most distinguishing features of Christianity is Jesus’ claim to divinity. Jesus did not merely point the way to God; He declared that He was God Himself. He performed miracles, forgave sins, and ultimately proved His divine nature through His resurrection—an event witnessed by hundreds and well-documented both within and outside the Bible.

    No other religious leader in history claimed to be divine in the way that Jesus did. His statements, such as “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30) and “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9), affirm His identity as God. Jesus’ resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian belief, providing undeniable evidence of His power over life and death.

      The Bible:  

      Christianity is grounded in the Bible, which stands as the most substantiated religious text in history. It is the only religious authority that claims to be the revealed Word of God and demonstrates its divine inspiration through fulfilled prophecy, historical accuracy, and internal consistency.

      Prophecies about the Messiah in the Old Testament, such as those found in Isaiah and Psalms, were fulfilled precisely in the life of Jesus Christ. The Bible’s consistency across 66 books, written by over 40 authors from different backgrounds and times, further testifies to its supernatural origin. No other religious text has been preserved, scrutinized, or validated to the same extent as the Bible.

        Salvation  

        Another key distinction of Christianity is its message of grace. While other religions require adherents to earn their way to salvation through good works, rituals, or moral behavior, Christianity offers salvation as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ.

        This emphasis on grace means that Christians do not strive for salvation through their own efforts but live in response to the gift of grace they have received. Salvation is not earned; it’s freely given through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. This assurance of salvation provides a peace that no other religion offers.

          Cultural and Historical impact  

          Christianity’s influence extends far beyond religious belief; it has significantly shaped the course of human history. Its principles have influenced art, literature, law, and human rights, laying the foundation for much of Western civilization. The abolition of slavery, the promotion of women’s rights, and the establishment of hospitals and educational institutions are just a few examples of Christianity’s positive impact on society.

          The moral and ethical teachings of Christianity have guided societies for centuries, advocating for the dignity and worth of every individual. No other religion has had such a profound impact on the world’s cultural and historical landscape.

            Relationship  

            Above all, Christianity is about a personal relationship with the Creator, not just following a set of rules or rituals. Unlike man-made religions where individuals strive to reach God through their efforts, Christianity teaches that God reached down to humanity through Jesus Christ.

            This relationship is not based on human merit but on God’s love and grace. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit allows believers to experience God’s presence, guidance, and love on a daily basis, making Christianity not just a religion but a transformative personal experience.

              Conclusion  

              Christianity is unique among world religions because it is testable, grounded in historical evidence, and based on the claims of a Savior who not only taught about God but proved He was God. The Bible stands unmatched as the divinely inspired Word of God, with fulfilled prophecies that validate its authenticity. Christianity offers salvation as a free gift, transforming lives through grace rather than human effort. Its influence on culture, history, and individual lives is unparalleled, and it offers a personal relationship with God that goes beyond religious duty.

              So why Christianity? Because it answers life’s deepest questions, offers a secure hope, and invites you into a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe.

              What will you do with this truth, and how will you share the gospel with those around you?

                Christianity stands unique—rooted in history, centered on grace, and offering a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

                Can we lose our salvation if we commit another sin?

                All Questions, Salvation

                Can we lose our salvation if we commit another sin?

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                Salvation,   All Questions

                Last Updated

                Feb 5, 2025

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                A common trick used by the devil to stunt a Christian’s growth is to make the believer believe that God will take away their salvation if they commit another sin.

                There is no truth to this, nor is it based on Scripture.

                When Jesus died on the cross, He became the final and complete sacrifice for all our sins—without exception. Jesus did not die for just some of our sins but for all of them, the past, present, and future!

                1 John 5:18 (NKJV)

                We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.

                The verse above does not say that Christians never commit sin; rather, they do not continue in sin, refusing to repent. Whenever a believer sins, their conscience will always draw them back to repentance..

                Believers’ consciences are guided by the Holy Spirit to empower them in their daily living so that they can act more like Christ and surrender to His will.

                It is common to believe that once we are saved there is no struggle with sin, but the reality is that we still live in a fallen world, and our bodies are weak.

                1 John 1:8 (NKJV)

                If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

                Scripture clearly teaches that, even though we are redeemed, we will at some point fall into sin. If it really were up to us to generate enough strength to persevere and guarantee our future salvation, we would have no hope of achieving it.

                Additionally, this question is often accompanied by two other questions;

                (1) What about Christians who continuously sin and live immoral lives?

                (2) What about Christians who later reject the faith and deny Christ?

                The best way to answer these questions is to ask, “Who are Christians?” According to the Bible, a true Christian will not choose to live an immoral lifestyle. No matter how many times they fail, they will always get up and repent.

                1 John 3:6 (NKJV)

                Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

                Concerning the second question, the Bible clearly states that anyone who leaves the faith proves they weren’t Christian to begin with. The following verse clearly expresses this;

                1 John 2:19 (NKJV)

                They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

                In conclusion, true Spirit-filled Christians do not choose an immoral lifestyle, nor do they reject the faith and deny Christ as their Savior. Rather, such actions indicate that they were never redeemed in the first place.

                The Bible is clear that God is both gracious and just, and it also promises that if you put your faith in Jesus Christ, He is faithful to see you through and complete the good work He began in you.

                Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

                being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

                The assurance of our salvation should rest in the fact that Jesus promises to intercede for us daily as our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) and in the confidence that God will keep His promises to preserve us through His Spirit.

                JESUS DID NOT DIE FOR JUST SOME OF OUR SINS BUT FOR ALL OF IT, THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE!

                Is the Bible Historically Reliable?

                About the Bible?, All Questions

                Is the Bible historically reliable?

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                Bible,   All Questions

                Last Updated

                Jan 22, 2025

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                In order to establish the Bible as a true document, it must be historically reliable. Therefore, it must depict people, places, and events accurately.

                In order to answer this question, we will examine six lines of testimony that begin with the letter E, which can be applied to any document to validate its historical accuracy.

                Early testimony – The majority, if not all, of the New Testament scriptures were written before 78 AD. The fact that these documents were written within a generation of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and during the apostles’ lifetime, helps prove their authenticity. Additionally, the early church writings and other historical documents affirm this timeline.

                Eyewitness Testimony – Between the Gospel of John and Acts, around 140 eyewitness accounts are documented. These accounts come from apostles or their contemporaries, lending credibility to the events they describe. The presence of eyewitness testimony is one of the most important components of historical evidence.

                Embarrassing testimony – The Bible contains many embarrassing details that you wouldn’t expect the writers themselves to have made up like Peter denying Jesus, the disciples running into hiding after Jesus’ crucifixion and women being the first to witness the resurrection. These embarrassing details contribute to the historical authenticity and help establish the truth of the Gospel.

                Excruciating testimony – The New Testament writers died painful/agonizing deaths when they could have escaped simply  by denying Christ. But they stood boldly for the truth they had witnessed and went to their deaths anyway.

                Expected testimony – The Old Testament prophecies lead us to expect a Messiah with the same characteristics as Jesus. One of the most famous prophetic chapters is Isaiah 53 which was written approximately 600 years before Jesus was born which collaborates the New Testament accounts – mainly the crucification.

                Extra-biblical testimony – Even if you disregard all the New Testament manuscripts, there are about ten other authentic ancient non-Christian sources available. These sources were written within 150 years of Jesus’s life (documenting His storyline and the early church), and by using them alone, you could draft gospel account.

                In conclusion, the combination of these evidences robustly supports the Bible’s historical reliability. Its diverse yet consistent accounts attest to its credibility as a historical document.

                The Bible's historical reliability is supported by early writings, eyewitness accounts, fulfilled prophecies, external evidence, and even embarrassing and excruciating testimonies, all of which confirm its authenticity as a true and credible document.

                Has the Bible been fabricated, altered, revised, or tampered with?

                About the Bible?, All Questions

                Has the Bible been fabricated, altered, revised, or tampered with?

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                Bible,   All Questions

                Last Updated

                Jan 22, 2025

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                The Old Testament books (OT) were written approximately during the period 1400 BC to 400 BC. The New Testament books (NT) were written approximately from 40 AD to 78 AD.

                As of date, over 1,900 years have passed since God’s last revelation to us was recorded.

                During this time, the Bible has been meticulously copied and preserved. However, as with any ancient texts, the original manuscripts—those written directly by the authors—have not survived. This has led some skeptics to question the authenticity and reliability of the Bible we have today.

                So has the Bible been divinely preserved? Let us look at some facts to determine this. When God initially inspired men to write His word, it was God-breathed and inerrant.

                2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)

                All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

                The Bible nowhere applies this verse to the copies made of the original manuscripts. As meticulous as the scribes were replicating the scriptures, no one is perfect. Despite this, the process of copying these manuscripts by scribes, though prone to minor human errors, has largely maintained the integrity of the Bible’s core message. These minor discrepancies are primarily spelling errors or pen slips, common in hand-copied documents.

                It must be noted that these are minor copyist errors and do not undermine the Bible. It is widely accepted (even among unbiased scholars) that despite minor differences in the Bible over the centuries, it has been remarkably well preserved. Even after 1,000 years of copying, there are no changes in the meaning of the text and almost no changes in the wording.

                Even many hardened skeptics and critics of the Christian faith admit that the Bible has been transmitted over the centuries far more accurately than any other ancient document.

                In addition, there is no evidence that the Bible has been revised, edited, or tampered with in any systematic manner. Any attempt to distort God’s Word is easily recognizable due to the sheer number of biblical manuscripts available.

                In addition, various Bible copies dating to the 14th century AD had nearly identical content to those from the 3rd century AD. Moreover, with the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls (copies of the Old Testament manuscripts dating to at least 150 BC), scholars were shocked to see how similar they were to other ancient texts of the Old Testament.

                So, can we trust the Bible? Yes! God has preserved His Word despite the accidental faults and deliberate attacks of human beings. Because of this, we can be assured that the Bible we have today is a highly reliable copy of the original written by the prophets and apostles. There is no doubt that the Bible is God’s Word.

                Despite centuries of manual copying, the Bible and its core message remaining intact, supported by overwhelming manuscript evidence.

                why should i believe the Bible?

                About the Bible?, All Questions

                Why should I believe the Bible?

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                Bible,   All Questions

                Last Updated

                Jan 20, 2025

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                The authenticity of the Bible has been a subject of both faith and scholarly interest. Central to this discussion is the role Jesus placed on the Scriptures, affirming their divine inspiration, indestructibility, infallibility, authority, historicity, and factual inerrancy (Matthew 22:43, 5:17-18, John 10:35, Matthew 4:4,7,10, Matthew 12:40; 24:37, John 17:17).

                Furthermore, there are some important facts about the Bible that, when combined, make its divine origin obvious.

                Unique authorship and Formation:

                The Bible is a unique book written over a period of 1,500 years by approximately 40 different authors who represent over 19 different occupations (shepherds, soldiers, farmers, fishermen, tax collectors, medical doctors, kings, etc.).

                The first 39 books of the Bible (Old Testament) were written in the Hebrew language over a period of about 1,000 years. Following this, there was a 400-year gap where no Scriptures were written. After that, the last 27 books of the Bible (New Testament) were written in the Greek language during a period covering roughly 50 years.

                Though the authors did not live during the same era, their books still blend so perfectly as they describe God’s eternal plan for the redemption of mankind from beginning to end.

                The final product is a book that fits together perfectly without contradictions / errors. If the Bible spoke about kings who never lived and battles that never happened, we would have had reason to doubt what it tells us. But this isn’t the case.

                Claims of Jesus: 

                Moreover, we also see statements by Jesus’ close disciples who acknowledged Him as God. Despite some of them taking a while to fully realize it, they finally discerned that behind His humanity dwelt the glory of His divinity.

                  • Thomas called Jesus God (John 20:28)
                  • John calls Jesus God (John 1:1; John 1:14)
                  • Mathew refers to Jesus as Immanuel in his book (Mathew 1:23)
                  • Peter recognized divine identity as the “Messiah, the Son of living God” (Mathew 16:16)

                Historical Accuracy: 

                The historical accuracy of both the Old and New Testaments has been strongly confirmed by many modern archaeological finds.

                Nelson Glueck, a renowned Jewish archaeologist, remarked,

                “It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible. And, by the same token, proper evaluation of Biblical descriptions has often led to amazing discoveries.”

                  Prophetic Statements: 

                  The prophetic statements recorded in the Bible also help support its divine authenticity and raises it on a class higher than any other book.

                  According to J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecies, there are 1817 predictions in the Bible (1239 in the Old Testament and 578 in the New Testament). Based on His calculations, 27% of the Bible contains predictive prophecy.

                  There are 191 Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament that describe key events in Jesus’ life and ministry. We know that these prophecies were written before Christ (B.C.) was born because of recent copies of the Old Testament books found in the Dead Sea caves that date at least 100 B.C., if not even older.

                  The Bible stands out from all other religious texts, as no other religious text makes such improbable predictions in the name of God.

                    Conclusion: 

                    Lastly, one of the best answers to this question I heard was from a preacher Voddie Baucham where he stated the following:

                    “I choose to believe the Bible because it is a reliable collection of historical documents, written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses.  They report supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophesies and claim that their writings are divine rather than human in origin.”

                    He obtains this response from the apostle Peter in the following scripture:

                    2 Peter 1:16-21 (NKJV)

                    For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

                    The Bible, through its unique authorship, historical accuracy, and fulfilled prophecies, presents compelling evidence of its divine origin. Its consistent narrative, penned over centuries by diverse authors, and the corroboration of its historical accounts by archaeological findings, further underscores its credibility. Moreover, the precise fulfillment of biblical prophecies, particularly concerning the Messiah, highlights its predictive authenticity. These factors collectively make the Bible an extraordinary text, inviting deeper exploration into its spiritual and historical significance.

                    The Bible is a reliable collection of divinely inspired writings, confirmed by historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecies, and eyewitness testimonies.

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