Discover Bible Verses About Affirmative Action. Affirmative action, also known as positive discrimination, involves sets of policies and practices within a government or organization seeking to include particular groups based on their race, gender, creed, or nationality in areas in which such groups are underrepresented – such as education and employment. Historically and internationally, support for affirmative action has sought to achieve goals such as bridging inequalities in employment and pay, promoting diversity, increasing access to education, and redressing apparent past wrongs, hindrances, or harms. And as such, we can say that affirmative action is a policy or a program promoting the representation in social institutions of groups of people who have been traditionally and systematically discriminated against.
All people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” And as such, it’s important for all people to share the same rights and have equal access to opportunities for advancement and equitable treatment. The history and legacy of discrimination in our social institutions deny honor to the Lord God. As Christians, we are called to act justly in a loving and kind manner as we walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). We are called to repentance and reconciliation by remedying the destructive impacts of systematic and compounded discriminations accumulated across generations. Affirmative action focuses on demographics with historically low representation in leadership, professional, and academic roles. It is often considered an effective means of countering discrimination against particular groups.
Bible Verses About Affirmative Action
Importance of Affirmative Action and Diversity
Looking at John Piper’s writing on the importance of diversity within the Christian gathering, we get several important points. It illustrates more clearly the truth that God created people of all ethnicities, races, and nations in His own image (Genesis 1:27) Likewise, it displays more visibly the truth that Jesus is not a tribal deity but is the Lord of all races, ethnicities, and nations. It demonstrates clearly the blood-bought destiny of the church to be “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). In addition, it exhibits more compellingly the aim and power of the cross of Jesus Christ to “reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility” (Ephesians 2:16). It further expresses more forcefully the work of the Spirit to unite us in Christ. In support, 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”
Affirmative action seeks to reverse historical trends of discrimination against individuals with certain identities. Likewise, it provides financial assistance to groups that historically have been and continue to be subjected to forms of discrimination. It provides opportunities for minorities and people from disadvantaged groups. It leads to a diversified society. Most often, policies implement hiring quotas, provide scholarships and grants, and may as well deny government funding and contracts to institutions that fail to obey the policy guidelines. Today, affirmative action includes assistance for gender representation, and covered veterans, and people with disabilities. Criticism of affirmative action emphasizes high program costs, lack of historical progress in equal representation, and the hiring of fewer qualified candidates.
Bible Verses About Affirmative Action
James 2:9 – “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.“
Proverbs 6:31 – “but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house.“
Luke 19:8 – But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
Colossians 3:11 – “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.“
James 2:4 – “Have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?“
Romans 10:12 – “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.“
Group 1 – Bible Verses About Affirmative Action
Colossians 3:25 – “For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.”
Acts 4:37-6:15 – “Sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” …“
Acts 10:34-35 – So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
Acts 17:26 – “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,“
Exodus 23:1-3 – “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice, nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit.“
Group 2 – Bible Verses About Affirmative Action
Leviticus 24:22 – “You shall have the same rule for the sojourner and for the native, for I am the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 10:17 – “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.“
Deuteronomy 16:19 – “You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.“
Romans 2:11 – “For God shows no partiality.“
Proverbs 24:23 – “These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good.“
James 2:1 – “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.“
Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.“
Group 3 – Bible Verses About Affirmative Action
Ezekiel 18:20 – “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.“
Numbers 15:15-16 – “For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a statute forever throughout your generations. You and the sojourner shall be alike before the Lord. One law and one rule shall be for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you.”
Leviticus 19:15 – “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.“
Deuteronomy 1:16-17 – “And I charged your judges at that time, ‘Hear the cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the alien who is with him. You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’“
Group 4 – Bible Verses About Affirmative Action
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.“
Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.“
John 13:34 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.“
Matthew 6:1 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.“
Matthew 5:37 – “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.“
Ezekiel 18:19 – “Yet you say, ‘Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?’ When the son has done what is just and right, and has been careful to observe all my statutes, he shall surely live.“
Acts 6:3-6 – “Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.“
What Does the Bible Say About Affirmative Action? Affirmative action, also known as positive discrimination, involves sets of policies and practices within a government or organization seeking to include particular groups based on their race, gender, creed, or nationality in areas in which such groups are underrepresented – such as education and employment. Historically and internationally, support for affirmative action has sought to achieve goals such as bridging inequalities in employment and pay, promoting diversity, increasing access to education, and redressing apparent past wrongs, hindrances, or harms. And as such, we can say that affirmative action is a policy or a program promoting the representation in social institutions of groups of people who have been traditionally and systematically discriminated against.
All people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” And as such, it’s important for all people to share the same rights and have equal access to opportunities for advancement and equitable treatment. The history and legacy of discrimination in our social institutions deny honor to the Lord God. As Christians, we are called to act justly in a loving and kind manner as we walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). We are called to repentance and reconciliation by remedying the destructive impacts of systematic and compounded discriminations accumulated across generations. Affirmative action focuses on demographics with historically low representation in leadership, professional, and academic roles. It is often considered an effective means of countering discrimination against particular groups.
What Does the Bible Say About Affirmative Action?
Importance of Affirmative Action and Diversity
Looking at John Piper’s writing on the importance of diversity within the Christian gathering, we get several important points. It illustrates more clearly the truth that God created people of all ethnicities, races, and nations in His own image (Genesis 1:27) Likewise, it displays more visibly the truth that Jesus is not a tribal deity but is the Lord of all races, ethnicities, and nations. It demonstrates clearly the blood-bought destiny of the church to be “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). In addition, it exhibits more compellingly the aim and power of the cross of Jesus Christ to “reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility” (Ephesians 2:16). It further expresses more forcefully the work of the Spirit to unite us in Christ. In support, 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”
Affirmative action seeks to reverse historical trends of discrimination against individuals with certain identities. Likewise, it provides financial assistance to groups that historically have been and continue to be subjected to forms of discrimination. It provides opportunities for minorities and people from disadvantaged groups. It leads to a diversified society. Most often, policies implement hiring quotas, provide scholarships and grants, and may as well deny government funding and contracts to institutions that fail to obey the policy guidelines. Today, affirmative action includes assistance for gender representation, and covered veterans, and people with disabilities. Criticism of affirmative action emphasizes high program costs, lack of historical progress in equal representation, and the hiring of fewer qualified candidates.
What Does the Bible Say About Affirmative Action?
James 2:9 – “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.“
Proverbs 6:31 – “but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house.“
Luke 19:8 – But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
Colossians 3:11 – “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.“
James 2:4 – “Have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?“
Romans 10:12 – “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.“
Group 1 – What Does the Bible Say About Affirmative Action
Acts 10:34-35 – So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
Acts 17:26 – “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,“
Exodus 23:1-3 – “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice, nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit.“
Colossians 3:25 – “For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.”
Acts 4:37-6:15 – “Sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” …“
Group 2 – What Does the Bible Say About Affirmative Action
Romans 2:11 – “For God shows no partiality.“
Proverbs 24:23 – “These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good.“
James 2:1 – “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.“
Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.“
Leviticus 24:22 – “You shall have the same rule for the sojourner and for the native, for I am the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 10:17 – “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.“
Deuteronomy 16:19 – “You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.“
Group 3 – What Does the Bible Say About Affirmative Action
Leviticus 19:15 – “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.“
Deuteronomy 1:16-17 – “And I charged your judges at that time, ‘Hear the cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the alien who is with him. You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’“
Ezekiel 18:20 – “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.“
Numbers 15:15-16 – “For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a statute forever throughout your generations. You and the sojourner shall be alike before the Lord. One law and one rule shall be for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you.”
Group 4 – What Does the Bible Say About Affirmative Action
Matthew 6:1 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.“
Matthew 5:37 – “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.“
Ezekiel 18:19 – “Yet you say, ‘Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?’ When the son has done what is just and right, and has been careful to observe all my statutes, he shall surely live.“
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.“
Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.“
John 13:34 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.“
Acts 6:3-6 – “Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.“
What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses? As a Jehovah’s Witness, you have dedicated your life to following the teachings of the Watchtower Society and have a deep understanding of the Bible. However, you may have encountered questions or doubts that have made you wonder if there is more to discover. This article aims to explore why you, as a Jehovah’s Witness, should consider becoming a Christian.
What the Bible Says About Jehovah’s Witnesses
From a Biblical Perspective
Understanding the Bible: A Common Ground
Both Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christians share a foundational belief in the Bible as the inspired word of God. This common ground allows for a meaningful exploration of the differences between the two faiths. As Christians, we also hold the Bible as the ultimate authority on matters of faith and doctrine.
The Nature of God: Jesus as God Incarnate
One significant difference between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christians lies in their understanding of the nature of God. Christians believe in the Trinity, which asserts that God exists as three persons – the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit – in one divine essence. This belief is based on numerous passages in the Bible that affirm the deity of Jesus.
While Jehovah’s Witnesses acknowledge Jesus as a significant figure, they do not recognize Him as God. They believe that Jesus is Michael the Archangel and categorically deny His deity. However, if we examine the Scriptures, we find verses that support the divinity of Jesus.
For instance, John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse clearly proclaims the eternal existence and divine nature of Jesus. Furthermore, John 20:28 records Thomas addressing Jesus as “My Lord and my God!” This explicit declaration by Thomas highlights the recognition of Jesus as God by His own disciples.
The Glory of God: Jesus Glorified by the Father
Another aspect to consider is the glory of God. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that only Jehovah, the Father, deserves glory. However, the Bible presents numerous verses where Jesus is glorified by the Father.
John 17:5 records Jesus saying, “So now you, Father, glorify me alongside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.” This verse demonstrates Jesus’ preexistence and His equality with the Father. Likewise, Jesus says in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” Additionally, in John 8:54, Jesus declares, “It is my Father that glorifies me, he who you say is YOUR God.” These passages highlight the reciprocal glorification between Jesus and the Father, affirming His divinity.
The Savior: Jesus as the Savior of the World
The role of Jesus as the Savior is a critical component of Christian theology. Christians believe that Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross provides redemption and salvation for all who believe in Him.
While Jehovah’s Witnesses acknowledge Jesus as the Savior, they do not attribute deity to Him. However, the Bible clearly identifies Jesus as the Savior. In Luke 2:11, an angel announces, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” This proclamation reinforces the belief that Jesus is the Savior of the world.
Faith in Jesus: The Name Above All Names
Another crucial aspect to consider is the importance of faith in Jesus. Christians believe that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Acts 4:12 states, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” This verse emphasizes the exclusivity of Jesus as the means of salvation.
Jehovah’s Witnesses also recognize the significance of faith in Jesus. In John 20:31, the purpose of the Gospel of John is stated as, “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” This verse underscores the importance of faith in Jesus for eternal life.
Creator or Created: Jesus’ Role in Creation
Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus was created by Jehovah as an angel and that Jesus, in turn, created all other things. However, the Bible presents a different perspective.
In John 1:3, it is explicitly stated, “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” This verse confirms that Jesus, as the Word, was involved in the act of creation and therefore could not have been created Himself.
The Names and Titles of Jesus and Jehovah
The Bible assigns various names and titles to both Jesus and Jehovah. Isaiah 9:6 prophetically declares, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This verse attributes divine titles to the coming Messiah, Jesus.
Additionally, Revelation 1:8 refers to Jehovah God as “the Alpha and the Omega, the One who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” However, Revelation 22:12-16 applies the same titles to Jesus, stating, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” These verses indicate that both Jesus and Jehovah share divine attributes and titles.
Truth and Unity: The Unifying Truth of Jesus
While Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christians may have differing interpretations of certain biblical passages, it is essential to seek a unifying truth that aligns with the entirety of Scripture. This unifying truth can be found in the person and deity of Jesus Christ. By accepting Jesus as God incarnate, we can reconcile seemingly contradictory verses and maintain the consistency and inerrancy of God’s Word.
Placing Trust in Jesus: A Personal Decision
If you, as a Jehovah’s Witness, have questions or doubts about the nature of Jesus and His role in salvation, it is crucial to seek answers. The decision to consider becoming a Christian is a personal one that requires thoughtful examination of Scripture and prayerful reflection.
If you are ready to place your full trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can pray and express your faith in Him. Acknowledge your need for salvation, recognize Jesus as the only Savior, and place your trust in Him alone. Seek forgiveness, cleansing, and transformation through His grace and mercy.
Remember, the journey of faith is a personal one, and it is essential to seek guidance and support from fellow believers who can assist you in your spiritual growth.
Conclusion
As a Jehovah’s Witness, you have a deep understanding of the Bible and a strong commitment to your faith. However, exploring the possibility of becoming a Christian can provide a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of the nature of Jesus and His role in salvation. By examining the Scriptures and seeking the truth, you can make an informed decision about your faith journey. Remember, the choice is yours, and God’s grace is available to all who seek Him with an open heart.
What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Isaiah 43:10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.
Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Isaiah 43:10-12 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and I am God.
Group 1 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Acts 15:14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Revelation 7:9-10 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Group 2 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
John 10:30 I and the Father are one.”
Psalm 83:18 That they may know that you alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth.
Titus 2:13 Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 8:58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
John 17:6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Group 3 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Revelation 14:6-7 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
John 20:28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Group 4 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Colossians 2:9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,
Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
John 1:18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
Revelation 3:14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.
Isaiah 44:6 Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.
Group 5 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
John 14:28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Revelation 7:1-4 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
Group 6 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
John 17:26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Luke 23:43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Hebrews 1:6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”
Jude 1:9 But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”
Group 7 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Revelation 14:1-3 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.
Group 8 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Acts 15:14-17 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, “‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Daniel 2:44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever,
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Group 9 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Hebrews 1:1-14 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? …
Revelation 14:1-5 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.
Group 10 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Hebrews 1:8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
Colossians 1:15-17 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Revelation 21:6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
Revelation 14:1 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
Group 11 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
John 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Isaiah 44:8 Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.”
Revelation 22:12-13 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
2 Timothy 3:1-5 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Group 12 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
1 John 5:7 For there are three that testify:
John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
Revelation 1:17-18 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
John 9:38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
Matthew 25:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Group 13 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Luke 24:39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”
John 1:3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Matthew 28:9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
Matthew 14:33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
Isaiah 44:24 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: “I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,
Revelation 12:17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.
Group 14 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 Peter 1:1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, …
Group 15 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
John 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
John 1:1-51 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. …
Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Group 16 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
Matthew 24:30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Colossians 1:19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
Zechariah 12:10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.
Group 17 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Psalm 89:27 And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
Revelation 7:1-17 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: 12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed, 12,000 from the tribe of Reuben, 12,000 from the tribe of Gad, …
Group 18 – What Does the Bible Say About Jehovah’s Witnesses
Acts 5:3-4 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”
Luke 24:52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian? As a Jehovah’s Witness, you have dedicated your life to following the teachings of the Watchtower Society and have a deep understanding of the Bible. However, you may have encountered questions or doubts that have made you wonder if there is more to discover. This article aims to explore why you, as a Jehovah’s Witness, should consider becoming a Christian.
I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian?
From a Biblical Perspective
Understanding the Bible: A Common Ground
Both Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christians share a foundational belief in the Bible as the inspired word of God. This common ground allows for a meaningful exploration of the differences between the two faiths. As Christians, we also hold the Bible as the ultimate authority on matters of faith and doctrine.
The Nature of God: Jesus as God Incarnate
One significant difference between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christians lies in their understanding of the nature of God. Christians believe in the Trinity, which asserts that God exists as three persons – the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit – in one divine essence. This belief is based on numerous passages in the Bible that affirm the deity of Jesus.
While Jehovah’s Witnesses acknowledge Jesus as a significant figure, they do not recognize Him as God. They believe that Jesus is Michael the Archangel and categorically deny His deity. However, if we examine the Scriptures, we find verses that support the divinity of Jesus.
For instance, John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse clearly proclaims the eternal existence and divine nature of Jesus. Furthermore, John 20:28 records Thomas addressing Jesus as “My Lord and my God!” This explicit declaration by Thomas highlights the recognition of Jesus as God by His own disciples.
The Glory of God: Jesus Glorified by the Father
Another aspect to consider is the glory of God. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that only Jehovah, the Father, deserves glory. However, the Bible presents numerous verses where Jesus is glorified by the Father.
John 17:5 records Jesus saying, “So now you, Father, glorify me alongside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.” This verse demonstrates Jesus’ preexistence and His equality with the Father. Likewise, Jesus says in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” Additionally, in John 8:54, Jesus declares, “It is my Father that glorifies me, he who you say is YOUR God.” These passages highlight the reciprocal glorification between Jesus and the Father, affirming His divinity.
The Savior: Jesus as the Savior of the World
The role of Jesus as the Savior is a critical component of Christian theology. Christians believe that Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross provides redemption and salvation for all who believe in Him.
While Jehovah’s Witnesses acknowledge Jesus as the Savior, they do not attribute deity to Him. However, the Bible clearly identifies Jesus as the Savior. In Luke 2:11, an angel announces, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” This proclamation reinforces the belief that Jesus is the Savior of the world.
Faith in Jesus: The Name Above All Names
Another crucial aspect to consider is the importance of faith in Jesus. Christians believe that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Acts 4:12 states, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” This verse emphasizes the exclusivity of Jesus as the means of salvation.
Jehovah’s Witnesses also recognize the significance of faith in Jesus. In John 20:31, the purpose of the Gospel of John is stated as, “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” This verse underscores the importance of faith in Jesus for eternal life.
Creator or Created: Jesus’ Role in Creation
Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus was created by Jehovah as an angel and that Jesus, in turn, created all other things. However, the Bible presents a different perspective.
In John 1:3, it is explicitly stated, “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” This verse confirms that Jesus, as the Word, was involved in the act of creation and therefore could not have been created Himself.
The Names and Titles of Jesus and Jehovah
The Bible assigns various names and titles to both Jesus and Jehovah. Isaiah 9:6 prophetically declares, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This verse attributes divine titles to the coming Messiah, Jesus.
Additionally, Revelation 1:8 refers to Jehovah God as “the Alpha and the Omega, the One who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” However, Revelation 22:12-16 applies the same titles to Jesus, stating, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” These verses indicate that both Jesus and Jehovah share divine attributes and titles.
Truth and Unity: The Unifying Truth of Jesus
While Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christians may have differing interpretations of certain biblical passages, it is essential to seek a unifying truth that aligns with the entirety of Scripture. This unifying truth can be found in the person and deity of Jesus Christ. By accepting Jesus as God incarnate, we can reconcile seemingly contradictory verses and maintain the consistency and inerrancy of God’s Word.
Placing Trust in Jesus: A Personal Decision
If you, as a Jehovah’s Witness, have questions or doubts about the nature of Jesus and His role in salvation, it is crucial to seek answers. The decision to consider becoming a Christian is a personal one that requires thoughtful examination of Scripture and prayerful reflection.
If you are ready to place your full trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can pray and express your faith in Him. Acknowledge your need for salvation, recognize Jesus as the only Savior, and place your trust in Him alone. Seek forgiveness, cleansing, and transformation through His grace and mercy.
Remember, the journey of faith is a personal one, and it is essential to seek guidance and support from fellow believers who can assist you in your spiritual growth.
Conclusion
As a Jehovah’s Witness, you have a deep understanding of the Bible and a strong commitment to your faith. However, exploring the possibility of becoming a Christian can provide a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of the nature of Jesus and His role in salvation. By examining the Scriptures and seeking the truth, you can make an informed decision about your faith journey. Remember, the choice is yours, and God’s grace is available to all who seek Him with an open heart.
I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian?
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Isaiah 43:10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.
Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Isaiah 43:10-12 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and I am God.
Group 1 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Revelation 7:9-10 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Acts 15:14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Group 2 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
John 10:30 I and the Father are one.”
Psalm 83:18 That they may know that you alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth.
Titus 2:13 Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 8:58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
John 17:6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Group 3 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
John 20:28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Revelation 14:6-7 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Group 4 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Colossians 2:9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,
Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
John 1:18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
Revelation 3:14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.
Isaiah 44:6 Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.
Group 5 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
John 14:28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Revelation 7:1-4 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
Group 6 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
John 17:26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Luke 23:43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Hebrews 1:6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”
Jude 1:9 But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”
Group 7 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Revelation 14:1-3 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.
Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Group 8 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Acts 15:14-17 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, “‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Daniel 2:44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever,
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Group 9 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Hebrews 1:1-14 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? …
Revelation 14:1-5 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.
Group 10 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Hebrews 1:8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
Colossians 1:15-17 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Revelation 21:6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
Revelation 14:1 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
Group 11 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
2 Timothy 3:1-5 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
John 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Isaiah 44:8 Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.”
Revelation 22:12-13 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Group 12 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
1 John 5:7 For there are three that testify:
John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
Revelation 1:17-18 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
John 9:38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
Matthew 25:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Group 13 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Luke 24:39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”
John 1:3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Matthew 28:9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
Matthew 14:33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
Isaiah 44:24 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: “I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,
Revelation 12:17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.
Group 14 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 Peter 1:1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, …
Group 15 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
John 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
John 1:1-51 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. …
Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Group 16 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Colossians 1:19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
Zechariah 12:10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.
Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
Matthew 24:30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Group 17 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Psalm 89:27 And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:
Ephesians 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
Revelation 7:1-17 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: 12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed, 12,000 from the tribe of Reuben, 12,000 from the tribe of Gad, …
Group 18 – I Am a Jehovah’s Witness: Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Luke 24:52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
Acts 5:3-4 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”
What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism? As a Hindu, you may have a deep reverence for your sacred scriptures and a belief in one Supreme Being, the cycle of life, and the concept of reincarnation. You embrace the idea of karma and respect for other faiths. However, you may also have questions about what happens after this existence, such as whether you will reincarnate, cease to exist, or experience heaven or hell. These questions are significant, as they have profound consequences that can affect not only this life but also potentially eternity. In this article, we will explore why you should consider becoming a Christian and how it can offer a more comprehensive understanding of life after death based on the teachings of the Bible.
What the Bible Says About Hinduism
Physical and Spiritual Facts of Christianity and Hinduism
The Historical Viability of Christianity
One compelling aspect of Christianity is its historical viability. Christianity has a rich historical foundation with identifiable characters and events that can be supported through forensic sciences like archaeology and textual criticism. In contrast, Hinduism’s theology, mythology, and history often blur together, making it challenging to distinguish between them. While mythology is openly acknowledged within Hinduism, Christianity’s historical roots provide a solid foundation for its theology. The historical accuracy of events such as the existence of Adam and Eve, the exodus of Israel from Egypt, and the life of Jesus Christ himself are crucial to the Christian faith. Christianity’s historical testability adds strength to its theological claims, as many historically verifiable elements reinforce its credibility.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Another significant distinction between Hinduism and Christianity lies in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While both religions have key historical figures, Jesus is the only one who is documented to have risen bodily from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christianity, confirming his divinity and the truth of his spiritual teachings. The resurrection, which was prophesied by Jesus himself, sets Christianity apart from Hinduism’s belief in reincarnation. The resurrection of Christ has been extensively studied and validated through historical and evidential research, providing substantial justification for its significance. By understanding the differences between the resurrection and reincarnation, one can discern the uniqueness and validity of the Christian doctrine of resurrection.
The Reliability of the Christian Scriptures
The Christian Scriptures, particularly the Bible, offer a historically outstanding account of the faith. The Bible surpasses other ancient texts in terms of manuscript evidence, with thousands of ancient Greek manuscripts and a multitude of manuscripts in various languages. This abundance of manuscripts allows for extensive research and comparison to identify the original texts accurately. Additionally, the New Testament manuscripts are closer in age to the originals than any other document of antiquity. The books of the New Testament were written within the lifetimes of eyewitnesses, preventing them from devolving into myth or folklore. The accuracy of the New Testament documents is also remarkable, with scholars estimating a 99.5% to 99.9% accuracy rate. The historical verifiability and accuracy of the Bible make it a reliable source for understanding the Christian faith.
Advantages of Christian Monotheism
Christian monotheism offers distinct advantages over Hinduism’s pantheism and polytheism. While Hinduism encompasses various streams, including pantheistic, polytheistic, monistic, monotheistic, and more, Christian monotheism provides a strong foundation for ethics. Polytheism raises questions about which god holds the ultimate standard of ethics, potentially leading to conflicting ethical systems or baseless ethics. Pantheism, on the other hand, dissolves moral distinctions, as good and evil become indistinguishable within an indivisible reality. Christian monotheism roots its ethics in the character of God, providing a personal basis for morality and justifying objective knowledge of good and evil.
The Christian Answer to Sin
The question of what to do with sin is another critical aspect to consider when comparing Hinduism and Christianity. Hinduism recognizes sin as both moral error and ignorance, but it lacks a definitive solution to address it. Karma, an impersonal principle, does not provide a moral context for sin, and the various gods in Hinduism offer conflicting standards of right and wrong. In Christianity, sin is viewed as a moral error against a single, ultimate, and personal God. The Christian faith acknowledges the reality of sin and its consequences, but it also offers a solution. Christianity teaches that Jesus, the Son of God, lived a sinless life and died as a sacrifice for our sins. Through faith in Jesus, our sins can be forgiven, and we can experience the gift of eternal life. This understanding of sin and its remedy sets Christianity apart from Hinduism’s approach.
Salvation by Grace through Faith
One of the fundamental principles of Christianity is salvation by grace through faith. Unlike many religions that emphasize following rules or performing rituals to gain favor with God, Christianity acknowledges that no one can live up to God’s perfect standards. Every person has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. However, God offers a free gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is not based on our works but on God’s grace and the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. By placing our faith in Jesus as our Savior, we are saved and welcomed into a personal relationship with God. This gift of salvation provides meaning and purpose in life on earth and the assurance of eternal life in heaven.
Placing Your Faith in Jesus Christ
If you are considering becoming a Christian, you may wonder how to believe in Jesus and receive the free gift of eternal life. It is essential to understand that receiving Jesus as your Savior is not contingent on your works or efforts. Salvation is based on faith in Jesus and the acceptance of God’s grace. By confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you can be saved. This act of faith is a personal decision that can be expressed through prayer. There is no special formula or prayer required; simply express your belief in Jesus, confess your need for forgiveness, and receive Him as your Savior. By doing so, you can experience the transformative power of God’s grace and the assurance of eternal life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a Hindu considering the merits of Christianity, there are several compelling reasons to explore the Christian faith. Christianity’s historical viability, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the reliability of the Christian Scriptures, and the advantages of Christian monotheism provide a solid foundation for its teachings. Additionally, Christianity offers a solution to the problem of sin through the sacrifice of Jesus and the gift of salvation by grace through faith. By placing your faith in Jesus Christ, you can experience a personal relationship with God, find meaning and purpose in life, and have the assurance of eternal life. Consider exploring the teachings of Christianity and engaging in sincere reflection and prayer as you seek to deepen your understanding of faith and make an informed decision.
What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism?
Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
Acts 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,
Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Ezekiel 36:25-26 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Mark 13:22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
John 5:30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
Group 1 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Romans 5:8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
Jeremiah 44:1-45:5 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Judeans who lived in the land of Egypt, at Migdol, at Tahpanhes, at Memphis, and in the land of Pathros, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: You have seen all the disaster that I brought upon Jerusalem and upon all the cities of Judah. Behold, this day they are a desolation, and no one dwells in them, because of the evil that they committed, provoking me to anger, in that they went to make offerings and serve other gods that they knew not, neither they, nor you, nor your fathers. Yet I persistently sent to you all my servants the prophets, saying, ‘Oh, do not do this abomination that I hate!’ But they did not listen or incline their ear, to turn from their evil and make no offerings to other gods. …
Group 2 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
James 2:26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Luke 16:19-31 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. …
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
Deuteronomy 27:15 “‘Cursed be the man who makes a carved or cast metal image, an abomination to the Lord, a thing made by the hands of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’
Group 3 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
2 Corinthians 5:8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Revelation 13:8-18 And all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. …
Group 4 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Deuteronomy 5:7-10 “‘You shall have no other gods before me. “‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Ezekiel 33:25-26 Therefore say to them, Thus says the Lord God: You eat flesh with the blood and lift up your eyes to your idols and shed blood; shall you then possess the land? You rely on the sword, you commit abominations, and each of you defiles his neighbor’s wife; shall you then possess the land?
Habakkuk 2:18-20 “What profit is an idol when its maker has shaped it, a metal image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation when he makes speechless idols! Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake; to a silent stone, Arise! Can this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in it. But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.”
Group 5 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Isaiah 1:13-14 Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.
Psalm 16:1-11 A Miktam of David. Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. …
1 John 4:1-5:21 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. …
Group 6 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Deuteronomy 17:3-5 And has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, or the sun or the moon or any of the host of heaven, which I have forbidden, and it is told you and you hear of it, then you shall inquire diligently, and if it is true and certain that such an abomination has been done in Israel, then you shall bring out to your gates that man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you shall stone that man or woman to death with stones.
1 Timothy 6:20-21 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.
Revelation 9:20-21 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
Group 7 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Jeremiah 46:7-8 “Who is this, rising like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge? Egypt rises like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge. He said, ‘I will rise, I will cover the earth, I will destroy cities and their inhabitants.’
Matthew 12:14-50 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. …
Galatians 3:10-29 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. …
Group 8 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.
Isaiah 45:14-16 Thus says the Lord: “The wealth of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you and be yours; they shall follow you; they shall come over in chains and bow down to you. They will plead with you, saying: ‘Surely God is in you, and there is no other, no god besides him.’” Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior. All of them are put to shame and confounded; the makers of idols go in confusion together.
Jeremiah 10:6-10 There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you. They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction of idols is but wood! Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz. They are the work of the craftsman and of the hands of the goldsmith; their clothing is violet and purple; they are all the work of skilled men. But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation.
Group 9 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Proverbs 3:29-30 Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.
Deuteronomy 32:21 They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are no people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
Exodus 22:20 “Whoever sacrifices to any god, other than the Lord alone, shall be devoted to destruction.
Exodus 20:1-26 And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, …
Group 10 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
1 Timothy 2:4 Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Acts 24:14-16 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
Acts 17:22-31 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, …
Group 11 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Genesis 12:1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.
Revelation 7:9-10 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Matthew 12:39-45 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. …
Group 12 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Revelation 1:4-8 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
2 Peter 1:16-21 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. …
Group 13 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Hebrews 9:22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
Titus 3:5-8 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
Group 14 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Colossians 2:8-9 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,
Philippians 3:7-9 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
2 Corinthians 11:13-33 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. …
Group 15 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
1 Corinthians 10:13-28 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. …
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
1 Corinthians 8:1-7 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— …
Group 16 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:13 For sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law.
John 1:1-51 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. …
Acts 17:16-24 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” …
Group 17 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Psalm 119:1-176 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! …
Acts 15:20-29 But should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, …
Group 18 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Genesis 4:3-4 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,
Psalm 96:1-97:12 Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. …
Hebrews 9:1-28 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. …
Group 19 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
1 Corinthians 12:5 And there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;
2 Corinthians 1:22-7:1 And who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? …
Romans 1:23-2:16 And exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. …
Group 20 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
John 14:16-18 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Acts 2:38-40 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
John 10:1-42 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” …
Group 21 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
John 5:29 And come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
Luke 9:50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jude 1:9-24 But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. …
Group 22 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 28:8-9 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
Matthew 6:7-21 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, …
Mark 3:1-35 Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. …
Group 23 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Zechariah 10:1-3 Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field. For the household gods utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; they tell false dreams and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd. “My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the Lord of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.
Zephaniah 1:1-18 The word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah. “I will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord. “I will sweep away man and beast; I will sweep away the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, and the rubble with the wicked. I will cut off mankind from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord. “I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests, those who bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, those who bow down and swear to the Lord and yet swear by Milcom, …
Group 24 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Isaiah 57:4 Whom are you mocking? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, the offspring of deceit,
Jeremiah 47:2 “Thus says the Lord: Behold, waters are rising out of the north, and shall become an overflowing torrent; they shall overflow the land and all that fills it, the city and those who dwell in it. Men shall cry out, and every inhabitant of the land shall wail.
Micah 5:1-15 Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the judge of Israel on the cheek. But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men; …
Group 25 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Isaiah 31:7-9 For in that day everyone shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold, which your hands have sinfully made for you. “And the Assyrian shall fall by a sword, not of man; and a sword, not of man, shall devour him; and he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be put to forced labor. His rock shall pass away in terror, and his officers desert the standard in panic,” declares the Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 44:12-20 The ironsmith takes a cutting tool and works it over the coals. He fashions it with hammers and works it with his strong arm. He becomes hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water and is faint. The carpenter stretches a line; he marks it out with a pencil. He shapes it with planes and marks it with a compass. He shapes it into the figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to dwell in a house. He cuts down cedars, or he chooses a cypress tree or an oak and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a cedar and the rain nourishes it. Then it becomes fuel for a man. He takes a part of it and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread. Also he makes a god and worships it; he makes it an idol and falls down before it. Half of it he burns in the fire. Over the half he eats meat; he roasts it and is satisfied. Also he warms himself and says, “Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire!” …
Group 26 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Leviticus 26:1-46 “You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God. You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord. “If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last to the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest shall last to the time for sowing. And you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely. …
Judges 2:17-3:8 Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their fathers had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the Lord, and they did not do so. Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he said, “Because this people have transgressed my covenant that I commanded their fathers and have not obeyed my voice, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations that Joshua left when he died, …
Group 27 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Psalm 115:1-18 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. …
Exodus 15:26 Saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”
Exodus 32:31-35 So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.” But the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book. But now go, lead the people to the place about which I have spoken to you; behold, my angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them.” Then the Lord sent a plague on the people, because they made the calf, the one that Aaron made.
Group 28 – What Does the Bible Say About Hinduism
Jude 1:22 And have mercy on those who doubt;
Isaiah 47:13 You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who at the new moons make known what shall come upon you.
Exodus 7:22-8:10 But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts. So Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said. Pharaoh turned and went into his house, and he did not take even this to heart. And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile for water to drink, for they could not drink the water of the Nile. Seven full days passed after the Lord had struck the Nile. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. …
I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian? As a Hindu, you may have a deep reverence for your sacred scriptures and a belief in one Supreme Being, the cycle of life, and the concept of reincarnation. You embrace the idea of karma and respect for other faiths. However, you may also have questions about what happens after this existence, such as whether you will reincarnate, cease to exist, or experience heaven or hell. These questions are significant, as they have profound consequences that can affect not only this life but also potentially eternity. In this article, we will explore why you should consider becoming a Christian and how it can offer a more comprehensive understanding of life after death based on the teachings of the Bible.
Understanding Why a Hindu Should Become a Christian
Physical and Spiritual Facts of Christianity and Hinduism
The Historical Viability of Christianity
One compelling aspect of Christianity is its historical viability. Christianity has a rich historical foundation with identifiable characters and events that can be supported through forensic sciences like archaeology and textual criticism. In contrast, Hinduism’s theology, mythology, and history often blur together, making it challenging to distinguish between them. While mythology is openly acknowledged within Hinduism, Christianity’s historical roots provide a solid foundation for its theology. The historical accuracy of events such as the existence of Adam and Eve, the exodus of Israel from Egypt, and the life of Jesus Christ himself are crucial to the Christian faith. Christianity’s historical testability adds strength to its theological claims, as many historically verifiable elements reinforce its credibility.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Another significant distinction between Hinduism and Christianity lies in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While both religions have key historical figures, Jesus is the only one who is documented to have risen bodily from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christianity, confirming his divinity and the truth of his spiritual teachings. The resurrection, which was prophesied by Jesus himself, sets Christianity apart from Hinduism’s belief in reincarnation. The resurrection of Christ has been extensively studied and validated through historical and evidential research, providing substantial justification for its significance. By understanding the differences between the resurrection and reincarnation, one can discern the uniqueness and validity of the Christian doctrine of resurrection.
The Reliability of the Christian Scriptures
The Christian Scriptures, particularly the Bible, offer a historically outstanding account of the faith. The Bible surpasses other ancient texts in terms of manuscript evidence, with thousands of ancient Greek manuscripts and a multitude of manuscripts in various languages. This abundance of manuscripts allows for extensive research and comparison to identify the original texts accurately. Additionally, the New Testament manuscripts are closer in age to the originals than any other document of antiquity. The books of the New Testament were written within the lifetimes of eyewitnesses, preventing them from devolving into myth or folklore. The accuracy of the New Testament documents is also remarkable, with scholars estimating a 99.5% to 99.9% accuracy rate. The historical verifiability and accuracy of the Bible make it a reliable source for understanding the Christian faith.
Advantages of Christian Monotheism
Christian monotheism offers distinct advantages over Hinduism’s pantheism and polytheism. While Hinduism encompasses various streams, including pantheistic, polytheistic, monistic, monotheistic, and more, Christian monotheism provides a strong foundation for ethics. Polytheism raises questions about which god holds the ultimate standard of ethics, potentially leading to conflicting ethical systems or baseless ethics. Pantheism, on the other hand, dissolves moral distinctions, as good and evil become indistinguishable within an indivisible reality. Christian monotheism roots its ethics in the character of God, providing a personal basis for morality and justifying objective knowledge of good and evil.
The Christian Answer to Sin
The question of what to do with sin is another critical aspect to consider when comparing Hinduism and Christianity. Hinduism recognizes sin as both moral error and ignorance, but it lacks a definitive solution to address it. Karma, an impersonal principle, does not provide a moral context for sin, and the various gods in Hinduism offer conflicting standards of right and wrong. In Christianity, sin is viewed as a moral error against a single, ultimate, and personal God. The Christian faith acknowledges the reality of sin and its consequences, but it also offers a solution. Christianity teaches that Jesus, the Son of God, lived a sinless life and died as a sacrifice for our sins. Through faith in Jesus, our sins can be forgiven, and we can experience the gift of eternal life. This understanding of sin and its remedy sets Christianity apart from Hinduism’s approach.
Salvation by Grace through Faith
One of the fundamental principles of Christianity is salvation by grace through faith. Unlike many religions that emphasize following rules or performing rituals to gain favor with God, Christianity acknowledges that no one can live up to God’s perfect standards. Every person has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. However, God offers a free gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is not based on our works but on God’s grace and the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. By placing our faith in Jesus as our Savior, we are saved and welcomed into a personal relationship with God. This gift of salvation provides meaning and purpose in life on earth and the assurance of eternal life in heaven.
Placing Your Faith in Jesus Christ
If you are considering becoming a Christian, you may wonder how to believe in Jesus and receive the free gift of eternal life. It is essential to understand that receiving Jesus as your Savior is not contingent on your works or efforts. Salvation is based on faith in Jesus and the acceptance of God’s grace. By confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you can be saved. This act of faith is a personal decision that can be expressed through prayer. There is no special formula or prayer required; simply express your belief in Jesus, confess your need for forgiveness, and receive Him as your Savior. By doing so, you can experience the transformative power of God’s grace and the assurance of eternal life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a Hindu considering the merits of Christianity, there are several compelling reasons to explore the Christian faith. Christianity’s historical viability, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the reliability of the Christian Scriptures, and the advantages of Christian monotheism provide a solid foundation for its teachings. Additionally, Christianity offers a solution to the problem of sin through the sacrifice of Jesus and the gift of salvation by grace through faith. By placing your faith in Jesus Christ, you can experience a personal relationship with God, find meaning and purpose in life, and have the assurance of eternal life. Consider exploring the teachings of Christianity and engaging in sincere reflection and prayer as you seek to deepen your understanding of faith and make an informed decision.
I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian?
Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
Acts 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,
Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Ezekiel 36:25-26 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Mark 13:22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
John 5:30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
Group 1 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Romans 5:8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
Jeremiah 44:1-45:5 The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Judeans who lived in the land of Egypt, at Migdol, at Tahpanhes, at Memphis, and in the land of Pathros, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: You have seen all the disaster that I brought upon Jerusalem and upon all the cities of Judah. Behold, this day they are a desolation, and no one dwells in them, because of the evil that they committed, provoking me to anger, in that they went to make offerings and serve other gods that they knew not, neither they, nor you, nor your fathers. Yet I persistently sent to you all my servants the prophets, saying, ‘Oh, do not do this abomination that I hate!’ But they did not listen or incline their ear, to turn from their evil and make no offerings to other gods. …
Group 2 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian?
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
Deuteronomy 27:15 “‘Cursed be the man who makes a carved or cast metal image, an abomination to the Lord, a thing made by the hands of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
James 2:26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Luke 16:19-31 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. …
Group 3 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
2 Corinthians 5:8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Revelation 13:8-18 And all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. …
Group 4 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Ezekiel 33:25-26 Therefore say to them, Thus says the Lord God: You eat flesh with the blood and lift up your eyes to your idols and shed blood; shall you then possess the land? You rely on the sword, you commit abominations, and each of you defiles his neighbor’s wife; shall you then possess the land?
Habakkuk 2:18-20 “What profit is an idol when its maker has shaped it, a metal image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation when he makes speechless idols! Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake; to a silent stone, Arise! Can this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in it. But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.”
Deuteronomy 5:7-10 “‘You shall have no other gods before me. “‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Group 5 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Isaiah 1:13-14 Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.
Psalm 16:1-11 A Miktam of David. Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. …
1 John 4:1-5:21 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. …
Group 6 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Deuteronomy 17:3-5 And has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, or the sun or the moon or any of the host of heaven, which I have forbidden, and it is told you and you hear of it, then you shall inquire diligently, and if it is true and certain that such an abomination has been done in Israel, then you shall bring out to your gates that man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you shall stone that man or woman to death with stones.
1 Timothy 6:20-21 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.
Revelation 9:20-21 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
Group 7 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Jeremiah 46:7-8 “Who is this, rising like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge? Egypt rises like the Nile, like rivers whose waters surge. He said, ‘I will rise, I will cover the earth, I will destroy cities and their inhabitants.’
Matthew 12:14-50 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. …
Galatians 3:10-29 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. …
Group 8 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Jeremiah 10:6-10 There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you. They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction of idols is but wood! Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz. They are the work of the craftsman and of the hands of the goldsmith; their clothing is violet and purple; they are all the work of skilled men. But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation.
Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.
Isaiah 45:14-16 Thus says the Lord: “The wealth of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you and be yours; they shall follow you; they shall come over in chains and bow down to you. They will plead with you, saying: ‘Surely God is in you, and there is no other, no god besides him.’” Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior. All of them are put to shame and confounded; the makers of idols go in confusion together.
Group 9 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Proverbs 3:29-30 Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.
Deuteronomy 32:21 They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are no people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
Exodus 22:20 “Whoever sacrifices to any god, other than the Lord alone, shall be devoted to destruction.
Exodus 20:1-26 And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, …
Group 10 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
1 Timothy 2:4 Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Acts 24:14-16 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
Acts 17:22-31 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, …
Group 11 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Matthew 12:39-45 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. …
Genesis 12:1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.
Revelation 7:9-10 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Group 12 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Revelation 1:4-8 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
2 Peter 1:16-21 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. …
Group 13 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Hebrews 9:22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
Titus 3:5-8 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
Group 14 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Colossians 2:8-9 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,
Philippians 3:7-9 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
2 Corinthians 11:13-33 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. …
Group 15 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
1 Corinthians 10:13-28 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. …
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
1 Corinthians 8:1-7 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— …
Group 16 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:13 For sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law.
John 1:1-51 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. …
Acts 17:16-24 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” …
Group 17 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Acts 15:20-29 But should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, …
Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Psalm 119:1-176 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! …
Group 18 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Genesis 4:3-4 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,
Psalm 96:1-97:12 Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. …
Hebrews 9:1-28 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. …
Group 19 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
1 Corinthians 12:5 And there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;
2 Corinthians 1:22-7:1 And who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? …
Romans 1:23-2:16 And exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. …
Group 20 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
John 14:16-18 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Acts 2:38-40 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
John 10:1-42 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” …
Group 21 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
John 5:29 And come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
Luke 9:50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jude 1:9-24 But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. …
Group 22 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Mark 3:1-35 Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. …
Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 28:8-9 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
Matthew 6:7-21 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, …
Group 23 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Zechariah 10:1-3 Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field. For the household gods utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; they tell false dreams and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd. “My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the Lord of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.
Zephaniah 1:1-18 The word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah. “I will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord. “I will sweep away man and beast; I will sweep away the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, and the rubble with the wicked. I will cut off mankind from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord. “I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests, those who bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, those who bow down and swear to the Lord and yet swear by Milcom, …
Group 24 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Micah 5:1-15 Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the judge of Israel on the cheek. But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men; …
Isaiah 57:4 Whom are you mocking? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, the offspring of deceit,
Jeremiah 47:2 “Thus says the Lord: Behold, waters are rising out of the north, and shall become an overflowing torrent; they shall overflow the land and all that fills it, the city and those who dwell in it. Men shall cry out, and every inhabitant of the land shall wail.
Group 25 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Isaiah 31:7-9 For in that day everyone shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold, which your hands have sinfully made for you. “And the Assyrian shall fall by a sword, not of man; and a sword, not of man, shall devour him; and he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be put to forced labor. His rock shall pass away in terror, and his officers desert the standard in panic,” declares the Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 44:12-20 The ironsmith takes a cutting tool and works it over the coals. He fashions it with hammers and works it with his strong arm. He becomes hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water and is faint. The carpenter stretches a line; he marks it out with a pencil. He shapes it with planes and marks it with a compass. He shapes it into the figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to dwell in a house. He cuts down cedars, or he chooses a cypress tree or an oak and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a cedar and the rain nourishes it. Then it becomes fuel for a man. He takes a part of it and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread. Also he makes a god and worships it; he makes it an idol and falls down before it. Half of it he burns in the fire. Over the half he eats meat; he roasts it and is satisfied. Also he warms himself and says, “Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire!” …
Group 26 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Judges 2:17-3:8 Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other gods and bowed down to them. They soon turned aside from the way in which their fathers had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the Lord, and they did not do so. Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he said, “Because this people have transgressed my covenant that I commanded their fathers and have not obeyed my voice, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations that Joshua left when he died, …
Leviticus 26:1-46 “You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God. You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord. “If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last to the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest shall last to the time for sowing. And you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely. …
Group 27 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Psalm 115:1-18 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. …
Exodus 15:26 Saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”
Exodus 32:31-35 So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.” But the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book. But now go, lead the people to the place about which I have spoken to you; behold, my angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them.” Then the Lord sent a plague on the people, because they made the calf, the one that Aaron made.
Group 28 – I Am a Hindu, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Exodus 7:22-8:10 But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts. So Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said. Pharaoh turned and went into his house, and he did not take even this to heart. And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile for water to drink, for they could not drink the water of the Nile. Seven full days passed after the Lord had struck the Nile. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. …
Jude 1:22 And have mercy on those who doubt;
Isaiah 47:13 You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who at the new moons make known what shall come upon you.
What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism? As a Buddhist, you are committed to living a noble and peaceful life. You seek answers to life’s important questions and strive to help others. However, you may also find yourself wondering about the afterlife and what happens when you die. Will you be reincarnated? Will your spirit cease to exist? Is there a heaven or hell? These profound questions deserve careful consideration, as the consequences may impact not only this life but also eternity.
While Buddhist teachings often encourage meditation to discover answers within oneself, the Bible claims to offer revelation from the God who created the universe. In this article, we will explore the teachings of Christianity and why you, as a Buddhist, should consider becoming a Christian. We will delve into key aspects such as the resurrection, historical reliability of the Bible, the foundations of Christian ethics, the role of desire, the concept of sin, and the assurance of salvation.
Why Should a Buddhist Consider Becoming a Christian?
Spiritual Facts
The Resurrection: Jesus’ Divine Confirmation
In Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Sakyamuni, is revered for his wisdom and profound philosophy of life. Similarly, Christianity centers around Jesus Christ, who possesses exceptional wisdom and teachings. However, what sets Jesus apart is the divine confirmation of His spiritual teachings through His resurrection from the dead. While many wise teachers have appeared throughout history, only Jesus has demonstrated the power to rise from the dead, a feat that can only be accomplished by divine intervention. The resurrection of Jesus confirms the validity and truthfulness of His teachings, as He prophesied and fulfilled His own resurrection. This extraordinary event demands special consideration.
Historical Reliability of the Bible
The Christian Scriptures, known as the Bible, hold significant historical importance and deserve serious consideration. The Bible stands as the most historically verifiable book of all antiquity, providing a solid foundation for its teachings. In particular, the New Testament, which chronicles the life and teachings of Jesus, surpasses any other ancient document in terms of manuscript evidence.
Consider the following remarkable facts:
Over 5,000 ancient Greek manuscripts of the New Testament exist, with a total of 24,000 manuscripts including other languages. This abundance of manuscripts allows for extensive research and comparison to determine the original texts.
The New Testament manuscripts are closer in age to the originals than any other ancient document. Written within the first century AD, during the time of eyewitnesses, parts of these manuscripts date back to AD 125. Complete copies of the New Testament can be found as early as AD 250. This proximity to the eyewitness accounts safeguards the integrity and accuracy of the texts, ensuring they did not devolve into myth or folklore.
Scholars such as John R. Robinson and Bruce Metzger attest to the accuracy of the New Testament documents, with estimates ranging from 99.5% to 99.9% accuracy. This level of accuracy surpasses any other complete antique book.
The historical verifiability of the Bible provides a strong foundation for its teachings, lending credibility to the claims made within its pages.
Foundations of Christian Ethics
Christianity offers a robust foundation for ethics, rooted in the personal character of God. Christians believe that God is personal, moral, and inherently good. His nature defines what is truly good, and actions that align with His goodness are considered morally right. Conversely, anything that deviates from His goodness is regarded as evil. This personal framework for morality provides a firm basis for distinguishing between good and evil.
In contrast, Buddhism perceives ultimate reality as impersonal. While Buddhism relies on the concept of karma as a moral framework, karma itself is impersonal and akin to a law of nature. Without a personal foundation for moral duty, Buddhism faces challenges in establishing a solid ethical framework. The absence of a personal framework for morality raises questions about the nature of good and evil and the ultimate purpose of pursuing a morally good life.
Additionally, some Buddhists assert that the dualities of “good” and “evil” ultimately dissolve into an illusory world of sensory reality. This perspective raises doubts about the pursuit of ultimate reality and the grounds for living a morally good life. In contrast, Christianity points to the character of God as the foundation of morality, offering a clear distinction between good and evil.
The Role of Desire: Christianity’s Perspective
Buddhism teaches that desire, or attachment (tanha), is the root cause of suffering and must be dissolved. However, desire plays a crucial role in certain aspects of life, such as love. Love, as Christians understand it, involves desiring the good of another person. Without a degree of attachment in desiring someone else’s well-being, true love cannot exist. Christianity recognizes that desire can be good when properly directed.
For instance, the Apostle Paul urges Christians to desire the greater gifts of the Spirit, highlighting the positive aspect of desire. The Psalms depict worshipers longing for and desiring fellowship with God, emphasizing the importance of desire in the spiritual realm. Moreover, Christianity proclaims that God Himself is love, emphasizing the significance of desire in the context of a personal relationship with Him. Sacrificing desire entirely may overlook the inherent goodness and purpose it can bring to life.
The Concept of Sin: Christianity’s Adequate Theological View
Buddhism acknowledges two ideas of sin: ignorance and moral error. Ignorance refers to not perceiving or understanding reality as Buddhism defines it. Moral error, on the other hand, involves intentionally committing evil acts, breaking spiritual or earthly laws, or desiring wrong things. While Buddhism recognizes moral error as a form of sin, it lacks a comprehensive view of atonement for this moral wrongdoing.
In contrast, Christianity provides an adequate theological view of sin. According to Christian teachings, sin is moral error and has been present in humanity since Adam. Sin creates a separation between humans and God, setting an infinite gap between us and eternal bliss. Sin demands justice, and it cannot be balanced out by good works alone. Even if someone performs ten times more good works than bad, the remnants of sin remain on their conscience. Christianity recognizes the reality and gravity of sin, offering a solution through Christ’s personal sacrifice on the cross.
Assurance of Salvation: The Gift of Eternal Life
Christianity provides the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It teaches that every person dies once, and after death comes judgment. All individuals have sinned and fall short of God’s perfection, deserving separation from Him. However, God offers the free gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. By believing in Jesus and accepting Him as Lord and Savior, one can receive this gift of eternal life.
Salvation is not attained through personal works or merit but through God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift received by faith alone, not as a result of human effort. By believing in Jesus and confessing Him as Lord, one can be saved and experience the transformative power of God’s grace. This assurance of salvation provides hope, purpose, and meaning in life, both on earth and in the afterlife.
Conclusion
As a Buddhist contemplating the merits of Christianity, it is essential to explore the unique aspects that set Christianity apart. The resurrection of Jesus, the historical reliability of the Bible, the foundation of Christian ethics, the perspective on desire, the concept of sin, and the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ all contribute to the compelling case for considering Christianity.
While Buddhism offers valuable insights and teachings, Christianity presents a comprehensive and transformative worldview. It offers a personal and moral foundation for ethics, a profound understanding of desire, a robust theological view of sin, and the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the decision to embrace Christianity is personal and requires careful reflection, but it opens the door to a life filled with eternal meaning, hope, and redemption.
What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism?
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 5:28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
1 Peter 5:1-14 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” …
Group 1 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. …
2 Peter 1:21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
1 Timothy 6:20-21 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.
Group 2 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
Revelation 17:8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.
Isaiah 30:10 Who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions,
Isaiah 26:3-27:6 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. For he has humbled the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city. He lays it low, lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust. The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy.” The path of the righteous is level; you make level the way of the righteous. …
Group 3 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Deuteronomy 32:21 They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are no people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
Hebrews 2:1-18 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. …
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
Group 4 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
Revelation 18:23 And the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.
Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.
John 3:1-36 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. …
Group 5 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
2 Timothy 4:3-5 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Hebrews 5:8-14 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, …
Colossians 2:16-23 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— …
Group 6 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
John 12:48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.
John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
Acts 24:14-16 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
Group 7 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Leviticus 24:16 Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Jeremiah 42:14-43:11 And saying, ‘No, we will go to the land of Egypt, where we shall not see war or hear the sound of the trumpet or be hungry for bread, and we will dwell there,’ then hear the word of the Lord, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: If you set your faces to enter Egypt and go to live there, then the sword that you fear shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine of which you are afraid shall follow close after you to Egypt, and there you shall die. All the men who set their faces to go to Egypt to live there shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence. They shall have no remnant or survivor from the disaster that I will bring upon them. “For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: As my anger and my wrath were poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so my wrath will be poured out on you when you go to Egypt. You shall become an execration, a horror, a curse, and a taunt. You shall see this place no more. …
Group 8 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Revelation 22:16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
Revelation 20:10 And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
2 Kings 19:14-19 Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: “O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. …
Group 9 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Revelation 16:13-17:14 And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” …
Revelation 12:3-13:18 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days. Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, …
Group 10 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Revelation 2:14-23 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’ “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. …
Revelation 6:2-9:21 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer. When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword. When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!” …
Group 11 -What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Hebrews 9:22-28 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. …
1 Thessalonians 5:3-2 Thessalonians 1:9 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. …
Group 12 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Ephesians 3:8-11 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Ephesians 1:13-23 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, …
Group 13 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,
1 Corinthians 10:5-28 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, …
2 Corinthians 3:1-4:18 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, …
Group 14 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— …
Matthew 10:1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
Romans 10:1-21 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. …
Group 15 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
John 14:26-16:13 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, …
Romans 5:1-21 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. …
Group 16 -What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Luke 21:1-38 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, …
Matthew 3:2-8:22 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. …
Daniel 1:20-2:28 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus. In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his spirit was troubled, and his sleep left him. Then the king commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be summoned to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king. And the king said to them, “I had a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream.” …
Group 17 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Ezekiel 33:1-33 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and make him their watchman, and if he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people, then if anyone who hears the sound of the trumpet does not take warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But if he had taken warning, he would have saved his life. …
Jeremiah 33:22 As the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sands of the sea cannot be measured, so I will multiply the offspring of David my servant, and the Levitical priests who minister to me.”
Jeremiah 4:23-27 I looked on the earth, and behold, it was without form and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light. I looked on the mountains, and behold, they were quaking, and all the hills moved to and fro. I looked, and behold, there was no man, and all the birds of the air had fled. I looked, and behold, the fruitful land was a desert, and all its cities were laid in ruins before the Lord, before his fierce anger. For thus says the Lord, “The whole land shall be a desolation; yet I will not make a full end.
Group 18 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.
Isaiah 40:18-44:6 To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains. He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move. Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; …
Proverbs 3:29-30 Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.
Isaiah 1:13-15 Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.
Group 19 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Psalm 135:1-21 Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord, give praise, O servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God! Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant! For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his own possession. For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. …
1 Samuel 15:23-24 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.” Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.
Joshua 22:1-24:15 At that time Joshua summoned the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you and have obeyed my voice in all that I have commanded you. You have not forsaken your brothers these many days, down to this day, but have been careful to keep the charge of the Lord your God. And now the Lord your God has given rest to your brothers, as he promised them. Therefore turn and go to your tents in the land where your possession lies, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan. Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” …
Group 20 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Deuteronomy 5:1-33 And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today, and you shall learn them and be careful to do them. The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. Not with our fathers did the Lord make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today. The Lord spoke with you face to face at the mountain, out of the midst of the fire, while I stood between the Lord and you at that time, to declare to you the word of the Lord. For you were afraid because of the fire, and you did not go up into the mountain. He said: …
Leviticus 26:1-46 “You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God. You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord. “If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last to the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest shall last to the time for sowing. And you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely. …
Group 21 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Exodus 7:22-8:32 But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts. So Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said. Pharaoh turned and went into his house, and he did not take even this to heart. And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile for water to drink, for they could not drink the water of the Nile. Seven full days passed after the Lord had struck the Nile. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. …
Genesis 4:3-4 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,
2 John 1:9-3 John 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your elect sister greet you. …
Group 22 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? …
1 John 1:3-5:21 That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. …
Group 23 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
1 Timothy 4:1-7 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. …
Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, …
Group 24 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Ephesians 2:2-4:27 In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, …
Acts 15:20 But should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.
Romans 1:4-2:16 And was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. …
Group 25 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Luke 17:21 Nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
John 14:1-17:26 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” …
John 1:1-51 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. …
Luke 12:40-15:24 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. …
Group 26 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Luke 9:20-50 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. …
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Luke 5:28-7:47 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” …
Group 27 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Mark 15:15-16:20 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. …
Mark 7:22-28 Coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. …
Group 28 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Zechariah 10:1-3 Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field. For the household gods utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; they tell false dreams and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd. “My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the Lord of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.
Matthew 16:18-17:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” …
Group 29 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Matthew 11:12-12:50 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, …
Daniel 8:1-11:45 In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after that which appeared to me at the first. And I saw in the vision; and when I saw, I was in Susa the citadel, which is in the province of Elam. And I saw in the vision, and I was at the Ulai canal. I raised my eyes and saw, and behold, a ram standing on the bank of the canal. It had two horns, and both horns were high, but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. I saw the ram charging westward and northward and southward. No beast could stand before him, and there was no one who could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great. As I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west across the face of the whole earth, without touching the ground. And the goat had a conspicuous horn between his eyes. …
Group 30 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Jeremiah 29:8-15 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the Lord. “For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. …
Jeremiah 10:11-14:15 Thus shall you say to them: “The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens.” It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses. Every man is stupid and without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his images are false, and there is no breath in them. They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish. …
Group 31 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Jeremiah 6:1-8:22 Flee for safety, O people of Benjamin, from the midst of Jerusalem! Blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and raise a signal on Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms out of the north, and great destruction. The lovely and delicately bred I will destroy, the daughter of Zion. Shepherds with their flocks shall come against her; they shall pitch their tents around her; they shall pasture, each in his place. “Prepare war against her; arise, and let us attack at noon! Woe to us, for the day declines, for the shadows of evening lengthen! Arise, and let us attack by night and destroy her palaces!” …
Isaiah 66:15-18 “For behold, the Lord will come in fire, and his chariots like the whirlwind, to render his anger in fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire will the Lord enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the Lord shall be many. “Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig’s flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end together, declares the Lord. “For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory,
Group 32 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Isaiah 7:14-9:6 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father’s house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria!” In that day the Lord will whistle for the fly that is at the end of the streams of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. …
Proverbs 28:23 Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.
Proverbs 16:2-7 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil. …
Group 33 – What Does the Bible Say About Buddhism
Psalm 96:1-97:12 Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. …
Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.
Psalm 82:1-8 A Psalm of Asaph. God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. …
I am a Buddhist, Why Should I Consider Becoming a Christian? As a Buddhist, you are committed to living a noble and peaceful life. You seek answers to life’s important questions and strive to help others. However, you may also find yourself wondering about the afterlife and what happens when you die. Will you be reincarnated? Will your spirit cease to exist? Is there a heaven or hell? These profound questions deserve careful consideration, as the consequences may impact not only this life but also eternity.
While Buddhist teachings often encourage meditation to discover answers within oneself, the Bible claims to offer revelation from the God who created the universe. In this article, we will explore the teachings of Christianity and why you, as a Buddhist, should consider becoming a Christian. We will delve into key aspects such as the resurrection, historical reliability of the Bible, the foundations of Christian ethics, the role of desire, the concept of sin, and the assurance of salvation.
Why Should a Buddhist Consider Becoming a Christian?
Spiritual Facts
The Resurrection: Jesus’ Divine Confirmation
In Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Sakyamuni, is revered for his wisdom and profound philosophy of life. Similarly, Christianity centers around Jesus Christ, who possesses exceptional wisdom and teachings. However, what sets Jesus apart is the divine confirmation of His spiritual teachings through His resurrection from the dead. While many wise teachers have appeared throughout history, only Jesus has demonstrated the power to rise from the dead, a feat that can only be accomplished by divine intervention. The resurrection of Jesus confirms the validity and truthfulness of His teachings, as He prophesied and fulfilled His own resurrection. This extraordinary event demands special consideration.
Historical Reliability of the Bible
The Christian Scriptures, known as the Bible, hold significant historical importance and deserve serious consideration. The Bible stands as the most historically verifiable book of all antiquity, providing a solid foundation for its teachings. In particular, the New Testament, which chronicles the life and teachings of Jesus, surpasses any other ancient document in terms of manuscript evidence.
Consider the following remarkable facts:
Over 5,000 ancient Greek manuscripts of the New Testament exist, with a total of 24,000 manuscripts including other languages. This abundance of manuscripts allows for extensive research and comparison to determine the original texts.
The New Testament manuscripts are closer in age to the originals than any other ancient document. Written within the first century AD, during the time of eyewitnesses, parts of these manuscripts date back to AD 125. Complete copies of the New Testament can be found as early as AD 250. This proximity to the eyewitness accounts safeguards the integrity and accuracy of the texts, ensuring they did not devolve into myth or folklore.
Scholars such as John R. Robinson and Bruce Metzger attest to the accuracy of the New Testament documents, with estimates ranging from 99.5% to 99.9% accuracy. This level of accuracy surpasses any other complete antique book.
The historical verifiability of the Bible provides a strong foundation for its teachings, lending credibility to the claims made within its pages.
Foundations of Christian Ethics
Christianity offers a robust foundation for ethics, rooted in the personal character of God. Christians believe that God is personal, moral, and inherently good. His nature defines what is truly good, and actions that align with His goodness are considered morally right. Conversely, anything that deviates from His goodness is regarded as evil. This personal framework for morality provides a firm basis for distinguishing between good and evil.
In contrast, Buddhism perceives ultimate reality as impersonal. While Buddhism relies on the concept of karma as a moral framework, karma itself is impersonal and akin to a law of nature. Without a personal foundation for moral duty, Buddhism faces challenges in establishing a solid ethical framework. The absence of a personal framework for morality raises questions about the nature of good and evil and the ultimate purpose of pursuing a morally good life.
Additionally, some Buddhists assert that the dualities of “good” and “evil” ultimately dissolve into an illusory world of sensory reality. This perspective raises doubts about the pursuit of ultimate reality and the grounds for living a morally good life. In contrast, Christianity points to the character of God as the foundation of morality, offering a clear distinction between good and evil.
The Role of Desire: Christianity’s Perspective
Buddhism teaches that desire, or attachment (tanha), is the root cause of suffering and must be dissolved. However, desire plays a crucial role in certain aspects of life, such as love. Love, as Christians understand it, involves desiring the good of another person. Without a degree of attachment in desiring someone else’s well-being, true love cannot exist. Christianity recognizes that desire can be good when properly directed.
For instance, the Apostle Paul urges Christians to desire the greater gifts of the Spirit, highlighting the positive aspect of desire. The Psalms depict worshipers longing for and desiring fellowship with God, emphasizing the importance of desire in the spiritual realm. Moreover, Christianity proclaims that God Himself is love, emphasizing the significance of desire in the context of a personal relationship with Him. Sacrificing desire entirely may overlook the inherent goodness and purpose it can bring to life.
The Concept of Sin: Christianity’s Adequate Theological View
Buddhism acknowledges two ideas of sin: ignorance and moral error. Ignorance refers to not perceiving or understanding reality as Buddhism defines it. Moral error, on the other hand, involves intentionally committing evil acts, breaking spiritual or earthly laws, or desiring wrong things. While Buddhism recognizes moral error as a form of sin, it lacks a comprehensive view of atonement for this moral wrongdoing.
In contrast, Christianity provides an adequate theological view of sin. According to Christian teachings, sin is moral error and has been present in humanity since Adam. Sin creates a separation between humans and God, setting an infinite gap between us and eternal bliss. Sin demands justice, and it cannot be balanced out by good works alone. Even if someone performs ten times more good works than bad, the remnants of sin remain on their conscience. Christianity recognizes the reality and gravity of sin, offering a solution through Christ’s personal sacrifice on the cross.
Assurance of Salvation: The Gift of Eternal Life
Christianity provides the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It teaches that every person dies once, and after death comes judgment. All individuals have sinned and fall short of God’s perfection, deserving separation from Him. However, God offers the free gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. By believing in Jesus and accepting Him as Lord and Savior, one can receive this gift of eternal life.
Salvation is not attained through personal works or merit but through God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift received by faith alone, not as a result of human effort. By believing in Jesus and confessing Him as Lord, one can be saved and experience the transformative power of God’s grace. This assurance of salvation provides hope, purpose, and meaning in life, both on earth and in the afterlife.
Conclusion
As a Buddhist contemplating the merits of Christianity, it is essential to explore the unique aspects that set Christianity apart. The resurrection of Jesus, the historical reliability of the Bible, the foundation of Christian ethics, the perspective on desire, the concept of sin, and the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ all contribute to the compelling case for considering Christianity.
While Buddhism offers valuable insights and teachings, Christianity presents a comprehensive and transformative worldview. It offers a personal and moral foundation for ethics, a profound understanding of desire, a robust theological view of sin, and the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the decision to embrace Christianity is personal and requires careful reflection, but it opens the door to a life filled with eternal meaning, hope, and redemption.
I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian?
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 5:28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
1 Peter 5:1-14 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” …
Group 1 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
2 Peter 1:21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
1 Timothy 6:20-21 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.
1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. …
Group 2 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
Revelation 17:8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.
Isaiah 30:10 Who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions,
Isaiah 26:3-27:6 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. For he has humbled the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city. He lays it low, lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust. The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy.” The path of the righteous is level; you make level the way of the righteous. …
Group 3 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Deuteronomy 32:21 They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are no people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
Hebrews 2:1-18 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. …
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
Group 4 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
John 3:1-36 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. …
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
Revelation 18:23 And the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.
Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.
Group 5 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
2 Timothy 4:3-5 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Hebrews 5:8-14 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, …
Colossians 2:16-23 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— …
Group 6 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
Acts 24:14-16 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
John 12:48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.
John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Group 7 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Leviticus 24:16 Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Jeremiah 42:14-43:11 And saying, ‘No, we will go to the land of Egypt, where we shall not see war or hear the sound of the trumpet or be hungry for bread, and we will dwell there,’ then hear the word of the Lord, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: If you set your faces to enter Egypt and go to live there, then the sword that you fear shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine of which you are afraid shall follow close after you to Egypt, and there you shall die. All the men who set their faces to go to Egypt to live there shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence. They shall have no remnant or survivor from the disaster that I will bring upon them. “For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: As my anger and my wrath were poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so my wrath will be poured out on you when you go to Egypt. You shall become an execration, a horror, a curse, and a taunt. You shall see this place no more. …
Group 8 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Revelation 22:16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
Revelation 20:10 And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
2 Kings 19:14-19 Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: “O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. …
Group 9 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Revelation 16:13-17:14 And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” …
Revelation 12:3-13:18 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days. Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, …
Group 10 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Revelation 6:2-9:21 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer. When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword. When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!” …
Revelation 2:14-23 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’ “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. …
Group 11 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Hebrews 9:22-28 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. …
1 Thessalonians 5:3-2 Thessalonians 1:9 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. …
Group 12 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Ephesians 3:8-11 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Ephesians 1:13-23 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, …
Group 13 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,
1 Corinthians 10:5-28 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, …
2 Corinthians 3:1-4:18 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, …
Group 14 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— …
Matthew 10:1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
Romans 10:1-21 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. …
Group 15 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Romans 5:1-21 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. …
John 14:26-16:13 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, …
Group 16 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Luke 21:1-38 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, …
Matthew 3:2-8:22 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. …
Daniel 1:20-2:28 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus. In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his spirit was troubled, and his sleep left him. Then the king commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be summoned to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king. And the king said to them, “I had a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream.” …
Group 17 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Ezekiel 33:1-33 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and make him their watchman, and if he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people, then if anyone who hears the sound of the trumpet does not take warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But if he had taken warning, he would have saved his life. …
Jeremiah 33:22 As the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sands of the sea cannot be measured, so I will multiply the offspring of David my servant, and the Levitical priests who minister to me.”
Jeremiah 4:23-27 I looked on the earth, and behold, it was without form and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light. I looked on the mountains, and behold, they were quaking, and all the hills moved to and fro. I looked, and behold, there was no man, and all the birds of the air had fled. I looked, and behold, the fruitful land was a desert, and all its cities were laid in ruins before the Lord, before his fierce anger. For thus says the Lord, “The whole land shall be a desolation; yet I will not make a full end.
Group 18 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.
Isaiah 40:18-44:6 To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains. He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move. Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; …
Proverbs 3:29-30 Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.
Isaiah 1:13-15 Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.
Group 19 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Psalm 135:1-21 Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord, give praise, O servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God! Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant! For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his own possession. For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. …
1 Samuel 15:23-24 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.” Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.
Joshua 22:1-24:15 At that time Joshua summoned the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you and have obeyed my voice in all that I have commanded you. You have not forsaken your brothers these many days, down to this day, but have been careful to keep the charge of the Lord your God. And now the Lord your God has given rest to your brothers, as he promised them. Therefore turn and go to your tents in the land where your possession lies, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan. Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” …
Group 20 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Deuteronomy 5:1-33 And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today, and you shall learn them and be careful to do them. The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. Not with our fathers did the Lord make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today. The Lord spoke with you face to face at the mountain, out of the midst of the fire, while I stood between the Lord and you at that time, to declare to you the word of the Lord. For you were afraid because of the fire, and you did not go up into the mountain. He said: …
Leviticus 26:1-46 “You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God. You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord. “If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Your threshing shall last to the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest shall last to the time for sowing. And you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely. …
Group 21 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Exodus 7:22-8:32 But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts. So Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said. Pharaoh turned and went into his house, and he did not take even this to heart. And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile for water to drink, for they could not drink the water of the Nile. Seven full days passed after the Lord had struck the Nile. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. …
Genesis 4:3-4 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,
2 John 1:9-3 John 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your elect sister greet you. …
Group 22 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
1 John 1:3-5:21 That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. …
2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? …
Group 23 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
1 Timothy 4:1-7 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. …
Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, …
Group 24 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Ephesians 2:2-4:27 In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, …
Acts 15:20 But should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.
Romans 1:4-2:16 And was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. …
Group 25 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Luke 17:21 Nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
John 14:1-17:26 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” …
John 1:1-51 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. …
Luke 12:40-15:24 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. …
Group 26 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Luke 9:20-50 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. …
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Luke 5:28-7:47 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” …
Group 27 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Mark 15:15-16:20 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. …
Mark 7:22-28 Coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. …
Group 28 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Matthew 16:18-17:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” …
Zechariah 10:1-3 Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field. For the household gods utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; they tell false dreams and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd. “My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the Lord of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.
Group 29 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Matthew 11:12-12:50 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, …
Daniel 8:1-11:45 In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after that which appeared to me at the first. And I saw in the vision; and when I saw, I was in Susa the citadel, which is in the province of Elam. And I saw in the vision, and I was at the Ulai canal. I raised my eyes and saw, and behold, a ram standing on the bank of the canal. It had two horns, and both horns were high, but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. I saw the ram charging westward and northward and southward. No beast could stand before him, and there was no one who could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great. As I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west across the face of the whole earth, without touching the ground. And the goat had a conspicuous horn between his eyes. …
Group 30 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Jeremiah 29:8-15 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, declares the Lord. “For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. …
Jeremiah 10:11-14:15 Thus shall you say to them: “The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens.” It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses. Every man is stupid and without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his images are false, and there is no breath in them. They are worthless, a work of delusion; at the time of their punishment they shall perish. …
Group 31 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Jeremiah 6:1-8:22 Flee for safety, O people of Benjamin, from the midst of Jerusalem! Blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and raise a signal on Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms out of the north, and great destruction. The lovely and delicately bred I will destroy, the daughter of Zion. Shepherds with their flocks shall come against her; they shall pitch their tents around her; they shall pasture, each in his place. “Prepare war against her; arise, and let us attack at noon! Woe to us, for the day declines, for the shadows of evening lengthen! Arise, and let us attack by night and destroy her palaces!” …
Isaiah 66:15-18 “For behold, the Lord will come in fire, and his chariots like the whirlwind, to render his anger in fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire will the Lord enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the Lord shall be many. “Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig’s flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end together, declares the Lord. “For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory,
Group 32 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Proverbs 28:23 Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.
Proverbs 16:2-7 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil. …
Isaiah 7:14-9:6 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father’s house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria!” In that day the Lord will whistle for the fly that is at the end of the streams of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. …
Group 33 – I am a Buddhist, why should I Consider Becoming a Christian
Psalm 96:1-97:12 Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. …
Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.
Psalm 82:1-8 A Psalm of Asaph. God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. …
What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God? Are you searching for a meaningful and fulfilling relationship? Look no further than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Developing a relationship with Jesus can bring new life, forgiveness, and a sense of purpose. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the steps you can take to cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus.
Steps on how to have a Personal Relationship with God through Jesus Christ
From a Biblical Perspective
Recognize Your Need for a Savior
The first step in establishing a relationship with Jesus is recognizing our need for salvation. As humans, we are inherently flawed and separated from God due to our sins. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” It is crucial to acknowledge our sins and understand that we cannot save ourselves.
Embrace God’s Grace
Having understood our need for a Savior, we can turn to the incredible grace offered by God. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches us that salvation is a gift, not something we can earn through our own efforts. By embracing God’s grace, we acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the only way to bridge the gap between us and God.
Seek a Personal Relationship
A personal relationship with Jesus starts with seeking Him earnestly. Just as you would invest time and effort into building a friendship, it is essential to prioritize your relationship with Jesus. Begin by regularly setting aside time for prayer, meditation, and reading the Bible.
Communicate Through Prayer
Prayer is the key to open communication with God. It is through prayer that we can express our thoughts, desires, and concerns to Him. Jesus Himself modeled the importance of prayer, often retreating to solitary places to commune with His Father. Develop a habit of daily prayer, pouring out your heart to Jesus and listening for His response.
Engage with God’s Word
The Bible is the living Word of God and serves as our guide to understanding His character and will. By reading, studying, and meditating on the Scriptures, we can deepen our knowledge of God and His plan for our lives. Start by setting aside dedicated time each day to engage with God’s Word. You can begin with the Gospels to learn more about Jesus’ life, teachings, and sacrifice.
Live Out God’s Commandments
A genuine relationship with Jesus is marked by obedience to His commandments. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” As followers of Christ, we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love is demonstrated through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and selflessness.
Experience the Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence within us, providing guidance, comfort, and empowerment. When we accept Jesus into our lives, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to experience the transformative power of God in our lives. Stay open and receptive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and shape your thoughts, words, and actions.
Cultivate a Heart of Worship
Worship is an integral part of our relationship with Jesus. It is an expression of our love, adoration, and reverence for Him. Worship can take many forms, including singing praises, praying, and offering our talents and gifts to God. Engage in regular times of worship, both individually and corporately, to cultivate a deep sense of intimacy and connection with Jesus.
Seek Fellowship with Other Believers
Building relationships with other believers is essential for the growth and vitality of your faith. Surround yourself with a community of like-minded individuals who can encourage, support, and challenge you in your spiritual journey. Join a local church, attend small groups or Bible studies, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow believers.
Share Your Faith with Others
As you deepen your relationship with Jesus, you will naturally desire to share the love and hope you have found in Him with others. Actively seek opportunities to share your faith and the good news of Jesus Christ. This can be through personal conversations, acts of kindness, or participating in mission work. Remember, the greatest act of love is to point others to Jesus.
In conclusion, developing a relationship with Jesus is a transformative and life-changing experience. It requires humility, surrender, and a genuine desire to know Him more deeply. By recognizing our need for a Savior, embracing God’s grace, and actively seeking a personal relationship, we can grow in our love and devotion to Jesus. Through prayer, engaging with God’s Word, living out His commandments, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate a vibrant relationship with our Savior. Let us embrace the journey of knowing Jesus and experience the abundant life He offers.
What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God?
Romans 5:8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Group 1 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
John 1:10-13 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 6:40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Group 2 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
1 John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Acts 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,
James 4:6-10 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Group 3 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
John 6:55-59 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.
1 Timothy 6:12-16 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
Group 4 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
1 Peter 3:18-22 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Group 5 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
Ephesians 6:14-20 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, …
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
John 3:3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Group 6 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
Genesis 2:18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Revelation 1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
John 14:23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
1 John 4:8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Group 7 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Group 8 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
Group 9 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
Proverbs 31:10-11 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Group 10 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Group 11 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Ephesians 4:2-3 With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Romans 8:31-32 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Group 12 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
Galatians 3:26 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Group 13 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
Romans 5:10-11 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Group 14 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Psalm 42:1-2 To the choirmaster. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah. As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 112:6-8 For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
Psalm 34:17-19 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Group 15 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Romans 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Group 16 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
Leviticus 18:22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
Luke 12:48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
1 Corinthians 13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Group 17 – What Does the Bible Say About Relationship with God
John 14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
Colossians 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 John 4:16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
How can I have a Relationship with Jesus? Are you searching for a meaningful and fulfilling relationship? Look no further than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Developing a relationship with Jesus can bring new life, forgiveness, and a sense of purpose. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the steps you can take to cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus.
Steps on how to have a Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ
From a Biblical Perspective
Recognize Your Need for a Savior
The first step in establishing a relationship with Jesus is recognizing our need for salvation. As humans, we are inherently flawed and separated from God due to our sins. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” It is crucial to acknowledge our sins and understand that we cannot save ourselves.
Embrace God’s Grace
Having understood our need for a Savior, we can turn to the incredible grace offered by God. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches us that salvation is a gift, not something we can earn through our own efforts. By embracing God’s grace, we acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the only way to bridge the gap between us and God.
Seek a Personal Relationship
A personal relationship with Jesus starts with seeking Him earnestly. Just as you would invest time and effort into building a friendship, it is essential to prioritize your relationship with Jesus. Begin by regularly setting aside time for prayer, meditation, and reading the Bible.
Communicate Through Prayer
Prayer is the key to open communication with God. It is through prayer that we can express our thoughts, desires, and concerns to Him. Jesus Himself modeled the importance of prayer, often retreating to solitary places to commune with His Father. Develop a habit of daily prayer, pouring out your heart to Jesus and listening for His response.
Engage with God’s Word
The Bible is the living Word of God and serves as our guide to understanding His character and will. By reading, studying, and meditating on the Scriptures, we can deepen our knowledge of God and His plan for our lives. Start by setting aside dedicated time each day to engage with God’s Word. You can begin with the Gospels to learn more about Jesus’ life, teachings, and sacrifice.
Live Out God’s Commandments
A genuine relationship with Jesus is marked by obedience to His commandments. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” As followers of Christ, we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love is demonstrated through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and selflessness.
Experience the Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence within us, providing guidance, comfort, and empowerment. When we accept Jesus into our lives, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to experience the transformative power of God in our lives. Stay open and receptive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and shape your thoughts, words, and actions.
Cultivate a Heart of Worship
Worship is an integral part of our relationship with Jesus. It is an expression of our love, adoration, and reverence for Him. Worship can take many forms, including singing praises, praying, and offering our talents and gifts to God. Engage in regular times of worship, both individually and corporately, to cultivate a deep sense of intimacy and connection with Jesus.
Seek Fellowship with Other Believers
Building relationships with other believers is essential for the growth and vitality of your faith. Surround yourself with a community of like-minded individuals who can encourage, support, and challenge you in your spiritual journey. Join a local church, attend small groups or Bible studies, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow believers.
Share Your Faith with Others
As you deepen your relationship with Jesus, you will naturally desire to share the love and hope you have found in Him with others. Actively seek opportunities to share your faith and the good news of Jesus Christ. This can be through personal conversations, acts of kindness, or participating in mission work. Remember, the greatest act of love is to point others to Jesus.
In conclusion, developing a relationship with Jesus is a transformative and life-changing experience. It requires humility, surrender, and a genuine desire to know Him more deeply. By recognizing our need for a Savior, embracing God’s grace, and actively seeking a personal relationship, we can grow in our love and devotion to Jesus. Through prayer, engaging with God’s Word, living out His commandments, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate a vibrant relationship with our Savior. Let us embrace the journey of knowing Jesus and experience the abundant life He offers.
How can I have a Relationship with Jesus?
Romans 5:8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Group 1 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
John 1:10-13 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 6:40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Group 2 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Acts 3:19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,
James 4:6-10 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
1 John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Group 3 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
John 6:55-59 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.
1 Timothy 6:12-16 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
Group 4 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
1 Peter 3:18-22 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Group 5 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
John 3:3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
Ephesians 6:14-20 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, …
Group 6 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Genesis 2:18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Revelation 1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
John 14:23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
1 John 4:8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Group 7 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Group 8 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
Group 9 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
Proverbs 31:10-11 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
Group 10 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Group 11 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Ephesians 4:2-3 With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Romans 8:31-32 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Group 12 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Galatians 3:26 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Group 13 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
Romans 5:10-11 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Group 14 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Psalm 42:1-2 To the choirmaster. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah. As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 112:6-8 For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
Psalm 34:17-19 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Group 15 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Romans 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Group 16 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Leviticus 18:22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
Luke 12:48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
1 Corinthians 13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Group 17 – How can I have a Relationship with Jesus
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 John 4:16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
John 14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
Colossians 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
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