Proverbs 15:7
As
I write this, I have just finished reading a report about the Pope’s response
to a question about whether non-Christians can get to heaven. He answered
correctly! If a non-believer were to follow his conscience 100% of the time, he
would get to heaven. But as we read in Romans chapters 1-3, no one does that.
Everyone violates their conscience and therefore sins. And anyone who has
unforgiven sins won’t go to heaven. And the only way to have sins forgiven is
to accept Christ’s forgiveness. And I think that was the point the Pope was
making.
Now
I don’t know what conversations the Pope’s answers will raise, but I appreciate
his candor. The full council of God will always spread knowledge. Maybe some
will try to take the Pope’s words to heart and live better lives. Then as some
point they will violate their conscience and need forgiveness. This opens the
way for the Gospel, that forgiveness is available.
Some
would have answered a resounding “No!” But Scripture does allow a perfect
person to enter heaven. So if someone were perfectly obedient to their own
conscience, they could go to heaven without Christ’s sacrifice.
The
way we present Truth makes a big difference. The pastor in Florida who is
burning Korans, or at least trying to, is right in believing that about a
quarter of Muslims worldwide, including those here in the United States,
believe suicide bombings are an acceptable representation of their faith. And
some would say they have the correct understanding of the Koran. But the way
the man is making his statement silences the truth he is trying to convey.
Now
I can’t judge this man’s heart. I know that Christ loves Muslims just as much
as He loves me. He died for their sins and is anxiously waiting for them to
have faith in Him. I want to be a vessel that can look past the hatred of me,
and still bring the love of Jesus to them.
I
want to be someone who spreads knowledge in a way that opens doors to
conversation. I want to be transparent. The way I present Truth makes a
difference. And it makes a difference for you as well.