1. Introduction:
A. In America, there are over 2000 different religions.
B. Many of these claim to be Christian religions,
C. Some even claim that non-christian religions are "of Christ", through different prophets.
D. It is common to see the sign "attend the church of your choice"
E. Today we wish to pose this vitally important question "Are all religious people saved?"
1. If the answer to this question is yes, then we may all take great comfort in whatever we choose to practice. We may indeed attend the church of our choice or if it doesn't exist, we may start the church of our choice.
2. If on the other hand, the answer is no, we can see that some religious people will be eternally condemned.
3. If some religious people will be eternally condemned, how can you know if your religion is acceptable to God?
F. In a culture where tolerance is preferred to truth, it should be obvious to us that this question is too important to dismiss.
G. The issue is not tolerance, it is truth.
2. Is Your Religion Approved Of By God?
A. The Athenians were very religious: Acts 17:22
1. Yet Paul commanded them to repent and turn to the living God and his only Son Jesus Christ (17:30)
2. Jesus claimed to be the only way to the father (Jn.14:6)
3. Are you very religious? Do you think that will save you? Think again!
B. Cornelius worshipped the true God: Acts 10:2-4
1. Yet Peter was sent to teach him how he and his house "should be saved" (Acts 11:14)
2. Do you worship the true God? As devoutly as Cornelius? Then you are just as saved as he was before Peter showed up.
C. The chief rulers believed in Jesus: Jn.12:42,43
1. Yet they refused to confess him and Jesus said that those who deny him will be denied entrance into heaven (Mt.10:32,33)
2. The devils believe and tremble (Jas.2:19,20)
3. Do you believe and tremble? Your as righteous as a devil now.
D. Some will call Jesus Lord: Mt.7:21-23
1. Yet Jesus said they would not inherit the kingdom of heaven. (Mt.7:21-23)
2. Why call ye me Lord and do not the things which I command you?
E. A look at some religious people in the Book of Acts
1. Those at Jerusalem on Pentecost:
a. They were devout: Acts 2:5
b. They asked what to do: Acts 2:37
c. Told "Repent & be baptized: Acts 2:38
2. The Ethiopian Eunuch:
a. He was very religious: Acts 8:27,28
b. He had to be taught: Acts 8:30-35
c. He was baptized: Acts 8:36-38
3. Saul of Tarsus:
a. He was a religious zealot: Acts 8:3; 9:1,2
b. Had to be told what to do: Acts 9:5,6
c. He was baptized: Acts 22:16
4. Those at Ephesus
a. They were disciples of God's prophets: Acts 19:1
b. They needed to be taught: Acts 19:2
c. They had a wrong baptism: Acts 19:3,4
d. They were baptized in the name of Jesus: Acts 19:5
3. Conclusion:
A. Who will be saved?
1. Those who are in Christ and walk after the Spirit (Rom.8:1)
2. Those who do the will of the father (Mt.7:21)
3. Those who obey Christ (Heb.5:9)
4. Those who believe and are baptized (Mk.16:16)
5. Those who repent and are baptized (Acts 2:38)
6. Those who believe and confess (Rom.10:9,10)
B. Who will be lost?
1. Those who know not God (2 Thess.1:7-9)
2. Those who don't obey the gospel (2 Thess.1:7-9)
3. Those who don't believe (Mk.16:16)
4. Those who aren't baptized (Mk.16:16)