Misconceptions arise out of ignorance or diliberate misinformation.
May the Grace, Mercy, and Love of Jesus Christ bless you as you explore the truth behind Christianity.
Brother Buddy is a Southern Baptist Pastor and a seminarian studying the Word of God. He is a graduate from the College of Engineering and Technology at Bradley University in Peoria, IL and currently works as a design engineer. He is married and lives in Pekin, IL.
Christianity is not a myth. No serious historian would ever doubt that a man named Jesus existed in area of modern day Israel. In fact, the name Jesus was more common that most people realize. The name Jesus is really the Greek version of the name Yeshua or Joshua meaning "the Lord saves".
Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is a relationship between a sinner and the all-powerful, loving creator of the universe.
Why did we need Jesus if God is a loving God?
When God created us He gaves us free will. Free will is the fullest expression of freedom that God could give to his creation - the freedom to choose God or rebel against God. Obviously mankind chose to rebel against God. What mankind needed was a "bridge" to connect mankind back with God after the fellowship was broken. A righteous and Holy God demands righteousness and Holiness in order for one to be in His presence. Anything less would make him less than perfect. Jesus, being fully God and fully man lived a perfect, sinless life. By sacrificing Himself as the penaly for our sin, fellowship with God is now restored.
Do I have to go to Church to be Saved?
Absolutely not! Nothing about the church can save you. Only accepting the fact that the blood sacrifice of Jesus paid the full and complete price for your salvation and trusting in His redemptive work can save you. Salvation is of God from the beginning to the end. You can't earn it. You don't deserve it. God loves you so much he provided in for you just as you are right now.
Are you saying that good people from other religions go to hell?
Yes. The requirements for being saved have nothing to do with goodness. Salvation is found only in trusting Jesus, not it doing good works or being a good person. Does a good Muslim go to hell? Yes. Does a good Hindu go to hell? Yes. Realistically, a good Baptist goes to hell! It's not about being good or being part of a particular religion. It's all about having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It seems almost too easy doesn't it?