[307 words]
Sometimes when traveling, drivers will take “shortcuts” that actually result in much longer trips. Even when doing school work or being on the job, we sometimes think taking a shortcut will make our load easier, only to find out that, when all is said and done, we end up exerting more energy and/or time in completing the task than had we just done as we were instructed.
Spiritually, there are no shortcuts in entering the “strait gate” and traveling the “narrow way” (Matthew 7:13-14). The religious world teaches shortcuts to salvation, but they actually keep us from salvation. A few of these are as follows.
First, there is the “sincerity” shortcut. Some say that as long as a person is sincere, God will save him or her. However, sincerity by itself will not result in salvation. A person can be sincere and still be wrong. For example, Abimelech took another man’s wife “in the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands” (Genesis 20:5-6). Even though he sincerely thought he had a right to her, he sinned and would have died had he not restored her to her rightful husband (Genesis 20:7).
Second, there is the “faith only” shortcut. Some say that all one needs to do to be saved is believe in God. However, even the “demons also believe-and tremble,” but they are definitely not saved.
Third, there is the “sinner’s prayer” shortcut. There are some who say the only thing you have to do to be saved is “accept the Lord Jesus in your heart,” which includes saying the ”sinner’s prayer.” However, no such prayer exists in the Bible!
There are no shortcuts to salvation! Do not risk eternity. Just humbly obey God by obeying Jesus. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16)!
Brian Kenyon
via Grand Blanc church of Christ
Grand Blanc, MI