How do we know that our religion is THE religion?

Question

I am a Christian & i believe in God..but i've found myself wondering lately how you know that you're religion is THE religion.. Of all the other beliefs, how do you know that yours is the right one?

is there even a way to know?
i'm confused :/

Answer 1

Contrary to what most people say and think, there IS a way to know if ones religion is right or wrong. Jesus tells us many marks to help identify the true religion. Here are some points to consider that may be helpful...

(1) On what are its teachings based? Are they from God, or are they largely from men? (2 Tim. 3:16; Mark 7:7) Ask, for example: Where does the Bible teach that God is a Trinity? Where does it say that the human soul is immortal?

(2) Consider whether it is making known the name of God. Jesus said in prayer to God: “I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world.” (John 17:6) He declared: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Matt. 4:10) Has your religion taught you that ‘it is Jehovah you must worship’? Have you come to know the Person identified by that name—his purposes, his activities, his qualities—so that you feel you can confidently draw close to him?

(3) Is true faith in Jesus Christ being demonstrated? This involves appreciation of the value of the sacrifice of Jesus’ human life and of his position today as heavenly King. (John 3:36; Ps. 2:6-8) Such appreciation is shown by obeying Jesus—sharing personally and zealously in the work that he assigned to his followers. True religion has such faith that is accompanied by works.—Jas. 2:26.

(4) Is it largely ritualistic, a formality, or is it a way of life? God strongly disapproves of religion that is merely a formalism. (Isa. 1:15-17) True religion upholds the Bible’s standard of morality and clean speech instead of weakly going along with popular trends. (1 Cor. 5:9-13; Eph. 5:3-5) Its members reflect the fruits of God’s spirit in their lives. (Gal. 5:22, 23) So, those who adhere to true worship can be identified because they sincerely endeavor to apply Bible standards in their lives not only at their places of meeting but in their family life, at their secular work, in school, and in recreation.

(5) Do its members truly love one another? Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) Such love reaches across racial, social, and national boundaries, drawing people together in genuine brotherhood. So strong is this love that it sets them apart as being truly different. When the nations go to war, who have enough love for their Christian brothers in other lands that they refuse to take up arms and kill them? That is what early Christians did.

(6) Is it truly separate from the world? Jesus said that his true followers would be “no part of the world.” (John 15:19) To worship God in a manner that he approves requires that we keep ourselves “without spot from the world.” (Jas. 1:27) Can that be said of those whose clergy and other members are involved in politics, or whose lives are largely built around materialistic and fleshly desires?—1 John 2:15-17.

(7) Are its members active witnesses concerning God’s Kingdom? Jesus foretold: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14) What religion is really proclaiming God’s Kingdom as the hope of mankind instead of encouraging people to look to human rulership to solve their problems? Has your religion equipped you to share in this activity, and to do it from house to house as Jesus taught his apostles to do?—Matt. 10:7, 11-13; Acts 5:42; 20:20.

Answer 2

Each religion sees itself as the path to purity and rightousness to God (or highest divinity), so any religion claiming that it is the path to "rightousness and goodness before God" is really a moot point because that is the claim from all. I think, based upon your question, another question might be better posed. Why would it be necessary for one religion to be THE religion and all others to be wrong? After all, which house is THE house? Which car is THE car? It's all subjective based upon the interpreter. Whatever feels right to you as a religion is the right religion for you. Often the decision is made by people based upon what is most common in their community. Sometimes religion is chosen because the individual believes that something bad is going to happen to them if they don't believe what is being told to them. My suggestion to you is study all religions thoroughly with an open mind and see what strikes your heart the most. Remember, saying "I believe the Bible is right" without ever reading the Koran, the Hindu texts, the Buddhist Sutras, etc. is the same as saying, "I don't know any better". Then again, most Christians haven't ever sat down and read the Bible cover to cover. Good luck on your searching for what fits your heart, but please make an intelligent decision. Don't just hold up the only book your familiar with. When you finally find that belief that sings to you, you will hold on to it that much tighter.

Answer 3

In UAE what is the religious freedom? They have no option but to follow and obey. There is no residential guru shisya education system. All modern CBSE and matriculation English medium school spread over. In Hindu text there is norms how to wash cloths and the positions, but who can respect the system while washing machines are make ease of that job. So some part of our text is not standing to this modern world. There is a lot of mantras and rituals which deserve to be followed up was not done so, due to lack of knowledge on Hindu texts. If only the parents have the faith and knowledge of Hindu texts the new generation will respect and follow. Let them to read " Aarthamulla Hindumadam" of Kannadasan.

Answer 4

Well I myself am not a Christian, so maybe I should not be answering this question. From the current pope's point of view there is only one true church and that Catholics are on the right path and others are not.

I think that many religions have seeds of truth, wisdom and positive things to bring to our world and the people in it.

My personal point of view is that we can all find a path what we seek and to some that may be God. Be true to what you stand for and believe in and I think God will take note.

Good Luck on your journey of understanding.

Answer 5

Yes, you measure it 1) By the Bible 2) By the conduct of the people 3)By the historical origins of it....1 Thess 5:21, Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1, Matthew 7:13-27.

The Bible is the truth and must be agreed with. John 17:17, 4:23, 24.

You will recognize them by their fruits....do they say and not perform.

Think of it. If a supposed Christian has never read the Bible even once, there is no way such a one CAN know his religion is really true...esp. since no 2 Christian religions agree out of 2, 500.

You must have a Bible/religion study to find out. And someone who does have the truth will be happy to leave his/her information or email where you can find it so you can ask all your questions and cover all the topics.

1 Peter 3:15, 16...True Christians exist not for self, but to answer people's questions.

My email, etc. is linked to my profile. Email me if you want to talk, compare notes on past religious affiliation, school or college studies on such, whatever.

Debbie

Answer 6

VERSES THAT CONTRADICT THEMSELVES IN THE BIBLE.


Genesis 6:3 and Genesis 11:11 - Life limited to 120 years?
Genesis 32:30 and Exodus 33:20 - Jacob's life was preserved?
Exodus 4:22 and Jeremiah 31:9 - Who was God's firstborn?
Numbers 23:19 and Genesis 6:6-7 - Does God repent or not?
2 Samuel 6:23 and 2 Samuel 21:8 - Did Michael have children?
2 Samuel 8:4 and 1 Chronicles 18:4 - 700 or 7000 horsemen?
2 Samuel 8:9-10 and 1 Chronicles 18:9-10 - Toi or Tou? Hadadezer or Hadarezer? Joram or Hadoram?
2 Samuel 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 19:18 - 700 or 7000 charioteers? 40,000 horsemen or footmen? Captain's name?
2 Samuel 24:1 and 1 Chronicles 21:1 - Who provoked David?
2 Samuel 24:9 and 1 Chronicles 21:5 - 800,000 or 100,000?
2 Samuel 24:13 and 1 Chronicles 21:11-12 - 7 or 3 years?
1 Kings 4:26 and 2 Chronicles 9:25 - 40,000 or 4,000 stalls?
1 Kings 5:15-16 and 2 Chronicles 2:2 - 3300 or 3600?
1 Kings 7:26 and 2 Chronicles 4:5 - 2000 or 3000 baths?
2 Kings 8:26 and 2 Chronicles 22:2 - 22 or 42 years old?
2 Kings 24:8 and 2 Chronicles 36:9 - 18 or 8 years old? 3 months or 3 months and 10 days?
Ezra 2:65 and Nehemiah 7:67 - 200 or 245 singers?
Matthew 1:12 and Luke 3:27 - Who was Salathiel's father?
Matthew 1:16 and Luke 3:23 - Who was Joseph's father?
Matthew 9:18 and Mark 5:22-23 - Dead or not?
Matthew 10:5-10 and Mark 6:7-8 - Bring a staff or not?
Matthew 15:21-22 and Mark 7:24-26 - The woman was of Canaan or Greece?
Matthew 20:29-30 and Mark 10:46-47 - One or two beggars?
Matthew 21:1-2 and Mark 11:1-2 - What happened to the ***?
Matthew 26:74-75 and Mark 14:72 - Before the cock crow once or twice?
Matthew 27:5 and Acts 1:18 - How did Judas die?
John 3:16 and Psalms 2:7 - Only begotten son?
John 5:31 and John 8:14 - Was Jesus' record true or not?

VERSES THAT CONTRADICT THE TRINITARIAN DOCTRINE AND/OR THE DIVINITY OF JESUS


Exodus 33:20, John 1:18, 1 Timothy 6:16 - No one saw God.
Isaiah 42:8 - Do not praise and worship images.
Isaiah 45:1 - "Anointed" does not mean "God".
Matthew 14:23, 19:13, 26:39, 27:46, 26:42-44 - Jesus prayed.
Matthew 24:36 - Jesus was not all-knowing.
Matthew 26:39 - Jesus and God had different wills.
Matthew 28:18 - All power was given to Jesus.
Mark 1:35, 6:46, 14:35-36 - Jesus prayed.
Mark 10:17-18 and Luke 18:18-19 - Jesus denied divinity.
Mark 12:28-29 - God is one.
Mark 13:32 - Jesus was not all-knowing.
Mark 16:19 and Luke 22:69 - Jesus at the right hand of God.
Luke 3:21, 5:16, 6:12, 9:18, 9:28, 11:1-4, 22:41 - Jesus prayed.
Luke 4:18, 9:48, 10:16 - Jesus was from God.
Luke 7:16, 13:33, 24:18-19 - Jesus was a prophet.
Luke 10:21 - Jesus gave thanks.
Luke 23:46 - The spirit of Jesus was commended to God.
John 4:19 - Jesus was a prophet.
John 4:23-24 - Worship in spirit and truth.
John 14:28 - One was greater than the other.
John 5:19, 5:30, 7:28, 8:28 - Jesus was helpless.
John 5:20 - The Father showed the son.
John 5:30 and 6:38 - Jesus and God had different wills.
John 5:31-32 - Jesus' witness was not true.
John 6:11 and 11:41-42 - Jesus gave thanks.
John 6:32 - The Father was the provider, not the son.
John 7:29, 16:5, 16:28 - Jesus was from God.
John 7:16, 12:49, 14:24, 17:14 - Jesus' words were not his.
John 8:42 - Jesus did not come of himself.
John 10:29 - "My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all."
John 14:1 - Jesus said, "...believe also in me."
John 14:16, 17:1, 17:9, 17:11, 17:15 - Jesus prayed.
John 14:31 and 15:10 - Jesus followed commands.
John 17:6-8 - "I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me."
John 20:17 - Jesus had a god.
Acts 2:22 - Jesus was "a man approved of God."
Romans 8:34 - Jesus was an intercessor.
1 Timothy 2:5 - Jesus was the mediator between God and humans

JESUS DENIED DIVINITY

Mark 10:17-18 and Luke 18:18-19
These verses are most indicative of Jesus' position and real nature. The verse in Mark reads:
"As he [Jesus] was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, 'Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone."

If you analyze this verse in truth you will see that Jesus, quite simply, is not God. If he was, why then would he say "No one is good but God alone"? Jesus did not want to be called "good" because he was not God. That title, as Jesus admits, belongs to none but God.

Luke 3:36
“Enos was the son of Seth, and Seth was the son of Adam, and Adam was the son of God.”

Note: Adam, not Jesus, is listed in this genealogy of Jesus as the son of God, not Jesus.

Later on, the priests are asking Jesus, peace be upon him, if he claims to be the son of God. He tells them in fact, it is they who are making this claim.

“You say that I am.”

Gospel of John contains the greatest number of references to “son of God.”
Jesus, speaking in the third person talked about the “Son of God” in John 3:17

John 5:24
John 11:4
John 11:27

Martha, one of the followers, calls Jesus, peace be upon him, “The Messiah, the Son of God”
John 20:31 he is called “The Messiah, the Son of God.”

But no verse makes the exact statement “Jesus is the Son of God and as such he is divine or God.”


Now tell me do you really believe that you religion is THE RELIGON????

www.islamtomorrow.com

Answer 7

The Holy Spirit can lead you to all truth. If you are a Christian you know the bible is true and the prophecies given in the old testament have almost all come true. The others will soon. The devil is trying to deceive you, he is the father of lies. Jesus is the way the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father, but by Him.

Answer 8

Every religion is right, because every religion talks about the same basic points:

1. love one or several superior deities
2. love each other
3. do good deeds
4. wait for an eternity to come
5. be punished or rewarded

What makes them different is the heart and strong will of those who follow them. In my humble point of view, I think all religions are right because all of them hold a fragment of the Truth. God would never give the whole Truth solely to one group of people or solely to one civilization. He gave His Truth in pieces, so that we could debate, question and seek (just like you are doing now) and then figure out by ourselves. No one of us is prepared to hold the whole Truth, because we are not ready for that, we still have our hearts full of pride. No one of us deserves to know the whole Truth.

Every one of us follows the religion that our intuition tells us to be closer to the level of our spirituality. Some people like rituals, other people like listening, other people are afraid to go further, so on.

Don't be afraid to question. If you question is because your spirit is eager to see beyound of what has been told you. Jesus said "seek and you shall find". Keep searching! If your church or the Bible itself doesn't seem to satisfy your curiosity and your questions, allow yourself to go beyound. Talk to people, read books from other religions, allow yourself to know things. Then, after collecting all the information you need, you can choose the religion that best fits your spirit, or maybe you find out that no one of them is good enough, and that's OK too. The only thing that matters here is follow your intuition, because that's what leads you to a higher level of spirituality.

Peace!

Answer 9

The problem is believing that YOUR religion is the ONLY way, rather than *A* way. In my culture, we say there are many paths up the mountain, but eventually they all lead to the top. A better question would be, "is my religion right for ME?" The basic idea is to try to create better people. If yours works, for you, stick with it, but don't deny the validity of other paths or disrespect them. Then you introduce divisions and conflict when there need be none.

Answer 10

Well, read this:

"I think every follower of Jesus faces questions like this at some point. You believe what some have called 'The Zealous Monk Theory'...the idea that somewhere centuries ago, some over-zealous Catholic monks decided to deceive the world by manipulating and twisting the Bible to say what they wanted it to say. Therefore (the theory says), you can't trust the Bible we have today. Thankfully, this "theory" has absolutely no basis in fact or truth.

In all honesty, the Scriptures we have today are the best attempt of scores of honest people to 'translate' not 'interpret' the Bible. That said, the original Greek actually holds the key to what the Bible actually literally says. So, if you want, you can bypass all those translations entirely, and go back to the original manuscripts (which we have ancient copies of) and study the Bible in the Greek. I, like many good students of the Bible, have done this using study tools, and have found that the modern translations, for the most part, say exactly what the early manuscripts say. You can do it too, if you wish, and completely bypass the zealous monks you fear!! =)

So, it's not 'The Zealous Monk Theory' at at all...it's the 'Zealous Monk Myth.'

Consider this also: The Bible has 66 books and 40 authors. It was written over a period of 1500 years by men from all walks of life. Nehemiah was a cupbearer. David was a shepherd boy. Joshua was a military commander. Peter was a fisherman. It was written in three different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek). And yet, inspite of all these complex factors, the Bible has a moral and thematic unity. It is about ONE THING...Jesus Christ. Who could author a book, writing a story over 1500 years? Only God.

Consider this...I recently wrote a letter to a friend with a Bic pen. Should I have signed the letter "Bic" because I wrote the letter with a Bic pen? Of course not! I signed the letter 'Derek' because I wrote it. The Bic pen was just an instrument! In the same way, God used men as an instrument to write the Bible. We don't give the credit to them any more than we would the Bic pen. God used those men as instruments in His hand!

Consider this also...the Bible has been attacked in every generation. French skeptic Voltaire actually said, "It took 12 men to establish Christianity, but I will show the world that it will take one man to destroy it!" Today, Voltaire is dead, and his house is being used by Wycliffe Bible Translators! Nations have plotted in vain to destroy God's Word! God will not allow it, for 'His word endures forever.'

All that to say...have faith that the Bible is the Word of God, and can change your life when you believe it!"

Answer 11

Though there are thousands of religions, the Bible quickly helps us to cut through the confusion in order to identify the true one. But we need to do more than identify it. It is vital that we practice it.
Should the true religion be a profit oriented enterprise, so that its leaders can live in luxury? Matthew 6: 19-21; James 2:1-4; 5: 1-3.
Would true worship try to hide or replace God’s revealed name? Isaiah 12:4,5; Matthew 6:9; John 17:26.
{Jehovah)
Would the worldwide brotherhood of true worshipers of God be involved in divisive politics and nationalism? Daniel 2:44; 7:14; John 18:36; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 1:10.
Would the worship approved by God permit participation in wars and racial or tribal killings? Exodus 20:13; Isaiah 2:2-4; John 13:34;,35.
Would true worship exalt, glorify, and unduly honor human religious leaders, even assigning them unscriptural titles? Psalm 96:5-7; Matthew 23:6-12; 1 Corinthians 3:5-9.
What kind of conduct should the true religion produce as a result of its teachings? Matthew 22: 37-40; Ephesians 4: 23-29; compare Galatians 5: 19-21 with 5: 22,23.

Why not go to watchtower.org follow the directions and one of Jehovah's Witnesses in your area, will contact you for a free home bible study.
Test it out for your own self don't limp on others opinions
They will use your own personal bible in your sudy