Though, we promote inclusivity, and we should when it comes to living peacefully with others, and though it is surely not politically correct to say what I’m about to say, we need to be clear on this.

The worldly line that we are all God’s children is a lie. It sounds good, but it’s simply garbage.

As we study First John, and we begin chapter two, it might be easy to think John is calling everyone God’s children as he endearingly refers to his readers as “little children”. However, let’s again remember context. John is writing to Christ followers to promote fellowship among them and warn them about false teaching.

Though every human is made in God’s image (Gen 1:27), not everyone has been adopted as His children.

What’s more, there are not many ways to God, all religions are not equal. Christianity is exclusive. We are either God’s children, birthed by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, or we are dead in our sins. (John 14:6)

John will tell us in chapter two of this letter, that I’ve been slow reading, “whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either” (1 John 2:23).

So other religions that deny Christ is Lord, or simply call him a “good person” or a “prophet”, and religions that promote some other way to God, are ALL false religions leading their followers to Hell.

And while we are to love our Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, (etc) neighbors and live peaceably with them, they are not our brothers and sisters. We do not have the same Father.

And, if we truly care about others who don’t know Jesus, eventually, we need to carefully and prayerfully talk with them about this.

Now, this is also not politically-correct, worldly counsel, nor is it easy! But, if we understand what it means to know and follow Jesus, and what it means to not, we should be compelled to open our mouths.

This may also mean talking to the friend at your Bible-believing church, who doesn’t live like she believes the Bible at all, and you wonder if she truly knows God as Lord and Savior.

I know that’s not easy.

But let’s remember, some have gone so far as to give their lives so others might come to know the One True God—the only God who can save! In fact, many have been martyred and are being martyred for the cause of Christ today.

That’s a hard thing to think about, but if we truly believe this life is just a temporary breath (Psalm 39:5), and we are citizens of another Kingdom (Phil 3:20), just passing through, we might find the courage to tell others where the Only Hope is found!

Will you spend a few minutes and pray? Will you ask the Lord to bring to mind anyone you need to pray for and share the good news of Jesus Christ?

If God lays someone on your heart to talk to about this, will you leave their first initial in the comments below as a commitment to do so? I’ll sure pray for you about this.

And know this, if Your Father calls you to do something or say something He will equip you and give you what you need in that moment (Mark 13:11) because, if you have been saved by the blood of the Lamb, you are His child! And that’s no small thing!

What a Savior!

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Note – this is a continuation of my study of 1 John. Go to this page on Facebook or kimjaggers.com to see other posts on this wonderful book of the Bible.

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