"Can I Read the Bible?" (Hebrews 4:12)
/In my first year in college, I was involved in a cult. It was led by a woman who claimed to be a reincarnation of a man who died in India in the late 19th century. She taught that all religions were paths to the same god. As I was indoctrinated into her teachings, I would spend my time meditating alone and in the presence of this woman. As revealing and interesting as this was, I wanted more. It is my nature to read and I searched for any material that would help me in my new spiritual journey. It occurred to me that if all religions were paths to the same god, then Christianity must also be part of that truth. Therefore, reading the Bible could be a resource I was seeking. In spite of the logic of my approach, I felt compelled to seek the approval of this woman. During a meditation session with her, I broached the subject.
“If all religions are paths to God, then Christianity is also truth, right?”
The woman sat back in her chair, closed her eyes, and smiled. “Yes,” she began. “But it is not the complete truth. I teach the number nine path. It is the most direct path to god.”
I nodded and persisted. “But if Christianity is on a pathway to truth, can I read the Bible?”
She smiled and flashed a knowing glance. “Yes you may. But it is not the complete truth. Only I teach the complete truth.”
I acknowledged her answer and proceeded to read the Bible, something I had not done since religion classes in high school. As I read, it was if I was seeing the words in a new light. At first, I was pleased to see a similarity with the Bible and the message that this woman was teaching. But with time, I began to note significant contradictions. In the Gospel of John, Jesus stated that, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
How can this be? I was indoctrinated with the belief that all religions were paths to the same god but Jesus declared that He is the only Way. One of the statements had to be wrong. But which one? Over the next few months, I read more of the Bible. My journey to Christianity had begun. God led me to another Christian brother who helped me with many of my questions. In less than a year, I went from an atheist to a pantheist. Now I was confronted with the One True God, and, in His mercy, drew me to Himself. He changed my heart to know Him. And He did it by bringing me to His Holy Word. During the week before Easter 1982, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
I know the Bible is living and active because it convicted me of the truth. No other written word has the power to change our hearts. Satan deceives us by twisting and distorting portions of Scripture. Cults love to quote portions of the Bible, cherry picking verses to support their blasphemous views. But when one takes the time to read the Bible, there is only one inescapable conclusion. It contains the entire Truth that will lead you to Jesus Christ and eternal life. It is the Truth and it will set you free. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus.
Yes, everyone can and should read the Bible!
Amen!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.