Charles Box
If you are sick and need a doctor, is one as good as another? If you need medicine, is one as good as another? If you are reading a book, is one as good as another? If you are looking for a wife, is one as good as another? If you are buying a car, is one as good as another? If you are serving God, is one God as good as another? If you are a member of a church, is one as good as another?
Is One God as Good as Another?
There is a God in Heaven. The first words of the Bible say, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). Is one God as good as another? The God of the Bible built all things. “For every house is builded by some one; but he that built all things is God” (Heb. 3:4). The heavens declare His glory. “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament showeth his handiwork” (Psa. 19:1). There is no God like the God of the Bible!
Is One Book as Good as Another?
The Bible was written by men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:20-21). The apostles were guided into all truth (John 16:13). The message Paul and the other apostles spoke and wrote came by revelation (Gal. 1:11-12). Jesus promised, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Mat. 24:35). Since this promise is certain, is one book as good as another?
Is One Sacrifice as Good as Another?
Animals were sacrificed in Old Testament times to the God of Heaven. Daily sacrifices are made to gods around the world? Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice. His substitutionary death for our sins is the greatest fact of all times. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Jesus Christ suffered sin’s penalty in man’s place. There is no sacrifice to compare with the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins!
Is One Church as Good as Another?
Jesus promised to build His church. “And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Mat. 16:18). All the saved are added to this “one church.” “Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved” (Acts 2:47). The church is those people called out of sin and called into God through Jesus. There is no church like the church of the Bible.
Is One Faith as Good as Another?
God’s plan included only one faith. “One Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Eph. 4:5). This one faith is produced by all speaking the same things. “Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). One faith is not as good as another. Jude said Christians must, “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). Even in a tradition bound world it is possible to be a Christian only.
Is One Worship Just as Good as Anther?
Acceptable worship is in spirit and in truth. “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). The early church worshipped on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Their worship was simple: (1) Singing (Eph. 5:19), (2) Praying (1 The. 5:17-18), (3) Communion (Acts 20:7), (4) Giving (1 Cor. 16:1-2), and (5) Preaching (Acts 2:42). Scriptural and acceptable worship is from the heart and according to the New Testament pattern.
Is One Name Just as Good as Another?
“And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The first century Christians were Christians only. We should wear only the name of our crucified Savior. “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Pet. 4:15-16). There is no name like a Bible name!
Is One Plan Of Salvation as Good as Another?
Can we pray the sinner’s prayer or “pray through” for salvation? Or must we believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess the name of Jesus (Rom. 10:9-10), and be baptized into Christ (Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). Those who accept the wonderful news that Jesus died for our sins should repent and be baptized to be saved. “Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Won’t you choose to be saved in Christ instead of following some plan that will not save?
Is one as good as another? Is there any god like the God of the Bible? Is one baptism just as good as another? Is one church or one doctrine just as good as another? Our only hope is salvation in Christ. Are you in Christ?
