Chapter 7: The Excuse Trap
If, at this point, you still find it difficult to decide for Jesus, because your mind is filled with doubts, arguments, and excuses, I want to help you.
These doubts do not arise merely from within yourself. Scripture teaches that Satan seeks to oppose the truth by planting thoughts that discourage faith, like fiery darts aimed at the mind. But the Word of God has the power to extinguish those darts. What you must do, therefore, is examine every argument and excuse in the light of what God Himself says.
In this chapter, we will deal honestly with some of the most common excuses people raise when confronted with the call to follow Christ.
Excuse No. 1: Fear of the Christian Life Being Too Difficult
“The Christian life is too hard. I am too weak to live it, and nobody can live it.”
Answer No. 1: Your opinion matters, but God’s word is final.
Interestingly, God agrees with part of your concern. He does not deny that the Christian life is impossible to live by human strength alone. In fact, Scripture is clear that fallen humanity, left to itself, cannot live a life that pleases God. That is precisely why God does not ask the unregenerate person to live the Christian life.
Instead, God offers something far greater: new life in Christ.
When you receive Jesus, you are not merely adopting a new moral code; you are receiving a new nature. The same Jesus who conquered sin, sickness, and death comes to live within you. He does not ask you to imitate His life by your own effort, He lives His life through you.
Without Christ in the heart, no one can live the Christian life. But with Christ dwelling within, it becomes possible. Let us hear directly from God’s Word, remembering that His judgment is final:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:16
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4
“No one who abides in Him keeps on practicing sin… No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him.”
1 John 3:6–9, adapted
God’s position is clear: those who are truly born again, with Christ dwelling in them, are empowered to live differently. The Christian life is not lived by self-effort, but by Christ’s life working within the believer.
Excuse No. 2: Fear of Giving Things Up
“If I become a Christian, I will have too much to give up to follow Christ.”
Answer No. 2: Please understand this clearly: God does not force you to give up anything against your will.
The fear you have is based on a misunderstanding of how salvation works. When a person truly receives Jesus and is born again, the old desires do not have to be strangled by human discipline alone. Instead, they begin to lose their grip naturally as the Holy Spirit works within the heart.
What once dominated you, whether lust, addiction, or destructive habits, gradually loses its power. New desires take their place: a hunger for God’s Word, prayer, and a changed way of life. This transformation is not something you manufacture; it is the work of the Holy Spirit who now lives in you.
You may even discover that certain behaviors you once considered harmless now trouble your conscience. This is not legalism, it is spiritual life awakening within you.
Your responsibility is not to fix yourself. Your responsibility is to believe, receive, and confess Jesus Christ. As you walk in obedience and apply the principles already shared, God Himself will deal with your old desires.
Listen to what Scripture says:
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
Mark 8:36–37
“For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”
Romans 6:6
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”
Romans 6:22
God’s question is simple: why cling to temporary pleasures and lose your soul? Your soul is far too valuable to exchange for sin. Moreover, once you are born again, the old nature that craved these things is rendered powerless through Christ. You are no longer a slave to sin, you become a servant of righteousness.
Holiness, once impossible, begins to feel natural. Therefore, do not be afraid. Open your heart to Jesus, and let Him do the transforming work within you.
Excuse No. 3: Fear of Persecution
“My friends will mock me. My relatives may reject me or disown me.”
Answer No. 3: Fear of rejection is one of the greatest obstacles that keeps many people from surrendering their lives to Christ. The truth is that following Jesus may sometimes bring misunderstanding, criticism, or even opposition from people close to you. But God does not leave His children without comfort, strength, or reward.
Let us hear directly from God’s Word:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:10–12, NIV
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for Me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age—homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.”
Mark 10:29–30, NIV
“If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”
1 Peter 4:14, NIV
If you belong to another religion or background, yet through this book you have become convinced that Jesus is the way to God, then do not allow fear to stop you. Be courageous and surrender your life to Him.
Yes, some people may misunderstand your decision. Some may criticize or oppose you. But God is faithful. Whatever you lose for Christ’s sake can never compare with what you gain in Him. He promises His presence, His family of believers will embrace you, His peace, and ultimately eternal life.
All God asks of you is a step of faith. Trust Him, come to Him sincerely, and He will prove Himself faithful in your life.
Take that step of faith today.
Excuse No. 4: Struggling to Forgive Others
“There are people I cannot forgive. Because of that, God will not forgive me.”
Answer No. 4: Many people struggle with unforgiveness. Some have been deeply hurt, rejected, betrayed, or abused, and they feel unable to forgive those who wounded them. But do not let this keep you away from Christ.
God does not say you must first make yourself perfect before coming to Him. He invites you to come as you are. He is the One who changes the heart and gives the power to do what seems impossible.
When you receive Christ, you also receive His love and His strength. The ability to forgive does not come merely from human effort; it comes from the power of God working within you through the Holy Spirit. This is the love the Bible describes as agape love—a selfless love that chooses mercy even when it is difficult.
Let us hear what God says in His Word:
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Isaiah 1:18
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’”
Luke 23:34
“God’s (agape) love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:5
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:44–45
God expects His children to forgive, but He also provides the grace and power to make forgiveness possible. Through the resurrection power of Christ, hearts can be healed and bitterness can be broken.
So do not allow the devil to convince you that hatred or unforgiveness disqualifies you from coming to Christ. Come to Him honestly, just as you are. Receive His salvation, and ask Him to help you forgive those who have hurt you. What you cannot do in your own strength, He is able to do through you.
Excuse No. 5: Fear of Falling Away
“I am afraid I will not stand. What if I fall away after making a decision for Christ?”
Answer No. 5: Many people are afraid to come to Christ because they fear failure. They ask, “What if I start well and later fall back into sin?” But once again, your fears are not the final authority—God’s Word is.
God never intended the Christian life to depend entirely on human strength. The power to remain faithful does not come from your natural ability, determination, or self-discipline alone. It comes from God Himself.
The same resurrection power of Jesus that saves you is also able to sustain you. God not only calls you to stand, He also gives you the strength to remain standing.
Listen to what God says:
“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
Romans 14:4, NIV
“The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4, NIV
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes… so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.”
Ephesians 6:11,13, NIV
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy…”
Jude 24–25
These Scriptures show clearly that God has made provision for you to stand firm in your faith. He does not save you and then abandon you to struggle alone. He strengthens, guides, corrects, and preserves those who trust in Him.
This does not mean believers never face temptation, weakness, or spiritual battles. But it does mean that God is faithful and able to sustain those who continue to depend on Him.
So do not let fear keep you from coming to Christ. Come to Him sincerely, trust Him daily, and allow Him to strengthen your life. The God who saves you is also able to keep you.
Excuse No. 6: Delaying the Decision
“I do not feel ready to invite Jesus into my life now. I will do it another day.”
Answer No. 6: Salvation is not based on feelings. It is based on faith.
Many people wait for a special emotion, a dramatic experience, or a perfect moment before coming to Christ. But God does not ask you to depend on feelings. He asks you to respond in faith to the truth you have heard.
If you are convinced that you need Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then do not delay. Feelings may change from day to day, but God’s promises remain sure.
The Bible warns us not to presume upon tomorrow, because no one knows what the future holds. The right time to respond to God is when He is speaking to your heart.
Listen to what God says:
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”
Mark 16:16
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8–9
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
Proverbs 27:1
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
Hebrews 3:7–8
Do not wait for a feeling before you come to Christ. Come by faith. Trust what God has said, receive Jesus sincerely into your heart, and allow Him to begin His work in your life.
Tomorrow is uncertain, but God’s invitation is open to you today.
Excuse No. 7: Thinking Salvation Is Too Hard
“It is too hard to be saved.”
Answer No. 7: Salvation is not difficult for the person who comes to God sincerely in faith. God did not make the way of salvation complicated or reserved only for the educated, wealthy, or spiritually strong. His invitation is open to everyone.
To be born again, you do not need to perform impossible works or reach a certain level of perfection first. You come to God humbly, repent of your sins, place your trust in Jesus Christ, and confess Him as Lord and Savior.
The message of salvation is simple because God desires that all people have the opportunity to come to Him.
You may ask, “Can something so simple truly change a person’s life?” Yes, it can. Countless lives have been transformed through faith in Christ. What God promises, He is able to do.
Listen to what Scripture says:
“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved… Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:8–13, NIV
Do you remember Naaman, who almost missed his healing because God’s instruction seemed too simple and unexpected? But when he humbled himself and obeyed the word of the prophet, he received his healing. (See 2 Kings 5.)
Do not let simplicity become a stumbling block to your faith. God’s way of salvation is simple, but it is powerful.
You can come to Jesus right now. Speak to Him sincerely from your heart, confess your need for Him, and place your trust in Him. If you need guidance, turn to the prayer of repentance in Chapter Five.
Excuse No. 8: Waiting Until Old Age
“I am too young to become a Christian. I will repent when I grow old.”
Answer No. 8: Please understand that Christianity is not only for the elderly or for people nearing the end of life. God calls people of every age—young and old alike.
Many people assume they should first enjoy the pleasures of life and only think seriously about God later. But the Bible teaches that the best time to seek God is while you are still strong, energetic, and able to give Him the best years of your life.
God does not merely want what is left over after a lifetime spent without Him. He desires your heart now.
Listen to what Scripture says:
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’”
Ecclesiastes 12:1, NIV
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13
“For He says, ‘In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
2 Corinthians 6:2
Young man, young woman, God wants your life now—not only when you are older. The strength, passion, creativity, and energy you possess can be used for His purposes and glory.
Do not postpone your decision for Christ. No one is guaranteed tomorrow, and no age is too young to begin walking with God.
Come to Him today.
Excuse No. 9: Believing Everyone Will Be Saved
“I believe everyone will eventually make it to heaven. After all, aren’t all people God’s children?”
Answer No. 9: Many people believe that in the end everyone will be saved because God is loving and merciful. Others assume that all human beings are automatically children of God simply because He created them.
But instead of relying on human ideas or traditions, we must look carefully at what God says in His Word.
Jesus warned that human traditions can sometimes set aside the truth of God:
“You nullify the word of God by your tradition… Listen to Me, everyone, and understand this.”
Mark 7:13–14, NIV
The Bible teaches clearly that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ:
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Mark 16:16
“Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:18
Scripture also warns that those who continue in sinful living without repentance cannot inherit the kingdom of God:
“Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
1 Corinthians 6:9–10
The Bible further explains that belonging to God involves receiving His Spirit:
“Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Christ… Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
Romans 8:9,14
“To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God”
John 1:12-13, NIV
According to Scripture, salvation is promised to those who are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, not automatically to everyone regardless of belief or response to God.
Excuse No. 10: Doubting the Assurance of Salvation
“No one can really know if they are saved. We can only be sure when we get to heaven.”
Answer No. 10: Many people believe that no one can know for certain whether they are saved until after death. But the Bible teaches that God wants believers to have assurance of salvation even now.
Salvation is not meant to be a life of constant uncertainty and fear. God desires His children to live with confidence in His promises. This assurance does not come from trusting our own goodness or performance, but from trusting in Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s Word.
Listen to what Scripture says:
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
1 John 5:13
“We know that we are children of God… We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true.”
1 John 5:19–20
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
John 5:24
“We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers and sisters.”
1 John 3:14
According to God’s Word, it is possible to know that you are saved. When a person truly believes in Christ, receives Him, and begins to experience the transforming work of God in their life, assurance grows through faith in His promises.
This assurance is not based merely on emotion, but on the truth of what God has said. God is faithful, and His Word can be trusted.
Excuse No. 11: Hoping for Another Chance After Death
“I believe I will have another chance after death. I believe in reincarnation or purgatory.”
Answer No. 11: Many people believe that after death they will receive another opportunity to decide their eternal destiny. Some believe in reincarnation, while others believe there is a future state where a person can still change their spiritual condition after death.
But according to the Bible, human beings are given one earthly life, and after that comes judgment.
Listen to what Scripture says:
“People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
Hebrews 9:27
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Revelation 21:8
The Bible consistently presents salvation as a decision that must be made during this present life. Scripture teaches that after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the message of salvation was proclaimed throughout the world through the apostles and the Church.
“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard… how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?”
Hebrews 2:1–3
God’s warnings are not given to frighten people unnecessarily, but to urge them lovingly and seriously toward truth. In the same way that danger signs warn people to stay away from deadly electricity, God warns humanity because eternal matters are serious.
The invitation of salvation is open now. This is the time to respond to Christ, to receive His forgiveness, and to place your trust in Him.
Do not delay your decision.
Excuse No. 12: Believing You Are Destined for Hell
“Salvation is not for everybody. Some are destined for hell, and I believe I am one of them.”
Answer No. 12: Listen to what Scripture says:
“For God so loved the WORLD that he gave his only begotten Son that WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16, KJV
“EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”
Romans 10:13, NIV
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you not wanting ANYONE TO PERISH, but EVERYONE to come to repentance”
2 Peter 3:9, NIV
Remember that hell was originally prepared for the devil and his angels. God created the earth for mankind to live in and enjoy fellowship with Him. But if a person rejects God and chooses to follow the ways of Satan instead, he will share in Satan’s final judgment.
The Scripture says:
“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning Sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Then death and hades were thrown into the lake of fire. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire”
Revelation 20:10, 14, 15, NIV
Note that Satan, the beast, death, and hades were all cast into the lake of fire because it was prepared for them. But in the case of man, Scripture says a person is thrown into the lake of fire only if his name is not found written in the book of life.
Because man has choice, he can choose Satan as an associate instead of God. God hasn’t destined any human being for hell, but man can choose to go there by his own free will. You see, God cannot have any rebellious spirit in the new heaven and the new earth that He is about to make, where He will dwell with man forever. In other words, the original plan, which Satan turned upside down through Adam, will now be fulfilled (Revelation 21:1-8).
Excuse No. 13: Waiting to Become Better First
“I must become better before I become a Christian.”
Answer No. 13: You do not become better before coming to Christ. Real change begins after you come to Him. Come to Him just as you are.
“Come now (just as you are) and let us reason together, says the Lord, though your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow, though they are red as crimson they shall be like wool”
Isaiah 1:18, NIV
“But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of the new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit”
Titus 3:4–5, NIV
“That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting man’s sins against them … We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God”
2 Corinthians 5:19–20, NIV
Understand that human effort alone cannot change the sinful nature. It is through Christ that the old sinful nature is dealt with and new life begins. Therefore, you cannot make yourself good enough before coming to Christ. You are to come to Him just as you are. Then Christ will begin transforming your heart and your life from within.
Do not try to change yourself before coming to Christ. Come to Him first, and let Him begin the work of transformation in you.
Excuse No. 14: Trusting in Good Works
“I am living right. It does not matter what I believe. I keep the law, so I am all right. I am a good and morally upright person.”
Answer No. 14: Let us look at what God says about these things.
“Jesus said to them: ‘You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.’”
Luke 16:15, NIV
“For we have all become as one who is unclean (ceremonially as a leper) and all our righteousness – our best deeds of rightness and justice – are as filthy rags or a polluted garment. We all fade as a leaf and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away far from God’s favour, hurrying us to destruction.”
Isaiah 64:6, AB
“Know that a man is not justified (reckoned righteous) by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we too have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no-one will be justified. For if righteousness could be gained through the law Christ died for nothing.”
Galatians 2:16, 21, NIV
“That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am He (the Messiah), if you do not adhere to, trust in, and rely on me – you will die in your sins.”
John 8:24, TAB
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the WAY and the TRUTH and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
John 14:6, NIV
Please remember that the issue is not merely what a person does or does not do. The deeper problem is the sinful nature inherited through humanity’s fall. If this sinful nature is not dealt with, then even the best human efforts cannot make a person righteous before God. But when Jesus comes into a person’s life, He brings forgiveness, new life, and a new nature. From that point, good works and righteous living flow out of a transformed heart that is now acceptable to God. This is what we need to understand.
Excuse No. 15: Misunderstanding God’s Love and Judgment
“God is love, so He cannot send me to hell. God is good, so He cannot judge anyone.”
Answer No. 15: Yes, while God is loving and good, He is also just and must judge sin and disobedience. Besides, if a person rejects fellowship with God and His people here on earth, what assurance is there that he would desire fellowship with them in eternity? The Bible teaches that after death there are only two eternal destinies: eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him.
“Whosoever believeth shall be saved but whosoever believeth not will be condemned.”
Mark 16:16, KJV
“I tell you, but unless you repent – that is, change your mind for the better and heartily amend your ways with abhorrence of your past sins – you will all likewise perish and be lost eternally.”
Luke 13:3, AB
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only son. That whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (God’s life). For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18, NIV
Never forget that God loves you very much. He loved you so much that He allowed Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Through Jesus, God made a way for everyone to be saved, so no one has to go to hell.
But if a person rejects Jesus, he remains separated from God because of his own sinful choice. God has already done everything needed for salvation through Christ. The work is finished.
Why continue risking your soul? Change your mind now and turn to God. If you are ready to give your life to Christ, turn to Chapter Five and pray the prayer of repentance.
Excuse No. 16: Waiting for God to Force the Decision
“God will save me when He wants. Afterall, God went out of His way to save Paul, so He will do the same for me when the time comes.”
Answer No. 16: The truth is that God wants to save you now. He is already calling you to come to Him. This is what He says in His Word:
“Here I am. I stand at the door and knock. If ANYONE hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20, NIV
“Whoever is thirsty, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”
Revelation 22:17, NIV
“I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.”
2 Corinthians 6:2, NIV
Sometimes God works in unusual and dramatic ways, as He did in the life of Paul. But such experiences are not the normal pattern for everyone. God is already reaching out to you through His Word and by speaking to your heart.
Do not delay any longer waiting for a dramatic sign or experience. Respond to Him now while He is calling you.
Excuse No. 17: Trusting That All Religions Lead to God
“I am satisfied with my religion. After all, all religions lead to the same God.”
Answer No. 17: As previously discussed, the core issue is not "religion" as a human institution. What truly matters is finding the way back to the Father. Christianity presents itself not merely as a religion, but as the only way out of sin. While religion is often defined as humanity’s attempt to reach God, the Gospel is God reaching down to reconcile humanity to Himself.
In Genesis, the "fig leaves" (Genesis 3:7) symbolize human efforts to cover sin through religion, but God demonstrated that reconciliation requires a sacrifice (Genesis 3:21). Because it was the human soul that sinned, a sinless soul—not the blood of bulls and goats—must pay the price for that sin (Hebrews 9:22, 28; Isaiah 53:10-12). Jesus Christ paid that price. He is the Way. God calls everyone to turn from human tradition and return to Him (Ezekiel 18:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Hebrews 10:4 and 9:28 state:
“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins... so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people.”
Furthermore, the claim that all religions are essentially the same is a common misconception. Proponents of "universalism," such as Bhagavan Das (as noted by Dr. Walter Martin), have attempted to align excerpts from the holy texts of Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam to suggest a unified core. However, while some ethical teachings overlap, the fundamental doctrines of these faiths are as different as night and day—particularly regarding salvation and the purpose of existence.
Contrasting Paths to Salvation
Christianity
Christianity centers on a Divine Savior who voluntarily laid down His life as a substitutionary sacrifice. Salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith in the shed blood of Jesus, rather than a reward for human works.
Islam
In Islam, salvation is tied to submission to Allah and the fulfillment of the Five Pillars of Faith (Surah 10:109):
Shahadah: The profession of faith.
Salat: Five daily prescribed prayers facing Mecca.
Zakat: Almsgiving (typically 2.5% or 1/40 of one's wealth).
Saum: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca.
Islam rejects the concept of "original sin," teaching that humans are born pure and that salvation is achieved through "righteousness" as a guiding principle, ultimately subject to the mercy of Allah.
Judaism
Judaism acknowledges sin but rejects the concept of a substitutionary atonement through Jesus Christ. It does not view humanity as "totally depraved." Instead, atonement is sought through the 613 commandments, repentance (teshuva), prayer, and good deeds. While Yom Kippur is the day of atonement for sins against God, sins against fellow humans require seeking direct forgiveness from the person wronged.
Hinduism
Hinduism offers several paths (margas) to salvation (liberation from the cycle of rebirth):
Karma Marga: The path of unselfish action and religious duty.
Jnana Marga: The path of knowledge and self-discipline to realize oneness with Brahman.
Bhakti Marga: The path of devotion to a specific deity.
While some faiths believe in a single life and judgment, others—like Hinduism and Buddhism—believe in reincarnation until one reaches Nirvana or Moksha.
We do not highlight these differences to belittle any faith, but to show that these paths are not leading to the same destination. Religion is a human effort; Christ is God’s provision. As Romans 5:17-19 explains:
“For if by the trespass of the one man death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ... So also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”
If you feel torn between your religious heritage and these truths, I encourage you to challenge God directly. Ask Him to reveal Jesus to you. Transitioning from a lifelong religion to "The Way" is a profound decision, but Christ promises that what is gained far outweighs what is left behind.
Excuse No. 18: Rejecting the Church Because of Hypocrisy
“Faith is private. I do not need to associate with Christians, especially when the church is full of hypocrites.”
Answer No. 18: It is true that merely joining a church denomination or attending a fellowship cannot grant salvation; only being "born again" through Christ can do that. However, the Scriptures make it clear that once you have received salvation, you are called to fellowship with other believers. Christianity is designed to thrive on the principle of a "body"—a team where every part is necessary. Fellowship is the environment where you grow, and it is the platform through which you serve.
Hebrews 10:25 admonishes us:
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (KJV)
Furthermore, Ephesians 4:11–16 explains that God provides leadership and community for the "perfecting of the saints" and the "edifying of the Body of Christ." The goal is that we:
“...be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine... but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth... maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (KJV)
Biblical fellowship is where we grow into the likeness of Christ as each person contributes their unique gifts. A person who truly follows Christ will naturally seek out the company of other followers.
Regarding the "faith in the heart" argument: Jesus taught that what is in the heart eventually becomes visible. If you claim to have faith, that faith should be evident through your actions and your love for the brethren. A "hidden faith" that produces no fruit or connection to God’s people may be a form of self-deception. James 2:14, 17 warns:
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? ...Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (KJV)
Finally, the presence of hypocrites in the church is not a valid reason to stay away. Scripture indicates that where God’s children gather, the adversary often seeks to sow discord or imitation. However, using the failings of others as an excuse for your own lack of service will not hold up on the day of accountability. You cannot stand before Jesus and claim you did nothing with your talents because of the behavior of others and expect to hear, "Well done."
As Jesus warned in Luke 12:47:
“And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.” (KJV)
Do not allow the imperfections of others to keep you from being useful to God.
Summary
This chapter addresses the common doubts, fears, and excuses that keep people from surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ. It explains that many of these arguments arise in the mind and must be examined in the light of God’s Word. The chapter shows that salvation is not based on human opinion, feelings, tradition, religion, or personal effort, but on the truth of Scripture and the finished work of Jesus Christ.
The chapter responds to several excuses people give for delaying salvation. Some fear that the Christian life is too difficult, that they will have too much to give up, that they may face rejection, or that they may not be able to stand. The chapter explains that no one can live the Christian life by human strength alone. When a person receives Christ, God gives new life, a new nature, and the power of the Holy Spirit to help the believer live differently.
The chapter also deals with excuses such as waiting until old age, hoping for another chance after death, trusting in good works, believing that everyone will be saved, or thinking that all religions lead to the same God. It teaches that salvation must be received in this present life through faith in Jesus Christ. Good works, religious activity, moral living, or human tradition cannot replace the new birth.
Finally, the chapter warns against delaying the decision to follow Christ. God’s invitation is open now, and no one is guaranteed tomorrow. The reader is encouraged to come to Jesus sincerely, without waiting to become better first, without depending on feelings, and without allowing fear, religion, unforgiveness, or the failures of others to stand in the way. The chapter calls every reader to respond to Christ by faith and receive the salvation God has already provided.
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