In continuing with the topic of the Interfaith Movement, I would like to address one of the most common arguments presented by those who support this movement which is "should we help our neighbor?" It is hard to believe that a "Christian" would be opposed to helping the community by feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, providing shelter for the homeless, combating racial inequalities etc. for they all seem to fit in the "Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself" commandment. Let's take a closer look at scripture and examine the works of this movement by the Holy Spirit.
What about the works performed in the "Interfaith" groups?
The works that are performed by many interfaith groups e.g., supplying homeless neighbors with hygiene kits, preparing back to school backpacks, etc. appear very noble in the eyes of man. Many of the interfaith groups have begun to find themselves at the forefront of meeting the needs of those who are less fortunate and may have received injustices in their community. Believer's are taught in scripture to “love thy neighbor as thyself” (Mark 12:31), “For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in” (Matthew 25:35) and “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). The greater commandment of love and showing love through various community outreach projects is what many believers who participate in this movement will use as basis of their support for unity among all faiths. They will ask "how can you be a Christian and not love everyone?" or "how can you be a Christian and not demonstrate this love via working in the community?" Let's examine the word for truth and clarity.
A "Christian" as revealed in the early church is a believer and follower of Yahshua as taught through the Canonical gospels and by the teachings of Christ. We must ask ourselves the question; what comes first our works or our humble confession in Christ who is the Savior of all mankind? Basically, should we first have hope in the salvation of our Lord (Yahshua), who through the shedding of His blood on the cross for our sins have redeemed us back to the Father? We are told that “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2: 8-10). It is not through our works that we have received salvation but it is only through the Grace of Yahweh. Therefore, what works shall any man perform for the Kingdom of Yahweh without the humble confession that Yahshua is Lord, believing in their heart that Yahweh hath raised this Christ from the dead (Romans 10:9)? Now, let's pause and review the premise of the Interfaith movement. It is a platform for people of all faiths to come together under the guise of peace and love in order to make the world a better place and improve societal woes. However, it does not require the humble confession that Yahshua is the Messiah. In other words, one must simply accept there is more than one path to Heaven.
The following exerpt comes from the website of The Council for the Parliament of World Religions. According to the Council there is a responsibility to be good neighbors and follow the Golden Rule, this is for the good of all mankind and to perserve the Earth where we live. The promotion to become engaged in community affairs is the common ground bridging all faiths together. The mission of the Council is: to cultivate harmony among the world’s religious and spiritual communities, and to foster their engagement with the world and its guiding institutions in order to achieve a just, peaceful and sustainable world.
We must learn the forgotten lesson that “None of you has faith until you love for your neighbor what you love for yourself.”
Let us, then, friends, share more and consume less!
Let us work hand in hand to change ourselves while saving the only planet we have.[Source: www.parliamentofreligions.org/news/index.php/tag/interfaith-movement/]
I share the mission of the Council to reiterate the purpose of the movement which is to join all faiths together for the goal of humanity. The works that are performed by Interfaith groups across the globe are clearly to change people and save the planet. In every instance and every declaration of Interfaith gatherings, the goal is always on changing mankind. This perspective to "change the world" is clearly a worldly perspective and is not based off biblical principles. Believer's have not been commissioned to save ourselves and save the planet. We know salvation is of The LORD for the whole Earth is The LORD's and the fullness thereof. Again, the deceiver, satan has twisted the two greatest commandments convincing mankind that it is their duty to save themselves and the planet without Christ. In other words, "we" can become better people, we can change communities, states, countries, continents of our own will and attain eternal blessings (heaven) without Christ at the center. This is a dangerous belief and is clearly opposite of what we learn in scripture.
First, scripture is clear that we are not to fellowship and partner with unbelievers. We are warned that "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house or greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 1:9-11). One who confesses Christ and then partakes, sups, fellowships, communes, dines, works in the community, etc. with members of false religions and idolatrous practices are committing an evil deed in the eyes of Yahweh. No longer are any works accepted by the Father for they are not done for the Glory of Him nor are they performed by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is” (1 Corinthians 3:11-13). Only what is done through Christ will last not what is done in the name of peace and a better world.
Although we are to "love thy neighbor," it is important to follow all the commandments of Yahweh. Believer's are called to work together to resolve the concerns and issues of the communities NOT partner with unbelivers for resolution while promoting a false peace. In concluding this very important topic it will be important to examine its correlation to end time prophecy. Let us continue to transform in Him daily - Peace and Love!
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