1st Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
This passage of scripture teaches us of the principle of freedom of religion, which was first introduced by necessity after Adam and Eve fell into sin. It was never the original will of God that the human family be exposed to anything but truth and righteousness, however it became necessary after sin, for us to make a conscious choice of whom we will serve. Basically, there are only two forms of religion to choose from, the religion of Christ as described in the word of God, or the religion of satan, which consists of numerous strands and modifications. In His teachings Christ only gave two options as far as religion goes, for He clearly stated that no man can serve two masters, thereby inferring that there are only two. Let's read:
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Thus, on one side of the religious fence we have the true service of God, with all of the laws and principles that are written in the Bible. Then on the other side we have Atheists, Buddhists, New-agers, secularists, islamists, and a host of other professedly "Christian" churches and denominations, that espouse the name of Christ, but live in direct contradiction to His revealed will. In the book of Revelation, the dragon, which is satan, is not concerned about terrorists, and Mohammedans, or Atheists, or any of the other million and one churches, ministries, and denominations out there. The devil's primary target, and those who cause him to lose the most sleep are those Christians who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus, hence the reason why he attacks this specific group so relentlessly. Let's read:
Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Now, in lieu of this solemn truth, the question arises whether the two religions can live and work side by side for many centuries, in a peaceful and friendly environment, with each one respecting the freedoms and rights of the other. While this scenario is quite desirable, the answer to the question is a resounding no, for the greatest wars that have ever been fought have been over religion, and according to the scriptures, the history of this earth as we know it will be brought to an end by a worldwide, spiritual war between the forces of good and evil.
Furthermore, the acceptance of the true gospel by some, often causes a negative reaction in those who refuse, and it is often the case that the persecution of true Christians stems from nothing else than a deep hatred of truth and righteousness. This statement of fact is made by none other than The Lord Jesus Himself, for He observed with sadness, the hatred that was developed in the hearts of the disobedient, to His true followers. Let's read:
Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
John 15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
Thus, family members have been estranged because some choose to serve Christ while others begged to differ, and friends and co-workers have been ostracized and made a laughing stock, by those who ridiculed the religion of Christ. This inevitable chain reaction was accurately predicted by God when Rebekah was pregnant with un-identical twins, for the diabolical struggle began in her womb even before they were born. And so said so done, for Esau later became bent on eliminating Jacob his brother, not so much because of the fact that Jacob had defrauded him of the birthright, but because they had two very different masters. This stark difference between them both was prophesied before they were birthed. Let's read:
Genesis 25:22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the Lord. 23 And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
In our day, there is a lot of debate about freedom of religion, and there are those who may vouch for God's law to be placed in public places, whilst the fourth commandment of the Decalogue is being trampled upon. Whilst we have relative peace and tranquility, let us therefore use our freedom of religion to preach and practice, so that the great commission given to us by Christ, can be fulfilled in our neck of the woods. And may we never forget, that true, lasting peace can only come from Christ, who was sent into this world to bridge the gap between the God-head and humanity.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reiterates this important and sacred truth, and it is the will of God, that in our efforts to make peace and preserve our freedom of religion, that ungodly compromise be not a part of our deliberations, for true religion and lasting peace can only come through Jesus Christ, and no one else. Let's read:
1st Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!