The Only Lasting Hope: Important Truth in an Age of Pluralism

Reading: Jeremiah 10

We live in a pluralistic age, but I should be more specific in order to be clear. Pluralism comes in many forms. For instance, pluralism as a political philosophy is the recognition and affirmation of diversity within a political body, which permits the peaceful coexistence of different interests, convictions and lifestyles.1 This is a good thing. As a country we allow for the free practice of religion.

Religious pluralism, on the other hand, is the acceptance of all religious paths as equally valid.2 That is another thing which is increasingly being promoted as valid in our culture. That is not a good thing. Jeremiah helps us understand why. After several verses which do everything from say that the customs of the nations are worthless to mocking the gods which the nations serve (Jeremiah 10:1-9), Jeremiah gets right to the core reason why those who worship idols must turn from their idolatry to the Living God.

10 But Yahweh is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His rage. 11 You are to say this to them, “The gods that did not make the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth and from under these heavens.” (Jeremiah 10:10-11 CSB)

It may not be best to begin our evangelism on this point, but eventually sharing the Gospel requires us to tell those who worship other gods that their gods will perish. Only Yahweh, the true God is the living God and eternal King.

If one takes Yahweh out of the discussion, religious pluralism makes a ton of sense. After all, it doesn’t really matter what god everyone worships, for the god they worship will perish (hence they are all equally invalid). However, with the God of the Bible introduced into the equation, suddenly it matters for now we’ve introduced the One who will not perish.

While this may not be the best introduction to the Gospel for people, it is certainly one of the key reasons why we must share the Gospel with all people. We must recognize that whatever it is that people trust in, if it is not Christ, will perish. When it does, all their safety, security, peace, and even life itself, will perish. We offer hope to the world. In fact, we offer the only lasting hope to the world. Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King.

Love the Gospel, Live the Gospel, Advance the Gospel,

Jerry

1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pluralism_(political_philosophy)

2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pluralism

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