A possibility came to me recently while driving home from work.  The possibility that I realized was an addition to three possible answers given in a discussion of the question ‘Why do some people, after hearing the Gospel, reject it?’

The first possibility was that one might have a pet sin or sins and that becoming a Christian would mean they would have to give it up.  Put another way, it is possible that they love their sin more than the free Grace being offered.

The second possibility was that one might not believe their sin could be forgiven; it was just too big.  Of course, this is not the case, but no amount of sharing, reassuring, or scripture quoting could convince them otherwise.  So the Gospel is rejected and the guilt continues.

The third possibility was that it just is.  The Bible refers to the elect, the called out ones, many times.  The truth is, God will save those whom He will save.  The Holy Spirit does the converting, not us.  The Bible also says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word.  So we preach the Gospel and God the Holy Spirit calls those whom He desires to repentance and faith.  While this is hard, this is what the Scripture says.

A fourth possibility occurred to me that, because of the large portion of bad preaching and bad evangelism prevalent today, there are many who simply do not understand the Gospel rightly and that to become a Christian is just too burdensome.  Let me explain.

The world’s religions all have something in common, with the lone exception of Christianity.  But if not properly understood, the distinction can be lost and it is just like all the others.  Islam teaches keeping the five pillars.  Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses teach that various acts, deeds, and works must be performed.  Hindus and Buddhists teach do good, be righteous and you will be rewarded.  Catholicism teaches keeping the sacrament, being baptized and partaking in last rights. And Biblical Christianity has its Ten Commandments.  If all these various demands are examined closely and critically, it becomes clear that keeping the requirements of any religion is impossible.  We, as humans, are simply too selfish and prideful to ever obtain any of the standards set forth in any of the world’s religions.  The burden of religion is just too great.

So, upon realizing that Christianity teaches the impossible (keeping the Ten Commandments), it’s possible that one may reject it as being too burdensome, just like the other world religions.  But it is here that a true understanding of Christianity sets itself apart from the others.  And it is here that, if taught incorrectly, the distinction can be missed.  You see, that’s kind of the point – we can NEVER live up to the perfection required of us.  We have all failed.  No amount of good deeds can make up for what we have already done, much less counter act all the things we have yet to do.  So we will all stand guilty before a perfect, righteous God.  And as lawbreakers, God is just in punishing us and giving us what we deserve.  But as a parent does not desire that for their children, neither does God desire that for us.  So He has provided a fine-payer, a substitute, and has given Him the punishment we deserve.  If we will receive this payment through repentance and faith in the One who took our place, we can be not only seen as not guilty, but actually righteous in God’s eyes.  It is at the cross that the burden of religion ceases and a relationship begins.  Jesus said ‘My burden is easy and my load is light’.  There is rest in Him.  The burden is lifted.  Rejoice!