May The Best God Win

May The Best God Win

Dedicated to persevering churchmen

Most of us have probably heard the expression, "May the best man win."  Today, I would like to consider the proposition, "May the best God win."

We live in the fallen world, wherein all human persons passionately cling to their "gods."  (In the case of Spirit-indwelt regenerate Christians, we cling to God [capital "G"].)

It has stuck me, especially lately, how zealously this religious devotion is the case; and how ardently adherents to their religions will "hold out," even to the bitter "end."

And this is the theme I would like to briefly pursue: the fact that right up to the Great Day of Judgment, sinners will be fanatically cleaving to their gods.

My point is this: believers in the true religion (based entirely in Christ and His gospel) have no more ardency for our beliefs, than do adherents of all other religions.  They also are just as devoted, as we are; and, in many (if not all) cases, they believe that they will be vindicated at death.

As a microcosm of this principle, let us consider just three world religions, which are thought, by many, to be closely-related. . . . They are Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

Serious devotees of all three of these belief systems sincerely believe that they are right; and that their God (or god) is truly the one and only God (god).  No amount of human exertion will ever change the minds of these people.  (Only the power of the Spirit of God is capable of doing this.)

We can argue with each other till we are "blue" in the "face"; and we will never come to any resolutions or final conclusions.  Even the preaching of the gospel of grace in the Lord Jesus Christ will not--barring the aforementioned efficacious and sovereign power of the Holy Spirit--change anyone's views or perspectives.

Regenerate Christians can maintain that we have evidence on our side--that Christ has indeed risen from the dead, etc.; but even this, in itself, will not change anyone's perspectives or beliefs.

Non-Christian Jews who take their religion seriously will claim to worship YHWH of the Old Testament.  Informed and regenerate Christians will counter, by saying, "You do not worship YHWH--because He is only known and worshipped through Jesus Christ."  The non-Christian Jew will say, "Yes, we do worship YHWH"; and the serious Christian will retort, "No, you do not."

The Muslims will claim that they have the advantage of the supposed last and greatest prophet (Mohammed).  Both Christians and Jews will dispute this claim.

Born-again Christians can (and often do) live extraordinary lives in this fallen world--sometimes defying the constraints of sin and evil; but unbelievers can (and often do) still point out our faults and foibles.  (In so doing, they seek to be able to justify themselves, and their religious beliefs.)

So, what I have come (personally) to realize and accept, is this: everything will be finally adjudicated on the Great Judgment Day, when Christ appears to set the lambs on His right hand, and the goats on His left hand.

But, in this world, even this claim will be challenged.  Non-Christian Jews will insist that Jesus will not do this, because, in their view, He is not the Messiah.  The Muslims will agree with this assessment.

If we regenerate Christians are wrong about our belief in the coming Day of Judgment, this will be manifest (in it not happening).  Of course, we are assured objectively (in Scripture), and subjectively (by the Spirit), that it will be forthcoming.

At the "end" of the "Day," (pun intended), what will happen, is that the "Best God will (indeed) win."  Until then, we must be patient, hopeful, confident, gracious, loving, faithful, and compassionate.

I do not wish to be misunderstood: I would argue, that at heart, unbelievers really do know that all of their hopes are illusory and vain.  They are too proud to admit this; and their bondage to sin, and their love of sin, keeps them from opening their eyes to any other alternative (particularly, the truth).

Therefore, dear Christians, let us live securely in Jesus, enjoying the liberty He has provided us in His gospel of grace.  As we do this, God will draw His elect unto Himself, from every nation, people, race, religion, and place.

Rev. Mark J. Henninger

Treatise #9

11 March 2025

https://theologicaltreatisesinretirement.blogspot.com

https://henningerdevotions.blogspot.com/

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