Hybrid Faith

A hybrid car sits in my driveway. Under the hood are both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. It runs on gasoline and electricity and gets excellent mileage.

Before buying it I discovered that a highly respected consumer reporting group rated it as “the best bang for your buck.” That got my attention and eventually my purchase.

Hybrid cars are remarkable engineering. But while a hybrid car may be good for the budget and the environment, hybrid faith isn’t so good for your soul.

“Now hold on for just a minute! What is hybrid faith?”

A ‘hybrid’ is a combination or mixture of two different things. In the plant kingdom it’s the result of crossbreeding two different types of plants (like roses). In the animal world it’s the result of mating parents from two different species (like the mule).

Hybrid faith, then, would be the combination of two different belief systems. An example would be someone who says, “I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior” and then adds, “but all religions lead to the same place.”

Surveys consistently show that a majority of Americans believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. They also believe he died on a cross for the sins of the world.

Where many have trouble is with the exclusive claims of Christ. They choke on believing he is the only way to God and eternal life.

But if we believe that he is the Son of God and the Savior of the world, then we cannot ignore his claims. And based on what he said, Jesus taught he was the only way to God.

The founders of other religions present their teachings as the way to God. Jesus presents himself as the way to God when he said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Another time Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved.”

The Bible is very clear. Jesus said, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.”

It’s obvious Jesus didn’t allow for other ways to God through another religion or faith.

Out of eleven major religions in the world, ten teach salvation is through personal effort. Only Christianity teaches it is God’s gift to those who believe in Christ—a gift of faith.

Jesus claimed to be God, know God and speak God’s truth. So you must compare his claims with other religions. And the fact he died for his enemies while praying for their forgiveness.

Besides, hybrid faith isn’t really an option. The truth is that all religions claim exclusivity. Even beliefs promoting tolerance are not tolerant of religious views that claim to be exclusive.

Would I recommend a hybrid car? Well, based on my experience, I would. But I wouldn’t recommend a hybrid faith.

When it comes to faith, consider the claims of Christ. Compare them to other beliefs. Ask God for wisdom and then decide carefully. Because it affects your life now and for eternity.

A hybrid car will get you where you want to go at a real savings. But a hybrid faith is a dead end. It prevents you from having the one thing that offers forgiveness for your sin, whole-hearted faith in Jesus Christ.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!