To know accurately what a religion teaches, one needs to read and examine its sacred writings/book(s). It will become clear to any reader that different religions appear to be the same only superficially but are very different fundamentally. In fact, if we were to examine them more closely, we will find that they contradict each other. If this is the case, then all of them cannot be true!

Let’s take a look at the sacred book of the major religions.

Bhagavad Gita teaches that after we die, we will be born again (Reincarnation, i.e. endless cycles of birth and death),

"As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones."(BG 2:22)

Also,

"For one who has taken his birth, death is certain; and for one who is dead, birth is certain."(BG 2:27)

However the Bible teaches that there is only one life,

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrew 9:27)

If you are wondering, "Well, what happens after judgment?"

"And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15)

This is hell in the Bible. If we end up in this place, there is no coming back.

"...and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." (Revelation 20:10)

Let’s look at Quran now. It teaches that Jesus was not crucified,

"That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah";- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not. Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise" Surah Al-Nisa (4:157-158) (Yusuf Ali translation)

However, Bible teaches that Crucifixion, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is fundamental to Christian faith.

"And if Christ has not been raised [from the dead], your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead..." (1 Corinthians 15:17-20)

DOES IT MATTER?

Yes, it does! If you think about it, it is a matter of life and death. Your decisions in this life determines how you will spend eternity! There are 3 views on what comes after death:

• Everything ends at death (Annihilation): This is the view that we cease to exist after death; no memories, no thoughts, no feelings, nothing, just ends! If this is the case, then we don't have to worry at all - eat, drink and tomorrow we die. No Justice!


• You are born again after death (Reincarnation): This is the view that all Eastern Religions teach. We will be born again if we do not attain enlightenment. If this is the case, then again, no worries! Although we might take a very very long time to come back to human form, we will surely get a second chance!


• Stand before the Judgment of God after death (Salvation or Condemnation): This is the view that there is only one life and we are living it right now. After this life, comes judgment. If this is the case, then after judgment you either go to Heaven in the presence of God or to hell away from the presence of God. If this is true, then it is a Serious Problem. It does matter!

The Bible also teach that,

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name [other than Jesus Christ] under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

This shows at least one thing: "All Religions are NOT the same!"

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