Proverbs 14:12. There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
When God created us, He planted eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). He made only mankind a spiritual being (Genesis 2:7). That is why people alone search for Him. But the power of Satan, sin, and hell has kept many from meeting God.
In their desperate search for answers, many turn to religion. All religions may seem right, but in the end, they lead to death. Why? Because their origin is human, and their standard is based on human effort. The way of salvation in every religion depends on good works.
That is why religion can only bring external change. Religious people try to cover themselves, but, like garments made of fig leaves, their efforts do not last (Genesis 3:7). Eventually, their condition becomes worse than before (Matthew 12:45). Religion cannot restore life. It cannot solve the fundamental issue of original sin, which brought death to all humanity.
People knew God but did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him. Their thoughts became worthless, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools. Instead of worshiping the eternal and glorious God, they exchanged His glory for idols—images resembling humans, birds, animals, and reptiles (Romans 1:21–23). This is Satan’s deception.
Though many religious leaders taught moral paths, none could prove they were the Christ—God’s Anointed One, the only one who can destroy the power of Satan, sin, and hell.
That is why no religion can offer salvation: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
There is only one God, and only one way to reach Him—through Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all (1 Timothy 2:5–6). This is the gospel.
Some follow worldly philosophy, which also leads to death. Philosophers have left behind many ideas, attempting to answer life’s deepest questions, but they, too, could not escape their own spiritual problems.
Scripture warns us not to be misled by hollow and deceptive philosophies that depend on human tradition and the spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ (Colossians 2:8).
Others try upright living—a life of morality and discipline—but that alone cannot give life. Even if you follow all of God’s commandments but fail in just one, you are guilty of breaking the entire law (James 2:10).
No one can earn salvation by keeping the law. God saved us, not because of anything we have done, but because of His purpose and grace, given to us in Christ Jesus before time began (2 Timothy 1:9).
We are saved by grace through faith. It is not from ourselves; it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8–9). Even the faith to believe is a gift from Him.
Some try to hide their weakness with pride, wealth, and success. They seek satisfaction in the desires of the flesh and the lust of the eyes (1 John 2:16). But these pursuits only lead to deeper misery, shame, guilt, and pain.
People trade eternal blessings for the temporary pleasures of the world. Their minds are blinded by the god of this age, so they cannot hear God’s call to return to Him (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Judging by their own standards, people fail to see that God is not seeking to punish them—but to save them (Genesis 3:9). Obsessed with their shame, they don’t realize His grace is reaching out.
People build their lives with things like gold, silver, jewels, wood, grass, or straw. But the quality of each person’s work will be revealed, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the work of each builder (1 Corinthians 3:12–13).
But we were redeemed from an empty way of life, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ—a lamb without blemish or defect (1 Peter 1:18–19).
So be careful how you build. The only foundation that stands is Jesus Christ. No other foundation can be laid (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Therefore, stand firm on the foundation of God’s Word. Hold onto His promises throughout the day. Fill your heart with gratitude for the Way that leads to life—Christ Jesus, our Lord. Proclaim Him to those who are still searching for the way back to life.
Prayer. Father, I thank You for leading me to the path of life through Your Son. Hold me fast, so that the things of this world will not shake me. Help me stand firm on the foundation of Your Word, and remind me daily of Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.