Why Jesus is Different

When Christianity is compared with other religions the argument is fierce. Many contest the unique nature of the "Incarnation" of God in Jesus Christ. They cite that Zeus came in the flesh, Heracles took on flesh, and etc. The problem is that these gods were not sinless. Zeus took on flesh to seduce and have sex with a woman. Heracles it was to prove his prowess on Earth so that he could become a full fledged God, but falls in love with human and changes his mind. Jesus did not take on flesh for sinful pleasure or to prove anything. He took on flesh as a sinless man to save us. Jesus wanted to reconcile us, to relate to us, and to restore us back to a state prior to the Fall. Zeus did not marginalize himself to relate to man, he had carnal intentions. Buddha, who is revered like a god, abandoned his family to pursue his enlightenment (not very loving). Jesus is different because God did all the work. Greeks, Romans, Scythians, Norsemen, Buddhists, Hindus, and other followers of other religions must prove themselves to sinful gods and men. Buddhists must meditate and empty themselves, their example is a sinful man named Buddha who did nothing to try and relate to people, instead he advocates asceticism and departing from relationships. Zeus and Greek gods are as human as humans. They have carnal desires and even war against men.

Jesus Christ is the only example of God coming to man to make amends and ask for nothing in return except that we believe. This should make us a Christians excited! God does not want penances or pacts, he does not expect us to do anything to merit his approval or to relate to him through harsh ritual. God came to us! He did not come to find pleasure or to war against us, he came to reconcile us! He came to relate to us! All he asks is to acknowledge that relationship and believe, believe in Him and relate the rest of your life to him! Compare that to pushing a huge log around a wheel a thousand times (Buddhist) or having to get on a carp five times a day out of fear.

The One True God is not a harsh taskmaster, Jesus himself said, "My yoke is easy, my burden is light." (Matthew 11:30). The true incarnation of God came to connect. Yes, we do have to acknowledge are sin via repentance, but that is a simple act in contrite prayer, and in the process we exchange our sin for Christ's righteousness (talk about a good deal!). The reason for repentance is to acknowledge our sinful state and to be cleansed so we can relate to a sinless God. It only need be done once and now we are in relationship with God! Compare this to other religions were you must perpetually make amends and prove yourself to the deities (really fallen angels).

I ask that you ponder just what God did. He took all the responsibility for the relationship with man (you) and even allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross to connect with us. He had to deal with sin because it separates us from Him. Sin is a cancer to our spirit and relationship with God. Thank the Lord that in his mercy and love he chose to risk everything to be with us!