Myths & Reality

Why Do So Many Accept Myths as Facts? How is it that the masses can be convinced of things that are simply not true? One example was the belief that the sun rotated around the earth. That was the dominant belief until 1543, when Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus theorized the earth and other planets orbited the sun. In 1610, astronomer Galileo provided geometric models validating Copernicus’s theory. Another example is the belief in the Middle Ages that the earth was flat, when Columbus sailed from Palos, Spain to the new world. People thought this was true even though that myth had already been debunked by Aristotle in 330 BC. Even today, with AI, ChatGPT, mainstream media and social media, the masses often conclude what they hear, read and see is fact, when it’s actually deception. The Most Dangerous MythsAlthough these myths could be harmful, there are other myths the masses believe today that are much more devastating—myths about God, and specifically topics like heaven, hell, sin and eternity. Some believe there is no God, or if He exists they don’t need Him. Others believe God will one day weigh their good and bad deeds on a scale, thinking they will be fine. Some even compare their morals to others and assume they will be OK, because they are morally better than others. These are myths created by religion, which prioritizes rules and control. Can the Bible Be Trusted?There is only one source of truth however, and it is the Bible. But people believe myths about the Bible, too—for example, that it’s outdated, irrelevant and full of errors. The reason they believe these things is that it gives them a chance to be ignorant. However, there are over 5,800 New Testament Greek manuscripts that still exist, the Old Testament listed 48 major prophecies regarding the coming Messiah, and all were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. (Note that both the Hebrew and Greek versions of the Old Testament were completed 250 years before Jesus was born, which provides two witnesses to validate those prophecies). There are many more proofs the Bible hasn’t been changed, and evidence it is reliable, trustworthy and true. The problem is that many have never taken the time to consider its claims. At a minimum, everyone should at least consider what it has to say about heaven, hell, death and evil. You wouldn’t take a test without studying so that you are prepared for it, so why would you want to face the end of life without considering what comes after? Bible FactsFirst the Bible tells us we have believed a lie if we think we can be good enough to get to heaven on our own. We already missed the mark and have fallen short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23). However, the Bible speaks of a loving Father, who wants no one to perish, but all to come to Him for eternal life. The problem is that there’s a gap. We have trespassed against God’s holy standards, and because of this we need reconciliation. God is love, but He is also holy and just. He can’t simply excuse our shortcomings. So the question is, how could we be reconciled when we already missed the mark? Scripture clearly teaches that all our good deeds can’t make up for one sin. Although that leaves all mankind without hope, there is good news in the Bible! The good news is that the Father, God, had a plan, a plan to reconcile us through His Son. We are told that Jesus (God’s only Son) came to earth, was born in the flesh as we are, yet was still God and lived a perfect life, died and rose again to a new life to make a way for us to be reconciled to the Father (Romans 3:24). His sacrifice was enough to pay for our missing the mark, to bridge the gap, and to be an advocate for all those who are wise enough to place their trust in Him. So, how does Jesus’ death pay for my sins? It’s a gift because we can never earn it. It’s too late; there is no sacrifice we can make to undo our trespasses. But this is why it’s a gift! The question is, how do I receive this gift? What’s it going to cost me? Ohhh, that’s it—religion always has a cost, doesn’t it? Yes, religion always requires sacrifice, works, and of course your money, but even all that wouldn’t be enough. That’s why God made it a gift. The Bible says Jesus paid for our pardon by the blood He shed on the cross at Calvary, the price is paid in full (2 Corinthians 5:21). Just like any gift, there is a cost, but not to the one receiving it. The good news is that it’s all about a relationship with God through His Son, not religion (rules). Below is what God requires of anyone who wants to be made right with Him. This is the good news, not a myth such as is taught by religion: John 1:11-13 tells us – “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” Is that it? Simply believe? Yes and no. The book of James 2:19 tells us the demons believe (that Jesus is the Son of God) and shudder. Simply knowing about Jesus the same way you know about Abraham Lincoln isn’t enough, so what does it take? “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (Romans 10:9-10). It takes both your mind and your heart. It takes repentance for missing the mark, confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior, believing He died to reconcile you and me to the Father, who raised Him from the dead. If you ask Jesus to forgive you for missing the mark, believe He died and rose from the dead for you to redeem you from sin, and ask Him to be your Savior, you can be sure of eternity with God. Romans 10:13 tells us “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” The Choice is Yours and MineGod has given us a free will to choose Him, or live for today. We can go on believing the myths and arrive at the end of life unprepared, or we can turn to the truth and be adopted into the family of God, call God our Father, and have the assurance of eternal life after we breathe our last breath here in this mixed up world. A Final TruthOne last piece of truth from the Bible is this: Salvation from sin is not about a quick prayer and then moving on with your life. Jesus is Savior and Lord, and this means a life change. It means He becomes an important part of your life. This whole pamphlet comes down to this… Do you want to live without God’s love and guidance for your remaining years, or can you see that the pleasures of sin are fleeting (Hebrews 11:25), but the gift of God is eternity with Him?