I think Christ Jesus is the Messiah, and I believe he established a new covenant. Consider the following passage.
Hebrews 10:15-18 (Today’s New International Version)
The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
”This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”Then he adds:
“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.
If I believe this, it is because of Christ. I don’t believe it because of Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism or something else. I believe the people of other faiths misguided. Nevertheless, my faith requires me to love my neighbor even if when disagrees with my religious belief. It is not my place to punish my neighbor just because he does not believe what I believe. That understanding leads to freedom of religious belief.
Jews and Christians are quite peculiar in their forbearance of other beliefs. To the practitioners of many other faiths, the concept is alien. These may even refuse to accept the sincerity of Jewish and Christian forbearance. For example, they will point to the Bible and cite the Hebrew “invasion” of Canaan and the ruthless attempt to exterminate the Canaanites. What they too easily forget is the explanation.
Deuteronomy 18:9-13 (Today’s New International Version)
Occult Practices
When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the LORD your God.
What they may also forget are the injunctions against maltreating foreigners. Here are some examples.
Exodus 22:21 (Today’s New International Version)
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
Leviticus 19:33-34 (New Living Translation)
“Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
Numbers 15:14-16 (New Living Translation)
And if any foreigners visit you or live among you and want to present a special gift as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, they must follow these same procedures. Native-born Israelites and foreigners are equal before the Lord and are subject to the same decrees. This is a permanent law for you, to be observed from generation to generation. The same instructions and regulations will apply both to you and to the foreigners living among you.”
Were the ancient Hebrews perfectly tolerant of foreigners, particularly those who did not believe what they believed? No, men are imperfect, but the Law God gave them said that they should treat foreigners justly. Unfortunately, bigotry is inherent in human beings. We reflexively disrespect the people who disagree with us, and this reaction feels reasonable. We assume we can see the “truth” — that this ”truth” should be obvious to all — therefore, we think something must be wrong with anyone who cannot see the “truth.” We arrogantly forget our shared humanity. None of us see the “truth” perfectly.
Christianity teaches that Jesus came into the world that we might be reborn in the truth.
John 1:10-13 (Today’s New International Version)
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 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.
Only God can give anyone a second birth. The truth is His – and not ours – to give.
God also forbids vengeance. Thus, Christians must persevere (Hebrews 10:19-30) and strive to live at peace with those who have yet to born of God.
Romans 12:17-21 (Today’s New International Version)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
