Unity. Many people in the world want that, even us Christians. One thing that will never ever happen, though, is the unity between our faith in God, and other people's faith in their gods. This is one thing that has been misunderstood by many.
An Imagined Union
Many of our brothers and sisters hope that someday, we could be united with other peoples. While that's a noble dream, it is one that cannot become a total reality. Let me elaborate by giving you three reasons why Christianity could never mix with other faiths.
1. God Himself Said We Must Separate Ourselves from Other Faiths
God, the Creator of all things created, said that we who believe in Him should never mix with other faiths and beliefs. This isn't some sort of prejudiced command (because God is just and therefore cannot have any prejudice), but a reality that many Christians must realise personally.
Consider what 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 says:
"And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: 'I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.'"
Let me clarify something. While it's true that God wants all men to be saved, He wants all who are saved to come out from their former unsaved identity or way of life, or from having fellowship, or "oneness," with people of other faiths. That's just the way it is – "be holy for I am holy" (see 1 Peter 1:16).
2. There's Only One God
We know that there's only one God, but people of other faiths don't know that, and will never acknowledge that unless they get saved by Christ. Because of this, it will be hard, even impossible, to unite with them.
I read a recent report about a Quran that had Christian verses in it, made by a Muslim and a Christian. Honestly, while it is a noble desire for them to let both faiths see each other in a different light, the truth remains that God cannot be friends with other gods. Who are we to think that God will just shake hands with another?
God said in Exodus 20:7, "You must not have any other god but me."
3. Following Christ Means Following Christ
Jesus Himself said that He came bringing a sword (see Matthew 10:34; Luke 12:51). Christ Himself is the dividing line that separates those who love and follow God from those who don't. While Christ came to save the whole world, He made it a point that those who will follow Him must deny themselves. This means denying fellowship with peoples of other faiths if it means compromising our belief in Christ.
Separate Yourself
Friends, it's a noble desire to be able to befriend people from another faith. However, we must never let that desire overpower the fact and truth that we must separate ourselves from ungodly beliefs, thoughts and practices. God is holy, and expects us to follow suit.
