Do all religions lead to the same God? Perhaps they are all different expressions of bringing us to the same God? In the many seasons of Seekers that TRBC has been involved in, this seems like a common question that is raised. Do you have the same question? What is your answer?

1 Kings 18 relates one of the great spiritual battles of all times, through which Yahweh reveals Himself as the one true God. This story is told in three parts – Elijah meets Obadiah, the prophet, and asks him to inform Ahab that he, Elijah, is present (verses 1-15); Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel (verses 16-40); rain comes on the drought-stricken land (verses 41-46).

Before Elijah met Ahab, we see that Ahab tried to fix the drought himself, but his objective was to preserve the animals (verse 5), while Obadiah was concerned with the prophets (verse 4). They went in two opposite directions to try to find sustenance, but Ahab and Obadiah are not only going in different geographical directions, but are also pursuing opposing values. Obadiah meets Elijah on his way and respectfully falls to the ground (verse 7). And while he was not as immediate in his response to Elijah as the widow in Zarephath was (chapter 17), Obadiah eventually did as he was told. On the other hand, Ahab accuses Elijah as being the troubler of Israel (verse 17). Ahab thought that the famine was trouble. But the real trouble was that he, Ahab, had scorned the Word of Yahweh God, and had turned instead to Baal.

Therefore, Elijah responded to Ahab’s accusations with the real issue. He commanded Ahab to “send and gather all Israel at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table” (verse 19). That was the real trouble, and as Elijah was going to show who the real God is.

In this spiritual battle, Yahweh won, and Baal lost, and Elijah ordered the execution of all the false prophets who rejected the Lord. However, this battle was not just meant to be a competition for the people to watch. In fact, Elijah said to the people, “If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him” (verse 21). The point is this – stop being indecisive. We cannot think to follow God and follow idols. We cannot worship God and worship the world.

What happened at this spiritual battle? When the people saw the fire coming down, they confessed that Yahweh is God. Was it the works of Elijah that he should be worshipped? Not at all. It was the works of God. Elijah’s prayer was that the people may know God and that God himself may turn their hearts back. In their proclamation of Yahweh as God, they showed to have turned their hearts. Now, the Lord sends the rain, and brings a stop to the drought and famine.

Do all religions lead to the same God? Not at all. Our triune God is the one true God, and He has revealed it to us over and over again in history. Far greater than this spiritual battle, the Word had become flesh and dwelled among us, and we have seen His glory. He died and rose again, conquering death. Our triune God has repeatedly reached out to us so that we may turn back to Him, to confess that He is God, and to follow Him. May we turn our hearts to God and confess that He is God. May He take the throne of our lives, that we may fully obey Him all the days of our lives.

Prayer : Dear Father, thank you for Your great love. Thank you that You have constantly given me opportunities to turn back to You. I acknowledge that You are my God. Please take the throne of my life, help me to be obedient to you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.