Today’s Christianity often appears to be a far cry from the ministry of Jesus as depicted in the Bible. It has become an institution founded on organizations, creeds, extra-biblical doctrines, and the traditions of men, often lacking the true Spirit of the Father and Almighty God. This realization has led me to a profound decision: I have chosen not to follow Christianity as it is commonly practiced today—I will follow Christ!
The essence of the entire message of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ is clear: we are called to follow the Savior, Christ Jesus the Messiah. It is only through Him that we can be reunited with our Creator. However, it is crucial to understand that following Christ and adhering to Christianity are not synonymous. Christ is the messenger of God, sent to illuminate our path and to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. In contrast, Christianity, as we know it today, is a religion that has evolved based on the life and teachings of Christ but has often strayed from His original message.
The roots of Christianity can be traced back to Rome, a civilization infamous for its brutal treatment of Christ and His followers. Rome not only executed the Savior but also persecuted most of His disciples and many early Christians. The destruction of the Jewish temple further exemplifies the extent of Rome’s opposition to the faith. Can we genuinely believe that Rome could serve as the messenger of the Good News? The reality is that Rome established a state religion, using it as a tool to control the populace. The might of the Roman Empire, including its formidable army, was employed to enforce this control. Throughout history, countless millions have suffered and died at the hands of Rome and the Roman Church for daring to oppose their monopoly on faith.
The doctrine of the triune God, a cornerstone of modern Christianity, was formulated and voted upon by Roman councils nearly four hundred years after Christ’s ministry. The iron grip of Rome enforced the authority of the Roman State Church and its doctrines, punishing anyone who dared to challenge them with imprisonment or death. This oppressive environment is a far cry from the ministry of our Savior, who preached love, grace, and freedom.
The Roman State Church eventually gave rise to the Protestant movement, which sought to reform the perceived errors of the established church. However, even within Protestantism, divisions and differences began to emerge, leading to a fragmented faith. Today, Christianity is marked by extreme division, with countless denominations and interpretations of doctrine. This fragmentation is not reflective of the way of Christ, who called for unity among His followers.
Moreover, Christianity has often been intertwined with Western culture, where the desire for riches and the ambition to spread religious beliefs motivated colonial expansion. Colonizers frequently mirrored the ways of Rome, invading and conquering lands under the guise of spreading Christianity. Tragically, many indigenous people lost their lives and properties—either through death or enslavement—due to the greed and ambition of those who claimed to follow Christ. This is not the way of Christ.
In contrast, Christ embodies hope and serves as the way for all who seek to draw near to the living God. All who call upon Him in sincerity and faith are accepted. True faith must be lived out in our daily lives, transcending mere religious observance. Religion often offers a form of godliness while denying its transformative power. It is essential to recognize that faith is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life that reflects the teachings and example of Christ.
My prayer is that you will find the way of Christ, a path that leads to genuine relationship and communion with God. In a world filled with religious confusion and division, let us strive to return to the heart of Christ’s message—a message of love, grace, and unity. By following Him, we can experience the true essence of faith and become vessels of His light in a world that desperately needs it. Let us embrace the way of Christ and seek to live out His teachings in our lives, bringing hope and healing to those around us.