I just read the stunning and disappointing findings of a survey Probe Ministries conducted in 2021 on religious beliefs and attitudes toward cultural behaviors. They polled 3,106 Americans ages 18 to 55 from all religious groups, including 717 respondents who identified as born-again Christians.

Here’s one of the numbers that jolted me: 70% of born-again Christians disagree with the biblical position that Jesus is the only way to God, yet 60% of them claim they shared their faith with someone else at least annually with the intent of converting them.

The word “safe” seems to be an oft-spoken word in our day and age. You hear people talking about safe neighborhoods, safe spaces, safe confidences, safe environments, safe schools, safe vaccines, or safety rules. The primary reason for all this talk about safety is sin. I’m not talking about being wisely safe from harm (fire, cliffs, traffic, country music - haha!, etc.), but recognizing that If sin and its consequences were not in the picture, there would be no need for spiritual, mental, emotional, relationship, financial, or even physical safety.

Because of sin and its consequences, we find ourselves on guard about harmful words, attitudes, anger, deception, gossip, etc., as well as viruses, poisons, dangerous insects, animals, natural disasters, human error, and the like. One day, when our Lord returns, we will experience all the pre-Fall blessings of paradise with our Lord and Savior in His new heavenly creation and eternal kingdom. I can’t wait.