This photo (and the linked article) shows what is known as the schism between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox, or either one as The Holy Catholic Church. But it isn't the only division among Christianity:
It is my understanding that several Christian denominations operate along similar lines. Others require specific training prior to membership, still others require specific participation as ongoing members. Methodology in worship fluctuates, too. But ...
But ... have you ever studied what the Bible says is required for salvation? And what happens after that?
Let's drop in on the discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus:
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (John 3:1-4)
Two thousand years ago Nicodemus, an educated leader in Judaism, member of the Sanhedrin, came to Jesus to learn more about Him and His miracles. I assure you, today people have the same question when the subject "You must be a born again Christian" arises. Yet Jesus states it as a fact, and expects Nicodemus to know about it:
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. (John 3:9-11)
Throughout the Bible God is shown as saying facts to people - and people decline to listen. There are consequences subsequent to not listening:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:16-21)
I would almost wager that when you learned John 3:16 as a child you never read nor memorized John 3:18. More than likely you assumed everyone understood. A large number don't. Let's continue into Acts, the followup to the gospels, which tells what the Disciples took from Jesus teachings, though their actions often got them thrown into prison. Once, a good question from a prison guard was answered by Paul after a miraculous encounter:
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Acts 16:31-33)
Jesus said it. Paul said it. It is written several times in the Bible, what it takes to be saved. Now, what is "saved"? From the condemnation God has for those who do not believe He is who He says He is. Yes, it is that simple. Tell anyone you do not believe there is a God, and if there were, He would never have dealt with mankind they way the Bible says. Two types of people say that - one who believes there is no god, another believes his god is bigger, better and spoke differently that the biblical one.
Thanks, but I'll stick with the biblical God. We don't know all there is about Him, but He has given us instructions that have lasted well over four thousand years. A drop in the bucket within the timeline science has given. I remain firmly convinced the Bible - written by men over a two thousand year timeframe - does provide all mankind needs to build the same relationship defined in Genesis, Psalms, Micah, the four gospels, and all the letters to the churches. Mankind walks with God just as Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, Isaiah, Micah, Matthew, John, Peter, and perhaps one step out of time, Paul.
Aren't you the least bit curious what made all of these men across history sufficiently firm in their conviction that God provided for them? Can you understand that I believe exactly the same thing?
Salvation through Jesus, the promised Christ, the Jewish Messiah, is this simple:
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:5-9)
Come back tomorrow. I have a bit more on where it gets difficult.
