Many are familiar with four names: Confucius, Buddha, Mohammed, and Jesus Christ. All four of these historical characters founded three religious movements that have made an impact throughout the world. Of these four characters, however, there is a huge difference between them. Confucius died and is still dead. Buddha and is still dead. Mohammed died and is still dead. Jesus Christ died but is no longer in the grave.

One of the greatest gospel preachers of all time was the apostle Paul. Paul began by strenuously opposing the gospel of Jesus Christ, but later became so supportive of it he was willing to give his entire life for advancing the message of Jesus (Rom. 1:14-16). He said “necessity was laid upon him to preach the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:16). As Paul preached the good news (this is the meaning of “gospel”), he emphasized the resurrection of Jesus. Consider these words from 1 Cor. 15:1-4:

Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, 2 by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures.

Is Jesus different from Confucius, Buddha, Mohammed? YES! Only Jesus has been raised from the dead. Too, as Luke wrote in Acts 4:12: And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved. Since Jesus is “alive and well” (now reigning in heaven), the Bible says in Heb. 7:25 that Jesus “ever lives” to make intercession for His people (Heb. 7:25). Seek out Jesus, the “author and finisher” of a person’s spending eternity with God in heaven (Heb. 12:1-2).

Find the truth about God and become a New Testament Christian. Find out more about New Testament Christianity by running some Internet searches for “church of Christ” and “churches of Christ.” You may also want to visit http://www.abiblecommentary.com for Bible study information.

Remember, in order to be saved and enjoy all God’s blessings (not the least of which is salvation), a person must have faith (Jn. 8:24), be willing to repent (Lk. 13:3), and after confessing Christ as Lord, the final step is water baptism (Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 12:13; 1 Pet. 3:20-21). Bible baptism is by immersion only (“burial,” Rom. 6:4), and once it is done, heaven puts that person “into Christ” (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3). After proper baptism a person has their sins forgiven (Acts 2:38).