The righteous people take refuge in the strong tower, the Name of our Lord. (Proverbs 18:10) Fear of the Lord is the strong confidence, where people of God take refuge. (Proverbs 14:26) In contrast people of the world take refuge in lies and make falsehood as shelter. (Isaiah 28:15) Satan is Father of lies. (John 8:44) Those who take refuge in lies, take refuge in Satan, which is eternal hopelessness. Prophet Isaiah writes, hail will sweep away the refuge of lies. (Isaiah 28:17)
1) Materialism: Many people think humans are just a combination of elements of the earth: earth, air, fire, water and space. After death, there is no existence.
2) Reincarnation: There are many who think that after death, a person is born as another species. By going through the birth of several species, the person ultimately dissolves in the Eternal Reality. Hence, the salvation is delayed but not denied.
3) Rituals and Traditions: Performing religious rituals and following traditions will guarantee a person of heaven. Ritual may seem absurd or meaningless, yet that should be performed without fail.
4) Alms and pilgrimage: People feed crows, cows, doves, stray cats, stray dogs and sometimes the poor with the hope of getting a better life after death. Others go on pilgrimage to designated sites, by doing so, they have a guarantee of reaching heaven.
5) Penance: Some people do hard penance like piercing their tongue with sharp metal, walking bare-footed, rolling on their bodies in holy places…etc.
6) Offerings: Golden jewellery or huge cash is offered anonymously in religious shrines. They think their money offered to God could wash away their sins.
7) False teachings: Sadly, there are many people who claim to be spiritual leaders or mentors or gurus who could lead them to heaven. Such charismatic leaders attract a huge following. Certain man-made precepts are followed, giving them a feeling of satisfaction.
The Name of Lord Jesus Christ is the only name through which humans could be saved. Taking refuge in Him is wisdom. Rejecting His is spiritual suicide.
Have I taken refuge in the Name of Lord Jesus Christ?