Yesterday, Pentecost Sonday, Pope Franciscus held an interfaith and inter-political prayer meeting at the Vatican. The Pope is considered by the world to be the head of the Christian church and faith. He invited leading Jewish rabbis, with out-going Israeli President Shimon Peres. Also included were leading Islamic Imams, and Palestinian Authority President Abu Mazen.
Pentecost is the day which reminds and celebrates the gift of the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob — the Holy Spirit — to those who believe in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. On that historic day nearly 2000 years ago, all who were baptized in the Holy Spirit praised and glorified the one true God. This brought conviction of the sin of unbelief to the many Jews, Arabs, and others who were in Jerusalem that day to hear and see what this mighty act of God was and effected.
While it is true that Jesus died for all persons from every nation, only those who repent and believe the gospel receive the Holy Spirit and KNOW the Father and the Son. There is no other way to God the Father apart from through Jesus, and the believer indwelled by the Holy Spirit is sealed with this great truth and peace. There can be no true peace in the Middle East or elsewhere apart from being reconciled to God on His terms.
In the recorded history of Israel in the Bible, YHVH and His prophets rebuked the people for worshipping other gods on the same high places and groves where they were also worshipping other gods. “… what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?” (2Cor 6:15)
Does the Pope know this? Do any of these religious and political men agree on who God is? “What is His name; and what is His Son’s name? Surely you know!” (Prov 30:4)