Some things in life call for us to be absolutely accurate--to do exactly as the directions say. For instance, I can't fill out my tax returns any old way I want. I have to do exactly as the tax code requires, or I'll spend a lot of time explaining myself. Even in a land of liberty, we are bound to follow certain rules.

Adhering to the Bible as the guidebook in our spiritual life is even more vital. Some people may consider these matters to be peripheral and easily ignored, but we must get them right.

That's why it is distressing to learn that according to the Barna Research Group, 42 percent of Americans think Jesus committed sins. And even 25 percent of professing Christians say He was not sinless. Beyond that, 61 percent of Americans think there are other ways to salvation besides faith in Christ.

These are dangerous deviations from the truth. Our Guidebook, the Bible, is clear--Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, and His sacrificial death is the only way to establish a relationship with God.

We can't afford to make up our own rules. Only those who call "on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10:13). That's true faith. Any other way leads to eternal death.  — Dave Branon