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Some religion's, even "Christian" religions, have used force to move people's consciences to adhere to certain religious teachings, should this be done?
The command given in the parable of the Highways and Hedges, Luke 14:16-24, to "compel them to come in," has often been misinterpreted. It has been regarded as teaching that we should force men to receive the gospel or attend a church service. But it denotes rather the urgency of the invitation, and the effectiveness of the inducements presented.
The gospel never employs force in bringing men to Christ. Its message is "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters." Isaiah 55:1. "The Spirit and the bride say, Come. . . . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17. "Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. The power of God's love and grace constrains us to come.
There is spoken of, in the prophecies of the last days, a worldwide religious movement that will try to force men to worship God, but you won't want to be on the side of that group, as they will be on the side of the antichrist and eventually receive of the seven last plagues. (See Revelation 13, and Revelation 14:9-11.) |
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