The existence of false religions and the allowance of such by God is a matter that delves deep into the nature of free will, the nature of God, and His plan for humanity. At the heart of this matter is the gift of free will that God has bestowed upon humanity. This gift allows individuals to choose their path, to seek Him or to turn away, and in doing so, it enables genuine love and devotion rather than forced compliance.

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul provides insight into why there might be false religions and how they fit into the broader narrative of God’s plan. In 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11, Paul speaks about people who perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. He says, “For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” This passage highlights that the presence of deception, including false religions, can be a part of the judgment for those who reject the truth.

Furthermore, the existence of false religions brings into sharper focus the truth of the Gospel and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). It underscores the importance of discernment, a theme echoed throughout the Scriptures. In 1 John 4:1, believers are advised, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

In allowing humanity the freedom to choose and in permitting the existence of false religions, God is also setting the stage for His glory to be revealed. Through the confusion, the searching, and the longing that false religions might represent, individuals are given the opportunity to seek the one true God. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Ultimately, God’s allowance of false religions does not diminish His sovereignty or His goodness. Rather, it highlights His desire for a relationship with humanity that is based on love, choice, and truth. It is a call to believers to live out and share the truth of the Gospel with compassion, understanding, and clarity.