How is Christianity different than other religions?
We need to first define what Christianity is and is not. Christianity is not only a set of rules to live by. It is not just believing in God. Christianity is as it’s foundation a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. He was and is more than a man; He is God in human flesh. As the Second Person of the triune God, He became man, born of a virgin. He lived a perfect life, taught us how to please God, died on a cross to take on Himself the penalty for our sin against God, rose from the grave, appeared to hundreds of people and then ascended to heaven. He did all this so that we might know God and live forever in heaven.
Now, how is Christianity different? Most other religions are based on how to live, rules to reach up to a god or a set of beliefs to live by. Other religions’ gods do not love, are impersonal and unknowable. Eternal life is granted by how well we live here on earth, but can never be guaranteed.
Christianity is the only religion in which a holy God loves mankind and sets out to rescue sinners. It’s not people reaching up to an impersonal god but a merciful God reaching down to us. Eternal life is based on that Jesus took the punishment for our sins when He died on the cross, and rose again to wipe away our sins. God did the work through His Son.
For even the Son of Man (Jesus) did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
Christianity does have some similarities to other religions; there are rules, the Ten Commandments for example, but obeying those rules are not the way to heaven but are put in place to please a holy God and to make our lives better.