Opinion Polls

In our county opinion polls are used like a windsock at an airport. Decisions are being made based upon the crowd (direction of the wind), and some of that is good. Surveys can inform us about people's experiences with products, helping us make wiser purchases. Opinion polls can give government officials a sense of how their policy initiatives will be received. While information gleaned is a matter of personal opinion, it can be helpful in shaping decision-making on a variety of levels. But when it comes to the most important question for all eternity, a public opinion poll cannot give us the answer. We must answer for ourselves. In Matthew 16:13-20, we read where Jesus took His disciples to Caesarea Philippi and asked a question about public opinion: "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" (v.13). Various complimentary answers were given, but they were inaccurate. That's why Jesus then asked His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" (v.15). Peter got the answer right: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (v.16).

Public opinion can help answer certain questions, but not the one question that will determine your eternity: Who do you say that Jesus is? If you get this question right (according to Scripture) and trust and obey Christ, you will have eternal life. In the Old Testament, we read where the people of Israel were asked by the prophet Elijah, "How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word" (1Kings 18:21). Yet on another occasion, we read where Joshua told these same people "choose you this day whom you will serve." They immediately committed to serve and obey the Lord (Josh 24:14-24). This was a major turning point in their lives. As noted in the text, failure to repent would have been disastrous.

At Pentecost people heard the truth about Jesus, were sorrowful for their sins and asked what they must do. Peter told them to "repent and be baptized for the remission of sins..." (Acts 2:29-47). No poll was taken nor was any existing one considered. Only the facts were presented resulting in 3000 people responded to the gospel. God has given us this record to tell us about Jesus and what we must do. How have you responded to the gospel?

The church of Christ at Forum welcomes visitors and/or private home studies. See the link below for contact information: www.ForumCOC.org