Buddhism places value on “making merit” above everything else. Merit is made by doing good deeds. In all my years in Thailand, I have never met a Buddhist who had hope of reaching heaven or nirvana. Their goal is to store up enough merit in order to come back in their next life as a wealthy person.
Also like other religions, Buddhism has its own system of commandments. These are called the five precepts. Abstain from killing. / Abstain from theft. / Avoid sexual misconduct. / Abstain from false speech. / Abstain from intoxicants that hinder clear thought. Of course, there has never been anyone who is able to fulfill even these 5 religious requirements. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom. 3:20
Once again we are reminded of how desperately the people of Thailand need to clearly understand the message of GRACE. Apart from the finished work of Jesus, there is no hope for salvation. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12 Thank you for continuing to partner together with us as we proclaim Jesus to the people of Thailand.
Yours for Thailand
David M. Speights