In the 1100s men had this superstition that making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem would acquire for them salvation and forgiveness of sins. Muslims and Roman Catholics battled for the city of Jerusalem.
Men set their faces to go to Jerusalem at all costs. Hearts were broken. Limbs were torn. Lives were lost. All for the belief that salvation could be found in a place called Jerusalem.
Ro 10:6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down from above)
7 or," 'Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach):
If only they knew that salvation was just a faith-in-Christ so near, the dark and painful history of the Crusades would never have happened.
My friend, are you seeking salvation? You don't have to go anywhere. Just listen and trust in your heart, where you are, God's Good News of a message that Christ died for our sins and rose again from the dead and you will be saved.
