Hello Jay Jay Dee.
But in order to come to the true God, it requires that those who hold different views to the ones Jesus espoused had to change their beliefs and conduct to fall into harmony with the truth he taught.
The truth that he taught, however, was that God alone is good not any man and that we must be like little children. "Let the Little Children Come unto me, for such is the kingdom of heaven." Children are unschooled, undisciplined and have all kinds of problems. His 'Truth' was that no man was to teach his brother 'Know the LORD', because it was no longer necessary. (Jer 31)
This is the sole reason why "the good news of the kingdom" had to be "preached in ALL the inhabited earth for a witness to ALL the nations". (Matt 24:14)
Arguably this preaching was completed, since the apostles were commanded to complete it and since Mark 16 records that it was completed. I realize that Paul may have had a separate commission; but the verse to which you refer was fulfilled.
Jesus was not saying that people could come to God and bring their own differing religious views with them; they had to leave their former religious views behind and embrace Christ's teachings, which of course included not judging anyone as unworthy to hear the good news. God is not partial, as far as a person's nationality or religious beliefs are concerned...he offers his truth to all without prejudice. But God will not allow falsehood to contaminate his truth.
James says that God offers wisdom to anyone who asks without finding fault (NIV James 1). That is, no conditions are placed upon the person.
He demonstrated all these things in the nation of Israel. When people converted to Judaism, they were accepted as worshippers of the true God. But they had to live and worship as Jews did. Religious falsehood that crept in over Israel's history, was dealt with most severely by Jehovah, who would not tolerate the worship of false gods. This was the first of the Ten Commandments.
Up until John the Baptist this would have been the case; but John came preaching Isaiah 40 as fulfilled. Jesus did, too, and also Jeremiah 31. It is hard to accept, because we tend to think things have to happen a certain way but they don't. The Bible especially the NT emphasizes the inability of the scribe, the scholar and the wise person to accomplish the amazing things that the LORD wants accomplished. Wise people have no advantage over foolish ones, because that would not glorify the LORD. Instead it glorifies the wisdom of people while denigrating and denying the wisdom of God.
God's true worshippers do not expect Jehovah to accommodate their differing religious views. Those who wish to worship the true God must bring their worship into line with his truth. No ifs or buts. Sheep are sheep and goats are goats. You can't have a foot in both camps.
The Jews worshipped honestly and sincerely; but they knew something better had to come. Worshipping in spirit and in truth requires something better than dropping your views. It requires long suffering and enduring the views of others. Concerning this truth Jesus says "
But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests." (Luke 14:10)
Jehovah embraces ALL who come to him as truth seekers who are prepared to lay aside their own will and to do God's will. (Matt 7:21-23)
Matthew 7:22 "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name..." Matthew 7 is a key chapter about listening to any teacher whose life shows spiritual fruit. It will never be about judging people by what they say. Life is confusing and the well spoken are liars. Jesus knew this, possibly because of Zechariah. They are idols, false comforters, false dreamers "My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD Almighty will care for his flock, the..."(Zechariah 10:3) The situation then is no different from now. I'm not saying we should have no leadership for practical concerns, but there is no person qualified to lead another spiritually, doctrinal-ly.
He could not be fairer than that. What he offers such ones is more than worth any sacrifice on their part.
Thank you for your gracious response.
Who the LORD is: The LORD is that spirit such that wherever the LORD is, liberty thrives. (2 Corinthians 3:7)
"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me because he has anointed me but only for the purpose of announcing liberty to the captives...(Luke 4:18)...to announce that the blind in fact do see...to heal those who have broken hearts...to remove fisticuffs...and to give good news to the poor." (paraphrasing)