We can see that various systems of resolving the problem of guilt are the main cause for all differences between religions. Simply justification by faith in Christ and His mediatory merits do not function when man makes compromise (consciously or unconsciously) with the sin.

"There are some who seem to be always seeking for the heavenly pearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not die to self that Christ may live in them. Therefore they do not find the precious pearl. They have not overcome unholy ambition and their love for worldly attractions. They do not take up the cross and follow Christ in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. Almost Christians, yet not fully Christians, they seem near the kingdom of heaven, but they cannot enter there. Almost but not wholly saved, means to be not almost but wholly lost." (EGW COL.118)

God cannot forgive the sins which people do not repent and which they do not want to leave. The sinners who are not satisfied with simple plan of salvation are undertaking some additional techniques and systems to achieve peace as if God is without power and does not want to save them.

The difference between religions appears not only because of different attempts to resolve the problem of guilt (justice) but because of different attempts to resolve the problem of sin (righteousness). As a result of different sins, that are sublimated in religion and goodness, there are many different life philosophies.