“Do it your way,” Burger King said in the 1970s, with a slogan that reflected the west’s growing individualism, consumerism, and pluralism. Other companies have followed suit by promising that we could have their products our way: tailored to our particular needs. delivered according to our specific conditions. So it’s not surprising to see Westerners bring the same program to religion. The idea that we have no choice on how to be saved is an anathema to the spiritual consumer of our time. our way.
It seems that religious pluralism has become the norm in our culture, but no matter how much pressure is exerted to fulfill or compromise, Christians must stand firm and insist that there is only one way of salvation: faith in Jesus Christ. The reason is simple:this is exactly what Jesus Himself taught.
- Jesus declared that he was sent into the world with one main purpose: that those who believe in him should not perish.
- But have eternal life (John 3: 14-17).
- Faith in Jesus is sufficient and necessary for salvation; those who do not believe in him will not see eternal life (vv.
- 18.
- 36; see 8.
- 24).
- Only those who? Jesus will live (6.
- 53-58).
- As if the matter needed clarification.
- Jesus left absolutely no doubt in these words to his disciples: “I am the way.
- The truth.
- And the life; no one comes to the Father except through me? (14.
- 6; see Mt 11.
- 27).
The apostles of Christ confirmed their message by constantly preaching that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus (Acts 2. 39, 4. 12, 16. 31, 20. 20-21; Rom 10. 9-17; 1Jn 2. 22-25, 4. 14? 15, 5. 12-13). The New Testament message could hardly be clearer: If you are not saved by Jesus, you are not saved at all. The modern pluralist can allow Christ to be one of the many means of salvation, but? Borrow a thought from C. S. Lewis? Christ himself did not leave us this option. Either it is Lord over all, or it is Lord over absolutely nothing.
However, these exclusive claims are a great offense to modern people. Isn’t it arrogant for Christians to insist that Jesus is the only way to God? Doesn’t that imply that the defenders of other religions are wrong? Yes, but beware: religious pluralists suggest that the defenders of Christianity are wrong. In fact, they imply that Jesus was wrong (and they do so arrogantly). If it is arrogant to suggest that non-Christian religions are wrong, should pluralists be equally arrogant in suggesting Christianity? with all other exclusive religions? It is wrong. The charge of arrogance inevitably turns against the critic.
Another common objection is that it is unfair to deny salvation to those who sincerely follow other religions. Why should only Christians be saved? The complaint reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the Gospel. Salvation comes by grace alone: God is under no obligation to offer even one form of salvation to anyone, much less many forms. Anyone who hears the gospel will hear it only by divine mercy.
The injustice objection also reflects false assumptions about who defines salvation. Are you sure it depends on our Creator? not us? diagnose our problem and prescribe a cure. Pluralist treats salvation as if it were a hair treatment: you should be able to choose your color, style, etc. , all according to your preferences, whatever works for you. However, what if salvation is more like medical treatment for a deadly disease? If there is only one drug capable of curing the disease, it would be extremely foolish to defend it: medical pluralism? ? An approach? Do it your way? treatment? And it would be strange to accuse your doctor of injustice for prescribing the only remedy that works.
The central question is obvious: the prescription must correspond to the diagnosis, if the fundamental human problem is how does the Bible describe it?, that we are sinners under the righteous judgment of God, unable to begin to make a proper atonement for our own sins. Then only Christianity presents a solution that adequately solves the problem; no other religion offers a perfect mediator between God and the man who suppresses the enmity between us and our Creator, to bring the punishment of our sin into our place (Rom. ; 2Co 5. 18-21; 1Tim 2. 5-6).
If the Bible is right about our situation, then Jesus must be the only way of salvation, and our duty must be to proclaim Jesus as the only way. God’s love, Christ’s love, love for one’s neighbour, and God’s love. the truth leaves us no choice.