At one time, I would listen to a certain pastor each Sunday morning before going to church. He had a brief message, about twenty minutes, which was always positive and uplifting. He spoke with a very gentle, comforting style, which left you feeling peaceful. I enjoyed listening to him.
One morning, he had just returned from a long trip. He had traveled to many countries in the Far East, had observed thousands of people, and saw people from many religions. He said most of the people in the world were not Christians and each religion had its pathway to God. Jesus is the way to God if you’re a Christian, but if not, there are other avenues. He heard similar statements from the pastor who had mentored him. People who believed that Jesus was the only way to God were wrong, ignorant or arrogant, closed-minded, and illogical. It was unreasonable to believe that a loving God would make such a demand.
But Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” And Luke wrote, “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (John 14:6; Acts: 4-12). His Word is true whether we believe it or understand it. We think that whatever God does must make sense to us. But God does not think and act as we expect and He tells us that. Be certain, He will do things we do not understand, but He tells us that. (Isa.55:8-9) Truthfully, we don’t have the capacity to understand everything about God. We cannot even understand everything about God’s creation. If we can’t fully understand His creation, do we think we fully understand Him? That is ignorance and arrogance.
*Some say what Christians believe is foolish. But the Bible addresses that as well. But a natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor. 2:14). Without the assistance of the Holy Spirit, man cannot understand the ways of God. His ways are foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Cor.1:18).
*A common statement by some critics is, “there are millions of people around the world who have never heard about Jesus.” This too, the Bible answers. The message of God is revealed in creation. But men, in their arrogance, choose to reject it, calming to be wise. They became fools. (Romans 1:18-21).) They profess to be wise, but have made themselves fools and sealed their fate. Also, there are stories of Muslims meeting Jesus in dreams and visions to hear the message of salvation. Helen Keller was blind and deaf. When she heard the message of salvation through Christ, she supposedly said, “I know him. I just didn’t know his name.” When necessary, the Holy Spirit will act without an immediate human agency. These acts are similar to those recorded in Scripture. (Ro.2:14-14;8:16).
*Another criticism, this position is unloving and God is love. Jesus tells the disciples a story that gives light on this point. A rich man has died and is in Hades suffering torment. He asks that word is sent to his five brothers to warn them of this place so they will avoid his fate. The Lord’s response is, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one arose from the dead. (Luke 16:19-31) Jesus says we have the Word, and that is sufficient. But in addition, He has returned from the dead and men continue to reject God’s message.
God’s Word remains. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” And there is salvation in no one else, for “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (John 14:6; Acts: 4-12) The truth has been given, and it applies to all.
R Swenson
STAR MISSIONS: Establishing The light of God in Darkness 