Only ONE Way

How important is it for us to understand the doctrines of our faith? Do we really need to be on guard for heresy making its way into the church? Is Pastor Betters making much ado about nothing?

A friend recently sent me an email about a popular topic of discussion being raised throughout their church’s orientation program for new attendees. During the session, many attendees expressed concern about the idea that Christ is the only way to salvation. It was a tough concept for them to embrace that billions of sincere and unsaved people would not go to heaven if they didn’t place their faith in Christ. The attendees all wanted the benefits of forgiveness through Christ personally but they did not want others to suffer the penalty if they chose another way. This sentiment is growing not only in the hearts and minds of outsiders, but also among some Christians too. Are you sympathetic with this movement?

This is not a new concern. It’s been around since the conversation between Eve and the Serpent. Man has always searched for another way to reach ‘heaven’ (Proverbs 14:12). However, in modern times, the exposure to religions from ever corner of the world has increased dramatically. Evangelical Christians are increasingly confronted for their appalling arrogance and narrow mindedness in asserting that belief in Christ is the only way to heaven. Are we, as Christians, spiritual bigots? How do we engage people who are being drawn to religions that offer a buffet of heavenly paths?

I have three quick thoughts that may be helpful starting points when discussing this issue with people who think this way:

1. Jesus is the one who says there is only one way to heaven. Remind them not to shoot the messenger (you). Their problem(s) are with Jesus. Remain gracious. Don’t give them an excuse to attack you. They must understand that they are rejecting Jesus. It is Jesus that makes this claim, not you (John 14:6, Luke 10:16).

2. Ask them… How many ways should there be to heaven? 2? 100? 101? 1 million? If Jesus didn’t limit salvation to one way, then ultimately someone could argue that all ways should lead to heaven. No one could limit the number of roads to heaven and that would make no sense. What if someone advocated for the ‘Baby Killer Path’ to heaven or the ‘Hitler Highway?’ The problem is that there is no one to judge which ways lead to heaven when allowing more than one way. Who is to say the Baby Killer Path is wrong? We are left with the age old predicament of everyone doing what is right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25).

3. Before Jesus, there were zero ways to heaven. Which do they prefer, none or One? One way is better than no way.

Keep the dialogue open and going with your friend. You may be the person that God uses to lead them to the One way to heaven.