Jesus the One and Only
John 3:16-18; 14:5-11; 1 Timothy 2:3-7
As a transplant to South Carolina, I’ve learned that asking for directions is asking for trouble. If you walk into a convenience store and ask for directions, in a matter of minutes everyone in the store will be hovering around you. Each person will provide directions to your desired destination. The problem is that each one will offer a different suggestion, and it is not uncommon for arguments to ensue. When seeking directions, I prefer one person clearly describing one path.
Currently the spiritual scene in America resembles the direction request free-for-all of the convenience store. Seventy percent of people with a religious affiliation in America believe that other religions also provide a path to heaven. The common consensus of contemporary culture is that Jesus, Allah, and Buddha will all get you to heaven. But what does the Bible say about the path to heaven?
In John 14:1-6, Jesus describes the eternal dwelling that He will construct for His followers. Thomas wanted to make sure he made it, so he asked Jesus for directions. In direct response to the question, Jesus replied, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life!” The declaration of Jesus is clear and undeniable.
It is at this juncture that the modern affinity for tolerance intersects the practice and proclamation of Christianity. Other religions are founded on philosophy; Christianity is founded on the person of Jesus Christ! The world claims that everyone can get to heaven; Jesus claims that He is the only Way.
Christianity hinges on two seemingly contradictory concepts: inclusive exclusivism. The offer of Christ is inclusive in that all who trust in Christ are invited to enjoy the benefits of salvation, both eternal and abundant life. First Timothy 2:4 reminds us that God wants all to be saved. The familiar passage, John 3:16, reveals that God lovingly gave His only Son, in order that all might avoid the eternal punishment that they deserve. Before the substitutionary death of Jesus, all humanity stood condemned by sin. Christ’s sacrifice offers freedom to all who will accept His gift. This leads to the exclusive nature of the offer.
The offer of Christ is exclusive in that only those who trust in Christ can receive the freedom from eternal punishment. When questioned by Thomas, Jesus did not imply that He was one of many other ways. Jesus revealed that He is the Only Way! While this declaration might seem intolerant to contemporary sensibilities, it is entirely logical and true.
Jesus was not just another oriental guru peddling proverbs in Israel. He was, and is, the eternal Son of God. Jesus offers much more than wisdom, He offers a relationship with the living Lord. Jesus is the path and the destination; therefore no other path can arrive at the same destination.
The Father has planned an eternal party. All His children are invited, but He will only allow those who come with His Son to enter!
Barnett– Lessons by Kris Barnett, assistant professor of Christian ministry and associate dean of the Clamp Graduate School of Christian Ministry at Anderson University (www.auministry.com). Barnett joined the College of Christian Studies at AU after serving as pastor of East Pickens Baptist Church.