The Only Way?

Today's question is another in a series of difficult questions. It is one that we again we must address with humility, respect and love. How can Christians say that Jesus is the only way to God? One of the things that I learned in seminary is that when a question is asked, you are never being asked just the question itself. In other words there is always something deeper that is influencing the question. So when a question like this comes up, there is usually something under it as well. That is not to say that the questions are being asked dishonestly, it is simply a reminder of the sensitivity needed in responding to such a question.

So then, how can Christians say that Jesus is the only way to God? Because Jesus said it himself in John 14:6. That is the major reason why Christians say it. Now the problem with this is that we have people who will make this claim and then they act and live their lives in ways that contradict the love of God. That Jesus is the way, truth and life is a gracious and loving invitation from God to be able to live life in relationship with him. It is not like an episode of "Let's Make a Deal" and you have to pick curtain 1, 2 or 3. And let's really hope that you pick the right one, because no one wants to end up with the piece of junk.

The fact of the matter is that there is no one else like Jesus. He is truly 100% God. He is truly 100% a human being. And only this combination works in saving people from their sins. Anything else, anything less would leave us without hope. Seeing Jesus as the way, truth and life is not meant to hurt or harm people, but is instead a gracious invitation to life and experience life as it was always meant to be experienced. So what do we as Christians do with this? First we live thankfully and confidently in the salvation that God freely offers, not because of what we do, but for the sake of Jesus. Because he is the way, truth and life, we can be confident of where we stand in our relationship with God. Second we live lives where we make sure that making the love of God known is a top priority. This does not meaning going out and abusing, using, and scaring people. It simply means speaking the truth in love without sacrificing truth or love. It means being persistent in that love even if the people we are loving will not love us back. This is a hard a difficult life to live, but Jesus said, "If any would come after me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me." After all, if we are to be salt in the earth, how can we do anything else in life?

I am looking forward to this discussion and the implications of it. I pray God's peace and joy in Jesus would be yours.

 

Sincerely,

Pastor CJ