How Can There Be Only One Way to God?
Lots of modern folks take offense at the idea that Jesus is the only way to God. Here’s why I’m okay with the exclusive claims of Jesus.
Just because something is hard to believe or difficult to accept doesn’t make it false. The most important thing about an idea is not whether I like it or immediately understand it, but whether it is true.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
Jesus comes from God and Jesus is God. He died to reconcile the world to God. The world was in rebellion against God, but God came to save it anyway.
If you look around at the world, it is obvious what our problem is: Sin. Sin is why we have locks on our doors. In Christ, God condemned sin in the flesh, thereby removing it as a barrier. Because of Christ, sin no longer has the power to keep us from God.
Since God made life and is life, there can be no life apart from God. It is therefore not possible to decide that you are going to find life apart from God. God is life, and there is nothing else.
So, when Jesus says that he is THE way, I don’t see it as an offensively exclusive claim: I see it as a simple description of the truth about reality, in the same way that gravity describes reality. It’s just how things are.
And, note that the Jesus way is for EVERYONE. It has nothing to do with racial or ethnic boundaries. All are invited and all (if they choose to come) are welcomed.
As far as people who die without ever knowing about Jesus, I am content to give those folks over to the mercy of God. I’m not sure what God will do in those circumstances, but I know he’s merciful.
But, for the rest of us, the real question is not, ‘What about Person X?” The real question is, “What am I doing with what I’ve heard? How am I responding to Jesus?”