Controversial Jesusનમૂનો

Jesus and Exclusivity

Many people assume all religions are basically the same. They might share certain general moral themes in some places, but they differ on the most important things: the nature of God, the nature of humanity, the problem of sin, the way of salvation, and our eternal destiny. Pretty much all of the things that actually make a religion a religion.

But Jesus does not present himself as one wise teacher among many. He presents himself as the only way to God. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 CSB). That is not one path among many. That is a door.

Jesus consistently spoke with this kind of clarity. He is the true vine, and apart from him we can do nothing that bears lasting fruit (John 15:5 CSB). He has authority on earth to forgive sins, which he verified by healing the paralytic (Mark 2:10–11 CSB). After the resurrection, Peter preached the same message: “There is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12 CSB). Jesus also said, “I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved” (John 10:9 CSB). Nobody enters except through this door, and everyone who enters through this door is saved.

Some object that exclusive truth claims are arrogant. But saying no one can claim to know the truth is itself a claim to know the truth about the truth. The real question is not whether exclusivity sounds harsh. The real question is whether what Jesus said is true. If he is God in the flesh, then his words are not narrow; they are simply the truth.

Some people say they are spiritual but not religious. But this is not a Biblical answer, because being “spiritual” is no good if you follow the wrong spirit. Scripture warns us to test the spirits because not every spirit is from God (1 John 4:1 CSB).

The way to test is simple. Does this teaching confess Jesus Christ came in the flesh? If not, it is not from God (1 John 4:2–3 CSB). The apostle Paul adds that what people sacrifice to false gods they sacrifice to demons, not to God (1 Cor. 10:20–21 CSB). The enemy is content with any path that keeps people from the only door that saves.

The gospel is exclusive in its claim and radically inclusive in its invitation. You do not qualify by ethnicity, background, intelligence, or performance. You come by grace through faith in Jesus. Every other system says here is what you must do to climb to God. The gospel says God has come down to you in Christ. That is why Christianity welcomes the weak and the strong, the rich and the poor, the moral and the immoral, the religious and the irreligious. All may come, but all must come through the same door.

Our role is clear. If nobody gets in except through the door, and everybody who comes in walks through the door, then we must tell everyone about the door. Jesus is at the door, and he knocks. If anyone hears his voice and opens the door, he will come in (Rev. 3:20 CSB).

Reflection Question: Where are you tempted to treat Jesus as one option among many? What step can you take this week to rest your confidence in Christ alone and to lovingly point someone else to the door?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Thank you for opening the door of salvation to me. Strengthen my faith to remain in you, and keep me from looking for life anywhere else. Give me love and courage to share the good news so others can enter through you and find life.