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Christianity for Dummies - 7 - Only One Way!

by Michael Russell
November 2002

Based upon a sermon series by Pastor Jim Henry, senior pastor of First Baptist Orlando, and enhanced with my personal commentary. Apologies to the book publisher for the title.

A common complaint from non-believers is, "You Christians are sure arrogant in your thinking your religion is the only true way!"

But are we? Is it arrogant to proclaim the Truth? Is it just as arrogant and judgmental to tell us that our beliefs are "wrong" or shouldn't be voiced?

In today's lesson, the pastor shared another fundamental aspect of Christianity -- the fact it declares very clearly and boldly that the only way to heaven and a restored relationship with the Creator God is through Jesus Christ. There is no other way!

1. The key scripture for today's lesson:

Isaiah 44:6-11 [6] “This is what the LORD says — Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.
[7] Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come — yes, let him foretell what will come.
[8] Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”
[9] All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame.
[10] Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit him nothing?
[11] He and his kind will be put to shame; craftsmen are nothing but men. Let them all come together and take their stand; they will be brought down to terror and infamy.

John 14:6-7 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

2. How does the current culture respond to the Christian claim that Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life?

The current culture rejects this claim. The current times are referred to as post-modern. While the modern age was characterized by the philosophy that man's problems could be solved by science and technology through the discovery of scientific truths; the post-modern age is characterized by the philosophy that man's problems could be solved by society through tolerance of each person's own internal value system. As a result, the current culture rejects the idea of absolute truths. It also feels that all things are equal and that nothing is or should be superior to another. In the post-modern mindset, everything and everyone must be reduced to a common level of existence with no extremes.

As a result, Christianity, which clearly is based upon absolute truth, external revealed truth, and extremes of good and evil, is a difficult concept for many in today's society to understand.

Scripture clearly teaches that in the end days that society would invert logic and accept the illogical.

Isaiah 5:20-21 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
[21] Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

3. How do other religions respond to the Christian claim that Jesus is the only way?

Every other religion is just as exclusive as Christianity. In fact, for a religion to have the life transforming affect, it is necessary for its followers to think it is the exclusive way. However, the way that exclusion occurs is very different among religions.

Islam believes it is the only true religion; to the extent that it even commands that infidels (those who will not convert to the faith) must be destroyed. Certain eastern religions, such as Hindu, do not accept the concept of a single God, so that religion is not compatible with one that is based upon a single God.

There are some religions that are like a buffet serving bits and pieces of other religions, such as Wicca and Baha'i (spelling?); but even those religions are exclusive of other religions.

There is no gray ground. You are either of one religion, ie value system and belief system, or another. By the way, atheism is a religion that's belief system is based upon the concept that there is no God.

The pastor made some interesting observations.

First, he noted that a religion should not be judged or assessed based upon the deeds performed by evil or misguided people in the name of that religion. The religion should be judged based upon its truthfulness, application, and the major affect on the majority of people. For example, mockers like to ridicule Christianity by pointing at stupid misguided events of the past like the Crusades or Spanish Inquisition or even more recent examples. However, those mockers tend to forget the number of hospitals, advances in medicine, relief aid distribution, the growth of the sciences in the Renaissance, the movement in America to abolish slavery, and more that were started by devote Christians.

Second, he noted that of all the religions, only Judaism and Christianity are the only truly tolerant religions. He said something like, "Can you name a country with a dominate Christian culture that persecutes believers of other religions? However, how many countries where another religion dominates can you name that persecutes Jews or Christians?"

4. How is Christianity unique from other religions?

4.1. It is directly revealed from God, not thoughts of man or men.

Christianity claims that this truth is revealed directly from God. It is not the thoughts of man or men.

John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Exodus 34:27 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.”

4.2. It claims to be THE truth.

Christianity claims that it is the truth. See the references at the top.

4.3. Way of salvation is different than any other religion - Grace, not works.

The way of salvation is unique. Every other religion is based upon a system of behaviour and works. However, Christianity is based not on the works of man, but the work of God. Salvation is a free gift from God given to sinful man who does not deserve it. Where every other religion requires man to do something to approach that religion's concept of god or spiritual peace or higher conscience; only Christianity involves God doing something to approach man.

4.4. Exists because of God, not to serve a human purpose.

Most religions have a specific reason for being created. Islam is a religion created for political purposes to unite the fighting Arab tribes. It combined aspects of all the religions that were popular in the region at the time, thus allowing each tribe to find a certain common ground and thus come together. Buddhism is a religion that sought to explain how there could be good and evil in a steady-state uniformitarian worldview which does not need a god. Hinduism is a religion that is based upon a philosophy of leading a good life and a oneness with nature.

4.5. Teaches a personal transformation, not set of works or deeds.

The most significant difference is that Christianity calls believers to "die to self". That is, Christianity demands believers to stop looking inward and to look outward. Every other religion is based upon somehow fixing the inward view. All religions seek to make bad people good -- usually by imposing some set of laws and guidelines. Except, Christianity, which seeks to make dead people (dead in their sins) alive. Yes, Christianity has its set of commands and guidelines, but these do not come into play until AFTER a person is saved.

Other religions : "good works" leads to "bad behaviour turned around becoming good" leads to "salvation".

Christianity : "accept Jesus' free gift of salvation" leads to "bad behaviour turned around" leads to "good works". The Christian way is 180 degrees opposite every other system that is based upon human works and human "goodness".

2 Cor 5:16-17 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

4.6. Independent of nationality

Many religions have a strong nationality basis (or bias). Judaism is associated with the nation of Israel. Islam is associated with the Arab nations. Hindu is mainly associated with India. Buddhism is mainly associated with Asian countries. And, so forth. However, Christianity has no national claim. It is incorrect to call America a "Christian country". Christianity appeals to all nations, races, cultures, and peoples.

5. Must proclaim the truth

As believers, we are duty bound to tell the world about Jesus.

Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

We are not to force this on anyone. But, we should never apologize for stating what we believe and why.

1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

6. Now, the tough questions

6.1. Can someone who does not know Jesus be saved?

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Basically, no. However, Scripture clearly teaches that if a person truly seeks God, then God will reveal Himself and provide for that person. This is why, as Paul says above, there is plenty of evidence to inspire a person to seek God, so nobody has an excuse. For example, Acts 8 has an account of God "transporting" Philip from Jerusalem to meet an Ethiopian who was seeking God. Philip shared the gospel of Jesus and the Ethiopian was saved.

6.2. What about people of other religions who are really good ... will they be saved?

Again, no. It is not possible to be good enough. Jesus clearly identified the entry requirement based upon good behaviour as being perfect. The person will have had to commit NO sins. Just one will be equivalent to committing them all. That is why salvation is based upon grace -- a free gift from God based upon what He has done through Jesus -- not upon how good we are.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.

6.3. Is everyone who calls themselves Christian going to be saved?

Unfortunately, no. There are many in the Church who claim to be a Christian, but are not born-again (John 3). The parable of the four soil types (Matthew 13) shows this.

Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

6.4. What about the Jews?

This is my personal opinion and belief, so please be patient. I am still studying this and my conclusions my change.

Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

The gospel message was given first to the Jews. Throughout the New Testament letters, the first appeal is always to the Jews. This clearly teaches that Jews must change from Judaism to Christianity.

Second, Christianity supersedes Judaism. Jesus fulfilled the first part of the Messiah prophecies (the rest will be fulfilled when Jesus returns). Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial requirements. Jesus fulfills the priestly requirements. Jesus fulfills the kingdom requirements, especially being a legal and family-line descendent of King David.

The New Testament appears to be very clear that God has replaced Judaism with Christianity. However, God has not replaced His chosen people, the nation of Israel. Basically, during the Church age, when we are living, the Jews have taken backstage while God reaches to all humanity through the Church. When the church is removed from the earth at the end of the Church age (some call it the Rapture), then God's attention will return to the nation of Israel. It is believed that at that time, Israelites will convert to Christianity. By this, I'm talking about the millennial period where Jesus is ruling on the earth. Since the Jews will be serving Christ directly.

In a way, I think the plan for the Church age was for the Jews in Israel to become followers of Jesus, but retain their distinctions as Jews, set apart from all other nations. However, as Paul several times points out, the Jews were just stubborn and rejected Jesus.

God has revealed Himself to mankind in stages:

• Direct age - where God communicated directly with man (from Adam to Abraham).
• Israel age - where God set aside a chosen people to be His representatives to a more rebellious humanity. This is the first covenant of the written law that showed the nature of our sins (from Abraham to Jesus).
• Church age - where God fulfilled the first covenant by providing the ultimate sacrifice. His written Word is complete and the law is now written on the heart of believers through the Holy Spirit. (from Jesus first coming to His second coming).
• Millennial age - where Jesus returns to the earth and rules from Jerusalem. Israel is at peace in the promise land, Christians are ministering with Jesus, and there is a 1000 year period of peace and near perfection.
• Eternal age - finally, the current heavens and earth are destroyed and replaced by a new heaven and earth that are completely free of the corruption caused by Adam's original sin. The saved and redemed are with Jesus and God forever in the new Jerusalem and Heaven. All others are cast into the pit of hell and forever separated from God.

So, yes, Jews must come to Jesus to be saved. However, God is not finished with His promises for the nation of Israel.