Thank you Tom for this post, it is at the core of my concern with a “New” Christianity. Conspicuously absent in your treatment is any mention of the Cross and the Resurrection. These are decidedly Christian tenets which would seem inseparable to the person of Jesus. Perhaps this would be areas best fit for subsequent chapters of the book the blog cannot be, but I would ask; How we could speak of salvation as the participation of God from the Love of Christ without a necessary confrontation with the Cross? A Pew study is mentioned in the December issue of the Christianity Today as pointing out that fewer Christians hold to an exclusivity in Christ with respect to salvation. Another interesting thing that I have watched was a monologue by Julia Sweeny: Getting over God where she wrestles with what she was taught about God to the eventual atheism.
It seems that the embrace of Pluralism can all to easily dismiss away Christ so I think you are correct in stating initially that this is

Thanks for your response, Ron.

I do mention Jesus’ death and resurrection briefly in the blog essay above, but you’re right that I don’t develop their importance.

My failure to do so doesn’t mean I think them unimportant.  They are central.  And I think many whom I label “New Nazarenes” would agree about their centrality.

My failure to develop the important themes of cross and resurrection is an unfortunate result of trying to keep my comments brief. One of these days I’ll have to develop them by writing a book on these subjects! : )

Thanks again…

I would love to see you write a book on this important subject. Can I pre-order my copy? While I deeply love the church - your reminder that salvation is in Jesus is wonderful to think about.  Keep thinking out loud Tom.

Tom,
Thanks for your blog and the subsequent comments about the Cross and Resurrection.

Another example of course is the woman from Samaria in John 4. She starts from her cultural perspective as it pertains to genuine worship, despite her personal track record, but earnestly wants an answer to her search for a meaningful relationship with God. 

In Jesus’ response, He notes “the gift of God” (Jn 4:10 NIV) and again when referring to the water He will “give” (4:14).  God is willing to offer that gift to anyone who asks. That certainly seems to transcend Christianity, for seeking to know God is global.  It is the person of Jesus that makes God known.

Certainly that woman, as did Samaritans in general, had a concept of Messiah from which to start.  My question, will we love others enough to know their cultures and “gods” in order to pronounce Christ like Paul did at the Aerogapus for their “unknown god”?

It is at this point the discussion of the Cross and Resurrection becomes important to share.

While I find this a lovely articulation of one way of forming core Christian convictions, I find it unfulfilling and inadequate. Is Christ the only way to the conviction that God is love and that the way to God is by way of love? Hardly. Devotional theism is a common feature in a variety of traditions. Even Pure Land Buddhists can and do affirm that we cannot be saved other than by the compassionate grace of Amida Buddha.

Also, why not radicalize John 14:6? To affirm that Jesus is the Way is to affirm that his way of living life—the cruciform life—is the only way to God. But if so, then only those who live the cruciform life can come to God not merely those who affirm with their lips some conviction in the proposition that Jesus saves.

It would follow then that all those who live the cruciform life—and we would do well to affirm that such a life cannot be lived apart from the empowering grace of the Spirit—are walking in the way to God. But that would surely include a cloud of non-Christian witnesses, bearers of compassion to the world that God loves.

A core Christian conviction: only God can bring us to God. God is not merely the Goal but always also the Way. But this is not only a Christian conviction. To confess that Christ is the way for Christians need in no way rule out the wideness in God’s mercy that insures that God will be the way for others in other ways. All this we can affirm as Christians from looking hard at the love of God disclosed in the Christ.

At any rate, thank you for engaging this vital conversation.

Many emergent writers and Greg Boyd in The Myth of Christian Religion regard religion itself as an enemy of God’s purposes. Much of this attack on religion has focused on Christendom and a post-modern/emergent rejection of it’s distortion of Jesus and his mission. To be consistent, we can not limit a critique of religion just to Christian expressions. Perhaps religions (including the Christian forms)are more a tool of the enemy than God.

Christ’s experience with the Pharisees, Christian history, and experiences on the mission field suggest that the most religious people are the most resistant to the gospel. In both Africa and India the gospel has spread more quickly among the animists than among the Hindus and Moslems.

Do you have any examples where the Holy Spirit has truly used religions to draw people to Christ? Aren’t they far more often a hindrance? How can we engage in a serious critique of the “Christian religion” without extending that critique to all religions? Don’t all religions lead to a spiritual pride that keeps us from humbly accepting grace and gift of Jesus?

Tom, nicely said.
This subject was the subject of my MTh thesis in which I argued for “salvific optimism” because Jesus is the Way. Salvation is never in spite of Jesus but always because of Jesus. I remember Brian McLaren saying that too many Christians quote John 14 with the implication that Jesus “in in the way” of salvation and not the way to salvation. The debate for Christians might be epistemological, regarding what must be known about Christ for our salvation, but should never be ontological. Christians must be unified on the affirmation of Jesus being the way to life.

“A core Christian conviction: only God can bring us to God. God is not merely the Goal but always also the Way. But this is not only a Christian conviction. To confess that Christ is the way for Christians need in no way rule out the wideness in God’s mercy that insures that God will be the way for others in other ways. All this we can affirm as Christians from looking hard at the love of God disclosed in the Christ.” This would be my response as well. I chose the path of Jesus but I believe that there are many paths to God. Others are on a different path and for me only God can and will decide who is in and who is out. I will share my story and the Jesus story to any who would want to listen but there is no way that I would ever tell someone they are on the wrong path.

IMO, the pre-existent Christ/Logos is the only way any person in any faith tradition is convicted of the fact that God is love, and the Christ incarnate in Jesus born, lived a sinless life, died, and resurrected is the only way to full relationship with God, whereas the gift of the Holy Spirit necessarily empowers all people to good works, but acceptance of the Christ is necessary lest we fall short with any of our Cruciform works - no matter how many, and how true they are. Moreover, lest Christians become foolishly arrogant, it is not Christianity that is salvific, but only the Christ .. and we can certainly more of the fullness of Christ in relating well, and favorably with our neighbors be they of other faith traditions or of no faith tradition.

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”c

20Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.
-1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Thanks to all of you for your helpful comments.  One of the joys of writing a blog is learning from the helpful responses. I’m sure if I were to write this post again it would be improved in part thanks to your good comments.

I want to respond briefly to Mark’s questions about religion. I tend to see religions as necessary forms and structures without which we would likely become more disoriented than we already are.  But we always face the temptation to idolize the forms and structures at the expense of the Spirit. We must continually beware to resist this temptation, without demonizing the forms and structures themselves.  At least that’s how I see things…

The first point you made that “God alone is the author of salvation” is one that seems to often be overlooked in conversations I have had with my peers.  I fully agree with your second point that the “purpose of salvation is love” and that the greatest commandment is to love God and love others as ourselves, but (to me) this second point fails to have much meaning without recognizing the first point “that Jesus is the way.” 

Yes, love is absolutely essential to the Christian faith, but Jesus should still be the focus of that love.  This is an area that I often fail in and is something that I am trying to keep in check.  If I don’t, then when I try to love others I am only fulfilling a part of God’s command, and my acts of love towards them simply become “good works.”

I thought it was interesting how you mentioned that Jesus is the way to salvation and not Christianity.  The verse in Romans seems to suggest that those who dont know about Jesus can have salvation by being obedient to the law writen on their hearts.  I feel that this is dangerously close to salvation by works and not faith.  I am ok with saying that God is in other religions, but I have a hard time making sense of the “good works” done by those that dont say “Jesus”.  Faith in Jesus is no longer central if this is the case.

I think a problem stems from a difference between question and questioned; one asks “is Jesus the way?” and then proceeds to characterize the answer in strictly Christian terms.  This is a problem because it implicitly assumes what one is questioning; i.e. we only explore the question whether or not our tradition “is true” in light of the methods that our tradition assumes.  Other religions do the same, hence dialogue seems to die.  Theologically, this passes muster, since theology elucidates contingent religious belief.  From a philosophical standpoint, where we try to escape our contingent beliefs for universally available ones, it does not seem very helpful.

I do believe that Jesus is the way to salvation. I believe we dialogue with other religions to understand their idea of salvation, but I do not believe that Jesus is working in religions having nothing to do with Jesus. When you say, “We dialogue because we want to serve, not obstruct, the Redeemer’s prevenient work”, I think it is almost saying that it is alright to have another religion that does not see Jesus as the center of their salvation, and that they will be saved.

If Jesus is God and God is love then wouldn’t living a life of love be following God?  I’m not sure where I stand yet on this subject but I do think that many times Christians get caught up a little bit too much in the technical side of things.  The point of Christianity is following Christ.  The point of following Christ is simply to love him and to love others.

I think that it is great that you state that your belief is that Jesus is the only way to gain salvation.  I know a great deal of people that believe in God, but are unsure of Jesus; however, they still believe that their salvation is secure.  As we talked about today in class, I believe that even those that have not heard the name of Jesus can still gain salvation through prevenient grace.  I believe that those that intentionally turn down the belief in Jesus are walking on eggshells when it comes to salvation. I also enjoy your idea that “Love” is the means and purpose of salvation.  God responds to us with love and if we act accordingly we respond to those around us with love.  I most certainly agree that love is a cornerstone in the understanding of salvation.

I agree with you when you said, “The grace of God through Jesus Christ is freely bestowed on all people,” says my denomination’s statement on prevenient grace, “enabling all who will turn from sin to righteousness, believe on Jesus Christ for pardon and cleansing from sin, and follow good works pleasing and acceptable in His sight.”  I think Jesus is the way and we need to be more like him.  If we accept him in our hearts and really try to have that true relationship with him, we can get closer to God.  It is not all about Christianity and people can get confused about that.

Hi Dr. Oord,

Thanks for asking us to respond.  This is a bit lengthy, but I have a very strong opinion on this subject:

God in other religions?  I have a problem with God “granting” salvation to those who do not know Christ and have made a conscious decision to choose Christ as their Savior.  Why?  Let me preface by pointing out that the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition has made other claims about things God cannot do, such as interfering with free will.  Many in this tradition affirm this concept.  I would like to make the claim that God cannot save anyone who has not consciously chosen Jesus as Savior.

Sin is a serious problem that separates us from a God who is holy and righteous.  I would like to make the claim that we cannot enter into abundant life and, eventually, heaven without entering into salvation through a conscious decision to choose Jesus because God cannot grant salvation outside of Jesus.  There are those that would say that I am limiting God in this sense, but as I have stated above, we have already limited God when considering the concept of free will. 

If we ascribe to the belief that God cannot interfere with free will because it is contrary to God’s attributes and would not be considered a true relationship of love if God did, then we must also say the same of sin and salvation.  Salvation cannot be granted by God outside of Christ because we are tainted by sin.  Because God is a holy and righteous God, we cannot enter into a relationship with the Holy One until this sin is “wiped clean.” 

I would like to make the additional claim that, due to the nature of relationships, sin, and the holiness of God, a perfect and righteous sacrifice had to made (which is not typically disputed in Christian circles).  This was not because God wanted it to be so, but because it had to be so.  If God could grant salvation outside of a person’s conscious decision to follow Christ, then why doesn’t he simply grant salvation to everyone? 

Also, God would not have sent Christ as the perfect sacrificial lamb were it not for the fact that this action was a requirement to redeem humanity.  It is true that God did love the world and in order to enter into a loving relationship with this world, the individuals in this world must enter into a relationship with Jesus and God by putting their trust in Jesus alone.  In order to bring humanity back into right relationship with God, He had to visit earth in the form of Jesus, die, and be resurrected.  Additionally, it seems that Jesus would not have chosen to go through this kind of torturous death had he known there was another way to the path of salvation.

After reading the first couple of paragraphs in this blog, immediately a recent conversation (from dinner a few hours ago… actually) popped into my mind.  As I kept reading the blog I could not help but to think more and more about that conversation and how it related to that verse in John.  The conversation I had, dealt with the topic of Mormonism.  The conversation I shared with my friend at dinner also indirectly dealt with an issue that I have thought about in the past.  I believe that it is always natural to doubt; however this doubt that I have had in the past dealt with if living the Christian life is the right thing to do.  After talking with my friend about the Mormon religion, I had come to a few conclusions that yes, my past doubt was only natural and that yes I am doing the right thing by choosing to follow Jesus and accepting him as my personal savior.  My friend also stated that within the religion of the Mormon Church there is no real sense of hope.  One just goes about life doing good deeds and after death, they receive a very earthly-ideal reward.  In contrast, Jesus is the reward for those who choose him as their savior.  I am excited to look forward to my reward of having a deeper, true relationship with Jesus when I die and not living is a certain level of heaven with earthly treasures.  Reading this blog is a very good reminder that Jesus is MY way, he is MY truth and MY light.

I thought that this was interesting when comparing it to what we talked about in class today.  I really liked today’s lecture and how you incorporated the quote that you gave us at the end of the class in talking about Paul.  I agree with Maylee in that we need to follow Jesus and try to be more like him in order to become closer to God.

Tom
when I was in Thailand I had the opportunity to live, play and worship with the Lahu and Mhong people.  Both are animistic in their beliefs and both cultures are extremely accepting of the gospel. When the story of Jesus Christ is taught to them, (not necessarily the Jesus film) but the story of Christ’s power in our lives to bring salvation and the fact that He is the way to God, they jump at the chance to know Him.  They see a spiritual being in everything and everything has meaning.  A missionary friend told me, that village leaders have said to him something like, We have always known there was a God, we have looked for Him and now we finally know who He is.  It is the Christ story and the significance of Jesus Christ and what He brings to us that finalizes what God has already been doing. It was in Thailand where I learned of the the power of Christ’s promise of salvation combined with the work of the Father’s prevenient grace to bring people in their “incomplete anticipations of the fullness of God manifest in Christ,” to the Kingdom.

Hi Tom
What a brilliant piece of work that unapologetically establishes basis for Jesus being the only way.  The nature of your writing does not convey dogmatism but a sincere treaty that presents a straight forward approach to asserting why Jesus is the only way.  This piece of work is import to me and others even as we consider many are confused with the myriad ideas of religious pluralism to the detriment of the faith in Jesus as the only way.  I truly appreciate the point where you distinguished Jesus for the Christianity of today.  We must certainly make that distinction as Christianity today does not necessarily equate to a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Therefore, like you have established it is important in emphasizing Jesus as the only way so that persons will seek we seek Him directly as opposed to another religious experience.  Encountering Jesus first is crucial in helping persons to realize that there is no other way.
Dexter

I really liked the distinction you made between having faith in Jesus vs having a faith in Christianity (religion). This type of thinking opens up the possibility for God to be at work in all people and in all religions through prevenient grace. It emphasizes God’s creative abilities and love for creation. Jesus is the the only way. This approach to the order of salvation has given Christ room to work at extending His love to all people.

When you talked about Jesus as the Divine source of salvation it got me thinking.  If Jesus is the divine source or salvation is it possible for a person who has never know Jesus to receive salvation?  As I have read writings from Wesley and the Bible I have often wondered what about those people who never hear.  What Wesley says about prevenient grace makes sense as I understand God.  God being loving and fair will judge us on our heart, our intentions and what we have been able to know and understand.  This does not by any means excuse us from the great commission to Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations….

The Way to find God is more than a little of this religion or a dash of that belief. To find the way to God begins with God.

One of my friends the other day said they had never seen so many people trying so hard to get to hell. Why one may ask is it anyone’s business? Having a Heinz 57 religion is not going to get you to heaven.

In this post, Thomas Jay Oord refreshes the hearts of people, who still have hope, in the God who has never given up on God’s creation. God is still and will continue to work in the hearts of all people, by calling them to Himself.

It is more than making life here on Earth the goal of salvation. Where is the way to looking to what happens after a person dies? How do other belief systems find their way in the sea of everything goes? Maybe that is where the term “lost” came from.  Not to be confused with the series LOST.

God is not playing “hide and seek”. God is ever present if one will let go of their own way and reflect on what it means to be so loved by God that God sent “God-human” to show the way back to God.

Faith which involves turning one’s whole life over to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit and in turn realize that God has been in their heart the whole time, calling you back to Himself.

Let Jesus guide the way back to the heart of God through the “Redeemer’s prevenient work”.

We need to keep Jesus as the center of our daily active lives. He has the divine love for us all to seek salvation. “As divine, Jesus is the source of salvation.” Is Jesus the way? I agree as well, Jesus is the way to find salvation and freedom, hope for all to see and hear the Word. With our guidance from Jesus and having Him as an example, we can imitate the good deeds Jesus has done for others.

I whole heartily agree with the beginning of the blog, “We should not equate Christianity with Jesus,” because it is foremost that Christianity does not save people only Jesus Christ does.  When the church and Christians alike make this distinction and proclaim it they will be able to separate and void themselves of the evils that religion and Christianity has committed.  John Wesley references “true religion” rather than Christian religion because he believes Christendom has at times opposed the gospel whereas true religion is the gospel by transforming hearts through receiving God’s love and reciprocating love to God and neighbors. 
Another key note is that, “Salvation does not depend upon a conscious awareness of Jesus,” nevertheless Jesus is the source of salvation.  This means that people can submit and trust in God/Jesus without even knowing him.  God will be able to say to some non-Christians that they followed the law written on their hearts and believed in God.  They only knew God with a different name or they did not know a name for the one they served.
What is paramount in this discussion is that God through prevenient grace is always at work in creation to call humanity to become whole in Christ. As Truesdale says, “We want to serve, not obstruct, the Redeemer’s prevenient work,” so let us maintain conversations with everyone.

Hamish

I stand behind Jesus as the way of salvation, meaning it is not practicing the religion of Christianity that saves people.  However, is it not the church the body of Christians that are intricate and necessary for people to become aware of Jesus Christ?  Also, is it not the church who enables discipleship which promotes longevity to the Christian walk?  While Jesus saves creation it is his body, the Church, that aids Jesus in his work.  The Church is the palpable sign of Jesus Christ and means of sustaining grace. 
“There is no salvation outside the Church,” stated by Saint Cyprian of Carthage and many more church fathers throughout the centuries.  Humanity would not be able to be aware of the need for Jesus Christ or submission to him without the work of the church.  Therefore, Jesus is the way of salvation, but it is the body of Christ that is a necessary aid to the way of salvation.
Hamish

Tom,
There is much to be learned from your writings above.  Much of the concern with Christianity today has do do with the mean spirited attitude that Truesdale addresses.  As Christians, we can become so assured that we are right, that we forget to show through loving dialogue that Christ truly is love.  Our lack of love then serves to debase the message we are trying to communicate.

Thanks Dr. Oord. You have spurred on a great discussion.

It is easy to make a distinction between religion and a salvific relationship with God through Christ. But when we start talking about Christianity being one of those religions, the distinction becomes a little harder to swallow. The truth is, Christianity has had some rough times over the last few centuries in delivering the world to Christ.

Christianity as a religion is not our hope. As Truesdale states, “religions can become vehicles the Holy Spirit uses to draw people to Christ.  But religions are at best incomplete anticipations of the fullness of God manifest in Christ.” As a previous comment stated, religions can also lead us far away from Christ. Needless to say, some religions are better at pointing people to Christ than others.

Just to add to the conversation, where does the Church come to play in this? I am not talking about the building or the organization, but the people- the body of Christ. The Church is the witness to the Christ. They are those who have crossed over and represent the Light of the world. I would suggest that the Church is the best vehicle to draw people to Christ.

Tom,
I appreciate the distinction you make between having faith in Jesus and having faith in a region. While a region can be used to further our understanding and relationship, it is the relationship its self with God where we find our salvation and our identity. It is important to not fall into being a religious person, we must always keep Christ at the center of it all. In an exceedingly post christian world we must turn to a defense of Christ and sharing his message of love rather than the rules of a religion of doctrine of a certain denomination.

Josh

Hi Dr. Oord,

I enjoyed your post!  It reminded me a lot of a discussion we had together, along with a few others, in your living room last year for our theology class.

This subject is something I find incredibly interesting, having great practical and theoretical implications, especially in light of PG. 

That being said, I definitely believe that God’s transformative grace is at work in places that are far beyond the reaches of the Church.  This is through and by the prevening grace of God and the relentless work of the Spirit.  This grace, I also believe, may potentially offer eternal salvific opportunity as well.

As far as salvation goes, however, I have intentionally taken the position of not making any eternal salvific claims about anybody, one way or the other.  Nevertheless, I believe that the Church has been called to engage the gospel in such a way that salvation is not just something to be anticipated, but something to be experienced today. 

In this, the Church has been given through its affirmation and worship of Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and Life, and by the Holy Spirit, the fullest revelation of salvation—both eternal and that which God has offered us today.

As bearers of the gospel and bringers of the Kingdom of God, the Church, therefore, stands as the salt of the Earth, and the Light of the World.  But even so and beyond, God is on the move.

—Jerad

Dr. Oord-

I personally have found myself asking:  Is Jesus the ONLY way to salvation?  As you have discussed there are two sides to the coin.  Some fundamentalists will argue until they are blue in the face that people “must proclaim Jesus” to be saved.  Others will point out passages you noted above believing that God’s grace can extend beyond a narrow, rigid understanding of salvation.  I tend to swing more toward the latter, believing that God only holds people accountable for what they are aware of.

But this doesn’t let us “Christians” off the hook.  God has chose us as the Church as the primary method for reaching the lost with the Gospel message.  Proclaiming Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross is crucial if we are committed towards God’s purposes here on Earth.  But we need to do this in a way that treats other humans (and those of other religions) with the dignity, respect that they deserve.  God deserves nothing less than this.

-Scott

Tom I think that it is a great point that you bring out in your blog about the way that we have often defined religion as our source of salvation but as you point out the source of our salvation is not found in religion but in a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I appreciate the way that you bring out the recognition that Jesus is God incarnate.  What resonates in my own heart and mind is the description that Hebrews gives of Jesus when it describes Jesus as being the “Radiance of God’s glory” and “the exact representation of his being.”  As I look at Jesus and put my trust in him I am getting the full spectrum of who God is at the same time.

Tom,
It could be easy to read Romans 2:14-16 and wonder why we spend so much time and money to go to share the story of Jesus in all areas of the world. Then, we read the Great Commission and realize that we have not just a story, but The Story to tell to the peoples of the world. The story about the one who they are seeking, Jesus, who came to reveal the wonders of the creation, show us God’s love and bring true peace to the hearts of all.  We have a story that tells us of Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Thank you for your insightful thoughts.

Tom,

I agree with you that Jesus is the only way to experience and accept salvation.  I thought you made an important distinction that escapes many people and that is the difference between Christ and Christianity.  You also quoted Truesdale who said, “religions are at best incomplete anticipations of the fullness of God manifest in Christ.”
I know that I make the distinction between these two but there are many in the church that have not made that distinction.  They are counting on church membership to get them into Heaven.  This mentality can, and does, cause people outside the church to miss the fullness of God because they see faulty people focused on things other than Christ. 

I also liked your response to a commentor on your blog when you said, “I tend to see religions as necessary forms and structures without which we would likely become more disoriented than we already are.”  We need each other because we cannot live this life on our own.  And yet we must never forget that the institution cannot point to itself but rather the one that it serves!

Jason

Jesus is both the authority (divinity) and means (love) to accomplish salvation.  This theory provides a host of outcomes.  Most notably in our response.  When we accept Jesus as salvation, most of us use the metaphor of asking Jesus into our hearts.  In fact, we believe that God through the Spirit both physically and metaphorically inhabits people and their actions.  If Jesus is the ‘way’ because He was both God and human, then when we have God living in us and our actions, we too carry out salvific acts as an extension of that grace. 

This should create a desire for Christians to become better at identifying where the Spirit is at work in our world and partnering with it, exposing it, and promoting it.  As it is the Spirit is that moving in us.  After all, no one has seen God except when we love each other (1 John 4). 

Unfortunately, Christianity, and Jesus, are not the only religions or figures that people claim have both divine authority and act lovingly. Nor is Jesus and Jesus-followers the only set of people to claim sole possession of the salvation market share.  The question facing Christians is two fold: are we right?  do we need to show it?

I think there is only one way to show it and therefore help reveal the truth of Christ being the only way: live out love.  If the divine inhabits us, we have the ability to be a massive force for good and love - helping usher in salvation by bringing about the kingdom of God here and now.  God’s authority has been given to us.  Let us use that freedom to expose how Jesus is transforming and redeeming the world through us.

This means that we should be not only interacting with other religions.  But Just as God used Samuel to minister to Israel (even though Samuel did not yet know God), we can use what is true and good in other religions and expose how God is working through that.  I think then we may have a voice to show that Jesus is in fact the way.

Danny Davis writes…

First, let me say that I enjoyed the honesty portrayed in this blog post.

In an age of nearly limitless voices their is a need for a clear and straightforward proclamation of Jesus Christ. Some, in an effort to speak to a particular generation, have decided that pointing to Christ’s uniqueness is not necessary. However, He is unique as He is the “God-man.” Like other doctrines of the Church this uniqueness of Christ is not full formed in the biblical writings. But through the process of time the Church fathers hashed out what many hold very dear today. They did this under very similar circumstances that we face today. In the midst of Gnostics and Docetists they pressed to keep Christ the focus and head of the Church by rightly putting forth a doctrine that honored both Christ’s humanity and divinity.

Similarly, we in the modern Church, must continue to push forward in the discovery of Jesus. At the same time we never surrender the centrality of His unique position in the world and Godhead. He is, and will remain, the Son of God who came to take away the sin of the world. His life, death and resurrection provides unmatched hope. Not merely a hope to bypass this world for another; but a hope that is real, tangible, in the present age. A hope that urges us, even in our questions, to proclaim Christ as the way, the truth and the life.

Dr. Oord,

I will have to say that this discussion stretches my concept of salvation, but it seems to me that there are certain points I struggle to stretch beyond.  For instance, it seems to me that there is an insinuation that you can experience salvation through Christ without actually confession and repentance.  I struggle with that concept, if that is actually what is being said.  What I see in scriptures is a call to repentance and confession of the Lordship of Jesus Christ as necessary for salvation.  Outside of this it appears that salvation would be works based.

Yes. Jesus is the way!

As a matter of fact His death and resurrection provided atonement and salvation for those who came before Him (on earth) and those who came after Him.

Those who came before, but obeyed the prompting of the Spirit of God (and the revelation of His Word and Will through the prophets, the Scriptures and Jesus Himself upon descension into Hell) found His salvation (perhaps even after their physical death). In a manner of speaking their obedience became a “law unto themselves”.

Those who might come to a knowledge of the Truth through other than ordinary means (ie not a Billy Graham event or the four spiritual laws) are also saved by the blood of Jesus. If they obey the revelation of God through His Spirit (no matter the form it takes) then Jesus blood provides for their salvation as well.

Let me try to not be ambiguous. Jesus is the way. Most people either embrace their god or Jesus as a god or Jesus as the Second Person of the trinity. If they confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that He is Lord they will be saved. If somehow they don’t know the name Jesus or His gospel, but they also know that something is awry or amiss with the religion they have known and they call on the unknown God and obey the revelation His Spirit gives, then they too will be saved, by the name of Jesus.

To be sure I don’t think this happens very often. But Jesus’ blood provides atonement and salvation and the way to all who walk by faith in God. And their faith will be reckoned to them as righteousness.

Tom,
I like the designation made between Jesus being the way as divine and as human. I think that distinction is critical to understanding the passage. As Truesdale helps clarify, religions other than Christianity can be vehicles that move people toward Christ. Many religions have great value and at times may be a more authentic expression of Jesus than “Christianity.” I think it is possible to reconcile the authority of Jesus with those who practice other religions. I have a hard time considering such limitations being placed on God’s love as to exclude certain people due to a specific lack of confession in Jesus. That would exclude a lot of people who are not even practicing a different religion but have some type of incapability to cognitively confess and repent.
Peace,
Travis

I like the distinction made here between “Christianity” and ““Jesus”. The Christian religion is not the way, the truth, and the life… Jesus is. Many folks feel uncomfortable with the thought that other religions may be a vessel by which the Truth is reached. But with this distinction in mind, it is easier to come to terms with the idea. If one seriously believes in the redeeming love and grace of God and the Holy Spirit’s pursuit of relationship with humankind, one must also consider this inclusivism. Christianity is the best means by which we can reach the Divine, but not the only one. Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, etc. may also attain salvation, but it is only because of, and by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the only way to God and heaven. All other ways lead to hell. Only through faith in Him, His atonement, one can be saved. This is authoritative statement of Jesus Himself. Sadly, people like Billy Graham & Pope, promote devil’s doctrine of salvation outside of Christ (Listen to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC2WPR7q4pU). Jesus will judge them (Acts 10:42-43). It is nothing unexpected because the road for antichrist is being prepared. The mystery of lawlessness is already at work (2 Thes. 2:7). It ought to happen. Critically, the question is whose side are we on? Do we live the Jesus way?
Heathens are granted opportunity/privilege to be saved because the gospel has been proclaimed to them. (Sadly, many reject Jesus’s love.) We do not need to look for another way. As believers, we need to proclaim (Jesus as the way) and protect biblical doctrine because this is the commandment of Jesus.

I also believe that God and god alone is the author of salvation, and that no one can gain salvation except through Him. I also agree that “love” is the means and purpose of salvation.  God loves us and so in response we should love others as ourselves. It is an interesting thought that Al Truesdale believes that “we dialogue because we want to serve, not obstruct, the Redeemer’s prevenient work” by seeking to understand and dialogue with people from other religions.  I do not believe that Jesus is working in religions having nothing to do with Jesus. I do think that the grace of God is freely given to all but I think it is almost saying that it is alright to have another religion that does not see Jesus as the center of their salvation, and that they will still be saved. I think that if a person has never had the chance to hear of God will be given the chance in the end, but if someone knows of God and decides to deny Him as his Lord and Savior then he would not be saved.

I think that it is important to state our views on salvation on a consistent basis, and how exactly it is that Jesus fits into it. Out of the text, the most interesting statement I read was Truesdale’s quote stating “…we affirm that religions can become vehicles the Holy Spirit uses to draw people to Christ.  But religions are at best incomplete anticipations of the fullness of God manifest in Christ.” More often than not I think that Christians get so caught up in their religion and forget the unity of what it means to truly be the Body of Christ. This goes beyond the scope of denominationalism within Christianity, but speaks into the varying religions. Before we can ever attempt to unify persons among religions though, Christians need to find it in them to unite among each other.

“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.” John 14: 6-7. In my opinion, sometimes people over-complicate that which is really simple. Two things that I think have been over-complicated in the Christian faith is this-whether Jesus is the only way, and secondly, prevenient grace. Jesus states that he truly is the only way to the Father. The people in the OT who were believers, but who knew nothing of the miracles and teachings of Jesus still were Christians-that is prevenient grace. They saw what God had done for them and with them. They marveled at the world and all of its wonders as well as at the miracles that God showed through and to his prophets. I don’t think you have to look much farther than that. Theologians are much appreciated, but simplicity can sometimes be more of a key.

I also believe that Jesus Christ is the path or the gateway to God and heaven.  It is through Christ that we better know God.  We received teachings and the words of God from and through Christ.  I also believe that all Christians must be tolerant of other religions.  If we are closed minded—we miss out on not just and educational opportunity, but a chance to know and bond with others.  I also liked the distinction made between Jesus Christ and Christianity…some people don’t see that.

I believe that Jesus is the way to God and heaven.  Through Jesus Christ we can be saved and have salvation.  Christianity is just a religion like Buddishm or Mormonism.  We must soley live our lives trying to be like Jesus or follow in his ways.  We need to commit truthfully and honestly wanting Jesus to come into our hearts and heal us of our sins.  Reaching Jesus, reading his word, and praying, we can come to a better understanding of him.  We can love in a deeper way and our lives can change for the better.

I believe that through Jesus and only through love we can get to heaven. I think we focus a lot on Jesus, and sometimes forget what he stood for, and leave out the love. Love is a key component as well. Jesus did not come to hate, or hide from the world, but to love the sinners, and the broken. This is key thing to remember as we interact and bring God’s love to the world.

I think that the distinction between God and Religion is an extremely important one because the lines get so easily blurred. If asked I think that most Christians would acknowledge that it is Jesus, and not Christianity, that gives salvation. However, I don’t think that we always live as if that were true. We must remember that God looks at the heart and not if they have prayed the Sinner’s Prayer at a church alter.

“Third, we affirm that religions can become vehicles the Holy Spirit uses to draw people to Christ.  But religions are at best incomplete anticipations of the fullness of God manifest in Christ.”  That statement was very intriguing to me when I first read it.  I think it very clever that one believes that religion is like a vehicle.  In a way I do agree with that statement because residing in one’s faith is thought to bring him or her “closer” to God, like a car brings someone to his final destination.

Thank you for your post! I sincerely believe that too many people get caught up in religion rather than their faith. When Christians focus on details of religious practice rather than the love and salvation through Christ some major hostility can erupt. It seems that when people feel they must defend their religion or attack others, their actions and words end up being completely un-Christ like. When Christians forgot that in Christ we find salvation and not in religion we lose sight of the love that should be guiding us.

I believe that Jesus is the way, and Christianity is to help us find Jesus (or to find “the way”).  We are saved by following Jesus, not necessarily by being a Christian, because one could argue that there are some people out there who call themselves Christians but do not follow Jesus.

I echo Tyler Mostul’s comment from last year—I cannot see how works without faith brings the same salvation of Christ as faith with works. So the passage in Romans is difficult, and perhaps requires a bit more investigation.
Aside from faith and works, I must comment on how I agree that it is important to be open to dialogue with others from different faiths. Just as I would say it is dangerous to take Christ out of talk of salvation, it is also dangerous to be quick to condemn anyone who might do so.

Dr. Oord,

Thank you this blog post! My favorite statement in the whole blog post is Al Truesdale’s final point. Too often we are hard-nosed Christians that only accept our way of thinking. As Christians I think it is our duty to be firm on our beliefs, but welcome with open arms other people and their belief system.  Maybe then we can dialogue in discussion with other people and learn from them as they hopefully can learn from us. I wonder how many people could be saved that have not because of the ways we Christians have expressed our beliefs? It breaks my heart to see people walk away or think badly of all Christians when one or two imposed a negative view. Each Christian needs to be aware of the impact they have on every person they come in contact with.

This is a very interesting topic to discuss, after reading the blog I started to think of past conversations that I have had as well as what I have taught children in Sunday school. What came to mind was the book of Genesis. In Genesis, we are told that God created life and every single living organism in it. It is also in this book that we learn about the disobedience of Adam and Eve which ultimately ruined the beauty of the Creation and lead to the sin. The relationship between God and His creation was broken as a result of disobedience, yet God through His son Jesus Christ allows us to fix that broken relationship. In John 14:16, Jesus lets mankind know that it is through Him that grace and salvation are given to humanity.

I have thought about this topic a lot in the last few years.  There are so many different religions and sects of religion and all of them claim to be the way.  I have struggled in the past with knowing which one is actually the right one.  Just because my parents brought me up in a Nazarene church doesn’t mean that is what I should believe.  I think that everyone should search themselves and find what they believe at their core and then look for the religion that matches that.  I don’t judge people who believe something else because it is not my place and who really knows which one is the right one.  I believe in God and that Jesus died for our sins.  That is what it really comes down to in my opinion.

After reading your blog i like to read the comments and see what other people think, i find it very interesting.  I came across one, by Julie Young, that i feel says it perfectly.  She says that “Christians get caught up a little bit too much in the technical side of things.” I completely agree.  I also like how she said “The point of following Christ is simply to love him and to love others.” She has a great point.. some people tend to worry about the technical details more, which i feel takes away from the most important.. love.

In my personal experience and through my knowledge of Christ cultivated over my few years it is through His sacrifice and Love that we are saved. One way: Jesus. The ‘religion’ of Christ-ianity is the relationship and action of following Christ. We’ve begun to label “Christianity” as something negative or dead. However, the “religion” is inherently the relationship with Christ. There are many verses throughout the bible that plainly state there is one God and that to get to Him Jesus is the mediator. Isaiah 44:6-20. Quite frankly, everything other than the God of the bible is incorrect.

Despite still feeling in the dark about certain aspects of how other religions and God interact, I accept Jesus as the way to salvation. What I really appreciate about this blog is the distinction between religion and Jesus. Like others have said in the comments sometimes such a distinction can get lost or intertwined. While I don’t agree that all religions lead to salvation or are all the same I do think God loves people from every religious background and wants to the best for them. I think that concept can also get lost in the heated discussions of the differences between religions. To clarify I believe Jesus is the way to salvation, that salvation is offered to everyone, the difference is some chose to accept it and some do not.

It is a difficult struggle to think that some “good” people are going to hell.  It is a very difficult task to define this concept of salvation.  I do like that it is mentioned that there is a difference between having a religion and actually accepting Jesus.  When I was younger I was taught a lot about religion and about what “we, Christians” believe and upon hearing more and more perspectives, ideas and theories about theology it is much easier to grasp that not everyone has to believe a cookie cutter mold.  After saying this, I do think there are foundational beliefs that should be kept and perhaps just as suggested, Jesus being the only way to the Father is one of them

I also believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven but I also believe that Jesus can reveal himself to anyone and not just Christians. I believe that God loves all people, no matter of their religious background and can show himself to them in a number of different ways. You don’t necessarily have to call yourself a Christian in order to get to heaven. I believe that you have to believe in Jesus as you Lord and savior.

I really found this article interesting and it raised some good points.  Jesus is the only way for salvation.  I think sometimes Christians often get distracted by the things in life.  And it’s so easy.  It is so easy to walk off the path of Christ when you have pleasures and materialistic things in life that you enjoy to have.  But when they consume your life and you begin to live a life of sin that is when you are needed to repent.  When we repent and confess our sins, we can receive God’s salvation, which is the ultimate gift as being a Christian.

I agree with Dr. Oord’s statement that we must follow Jesus Christ, not Christianity. We must remind ourselves that being “Christian” is to be a follower of Christ, not a follower of Christ’s followers. Even though the Church is a precious institution, and a gift from God, it is not the center of our faith. The center of our faith is and must remain, Jesus Christ, the God-man.

I like the preliminary comment your made about distinguishing between placing trust in religion versus Jesus. I have found myself guilty of this on several occasions. When the faith gets put into the church Jesus is left out. Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in what the church is doing that we don’t stop to look at what God is doing. How are we to live properly if we aren’t watching Him. The church is not our salvation. Like you quoted above, John 14:6 say, “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” He is our answer.

I believe in Jesus being the cause of salvation though I have never actually thought of why or what makes him the way. I have always thought because bible says so. As I was reading this article made me think of the reason why he may be the reason and the way for us to the LORD.

Along with the idea of remembering that Christianity in general should fray away from making salvation though christanity, that we should also remember to not get bent out of shape over specific denominations. I’ve been born in the home of a nazarene minister, and go to a nazarene school, but when it comes down to it, I’ll go to a baptist, wesleyan, or nondemonational church anyday. Its not about who we are, but who were serving. “Our demonation stands for this.” Great, but are we remebering that we are in the end followers of christ, and not members of a specific congergration?

I believe Jesus is the way. He said himself “no one comes to the Father except through me.” I don’t think Jesus would make a statement like that unless it was actually very important and true. I think that salvation is in some way offered to every one. I don’t know what happens to people in the middle of Africa who have never heard the Gospel. Maybe God has other ways of reaching those people with salvation. All I know is what I read in the Bible-words directly from Jesus, and that is that He is “the way, the truth, and the light.”

I think you make a good point at the beginning stating we need to redefine what we believe from time to time. The Christian movement of today is emphasizing acceptance much more than it has in the past which I think is good and beneficial to bringing others to a saving knowledge of Christ. But I also recognize that it becomes important to clarify core values as they may be compromised in an effort to accept others. Noting that Jesus is the way, not Christianity, is very important because it changes the focus. It takes us from being the staunch, unchanging legalist who stubbornly holds onto every tradition, to the open, receptive Christian who can looks at life from a kingdom standpoint. Jesus came to save the lost, not define them.

There are two tidbits from this blog that particularly stood out to me.  First, I appreciated the statement that Christianity should not be equated with Jesus.  As important as the church is, and even though Jesus himself affirmed this, it is not through religion that we find salvation.  Second, toward the end of the blog, it said we as Christians should abhor mean-spirited opposition to other religions.  I think this is so important.  We, as Christians and claiming to represent Jesus, make him look completely unappealing when we attach and condemn other religions.  We should instead be loving people of other religions and drawing them towards salvation, that is, Christ.

I find it very interesting to discuss and learn about people’s beliefs of religion. While I know there are many that believe Jesus is the only way but after the many classes on world religion I have taken, I find it very difficult to believe that Jesus really is the only way. I am more pleased and satisfied when people have a stronger being than themselves to look to for guidance. Religion is a touchy subject for some people and to limit what people can believe and live for is absurd to me.

There was a lot in this blog that i could talk about.  I like the distinction between Christianity as a religion verse being in relationship with Jesus.  We are not called to religion or man made traditions and rules but are called to love God and be in a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I am not Nazarene and never heard of prevenient grace until I came to NNU.  From what I understand of it, it says that even people who haven’t heard of Jesus can be saved if they live rightly according to the light they have been given, still getting there salvation because of Christ.  This sounds nice I but I am not completely sold on the idea.  Christians are called to go into all the world and preach the good news.  If it is possible for people to be saved by Christ, even without hearing about him, are we not possibly condemning some to hell by going and telling them about Christ and thus given them the opportunity to reject Christ? If my understanding of prevenient grace is incorrect I am open to correction.

I really like what you said in the beginning about us as Christians needing to be able to define and clearly state what we as a whole believe. I personally believe there is a lot of differentiation in the Christian church on ideas of Theology that don’t happen in other religions. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. We as Christians just need to be able to declare what pillars of faith we hold most dear to give ourselves a foundation, and so that we can better proclaim the truthful word of God to the world.

After reading the blog the point that really stuck out to me was the idea that church is not what saves you. Salvation comes through a personal relationship with Christ and then through Christ we come to know God. I attended a non denominational church in Montana and I think a lot of the members of this church thought that salvation came through attending church. If they were in church every Sunday they were good for the week. There was no personal aspect or relational aspect. What I can take away from this is knowing that in conversation with those who don’t believe I should point out right away that salvation does not come from the church but through trusting in Jesus Christ.

I have always struggled with this topic, while i have grown up learning that Jesus is the way etc etc. I feel that there are so many people that do amazing things that are not Christians, so i cannot see myself accepting that fact that there is only one way to salvation. It just seems that they lost there chance to get on the good team and no matter what they do, they cannot achieve salvation no matter what….

Tom, sisters and brothers in the family of God:
Thank you for the many interesting comments.
Just wanted to add a few quotes that have been helpful on my journey of being with God:
  “One can be wrong in truth and right in grace.” Late Dr. Joe Davis of SPU.
  ” God has not asked me to keep the score but only to play the game.
Suggestion for reading “Wideness in God’ Mercy” by Clark Pinnock.
Another quote:“It’s all right to believe certain things just don"t let certain people know you believe them.” - Dr. Joe Davis again.

I have to admit; reading the title of this blog stirred some pretty intense emotions if the answer was not going to be “yes”. I definitely agree that Christians need to focus on Jesus rather than religion when giving credit to their salvation. I think sometimes as Christians, we can get caught up with the religion aspect of our relationship with Christ forgetting to give acclaim where it’s due. I would be worried if someone were to claim that they were a Christian and not believe that salvation only comes from Jesus. While in some areas Christians can disagree on ideas, there are just same basic principles regarding the faith that have to be accepted. Salvation through Christ and only Christ is one of them.

I have a great struggle with this phrase “religions can become vehicles the Holy Spirit uses to draw people to Christ.” when I think of “drawing people to Christ” I think of it as trying to convert people. I think its one thing to convert people to Christianity through the way you behave and the way that you think, but I don’t agree with, we will go with the word persuading, someone to become a Christian through constant preaching and be-belittling other religions and others thoughts. (my catholic church I use to attend made me feel strongly about this because they acted in this way, or at least that is the feeling I got).

If Jesus is the only way, and I believe that Christianity has not always followed Christ in the past I think it is very possible that some “Christians” have not accepted salvation. There is no way that humans can rightly judge others but for myself I must know that attending church is not good enough. Not that regular church attendance is at all bad but it is not enough. It is truly Christ who saves, not any human institution.

In light of the whole the rapture is tomorrow hype I’ve been questioning my own faith, and in turn salvation, a lot lately. I’ve been wondering how anyone truly knows. I would consider myself a believer, in the sense that I believe that Jesus is the son of God, that He died for my sins, and that He is the way to salvation. But more and more I’m left wondering, is that all it takes, or is there something I’m not doing that is standing between me and salvation? I honestly wish I had a solid answer, or more than that I wish I could erase my doubts.  Although the odds of tomorrow truly being the end are slim it does remind me that ultimately a time will come where whether or not I’m saved is determined, and I wish that I knew if my timid belief is enough.

“As important as Christianity is as an institution…we should not equate Christianity with Jesus.”  I completely agree with this statement, but I don’t think we can throw religion out of the faith completely.  I feel that “religion” has become a taboo word for Christians as of late.  I affirm that Jesus has to be the center of salvation and life, but the very commonly stated claim of “it’s not a religion, it’s a relationship” concerns me.  I think Christianity’s religious base is what gives it its structure and ability to answer a lot of questions people have about life.  If we take the religion out of Christianity, we lose many traditions that are Biblically based and heavily symbolic (the Eucharist, Passover, etc…).  I understand a lot of very un-Christian things have been done in the name of Christianity but I think Ravi Zacharias makes an important claim when he says, “Never judge a religion by it’s abuse, judge it on what it claims.”  If we honestly kept Christ at the center of salvation and our lives, I doubt the religion of Christianity would be so unappealing to the rest of the world as it has become.

And Rebecca, you are not alone in your doubts.  I’ve had the same, or at least similar ones, and what’s helped me the most is realizing that God is bigger than all of the doubts and questions I could ever have.  I’m not going to promise that your doubts could be entirely erased, but I think it’s what you do with those doubts that’s important.  Ask questions and seek out answers from the people you trust, people you meet, and through your own research.  Don’t stop at the doubt - dig into it and ask tough questions - I’ve found that most of the time, I find really good answers

I think it is important to take the time and try to at least understand the meaning and beliefs of other religions. This would benefit Christians in many ways. I also agree with Graham sometimes we do get caught up on our own religion that we forget the true meaning and purpose of why Jesus came to save us. As Christians I think we sometimes view our beliefs as always being right and that is what scares others away. We must welcome all people into our life and not try to convert them but rather listen to them. Love is a major concept that is tied into this issue. We must love the world and all God’s children just as Jesus came and loved everyone.

To say that “God acts first and provides the possibility of salvation to all people” and then “people respond appropriately to God’s empowering and inspiring provision, they experience salvation” – this then point the figure at human – implying human doesn’t choose to respond appropriately – therefore doesn’t experience God’s salvation.  But it doesn’t account to the sometime unanswered desperate prayer from human to God….Also where was Jesus to turn the evilness from one person into “righteousness” – if the grace of God is freely bestowed on all people – why troubles still exist? Where is he when the world needed him the most?

I highly agree with your point of view. When it comes down to the core nature of Jesus he is human and God. If you want to have salvation, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light. That is what makes the Christian religion so amazing is that one can have a personal relationship with God. Even if we stray so far from God and loose our way, we can call on Him for help. being able to have a personal relationship with God is central to being a christian I would argue and that is through Jesus Christ and his works on earth to give us the key to heaven.

I feel if we accept jesus in our hearts and really try to have a true relationship with him, we can get closer to God. when i was a young boy i heard something from my church pastor that stayed with me all my life. He said that just reading and knowing the word of god is not good enough, the real equation to being closer to god is word plus faith.

Although I agree that Jesus as separate from Christianity is the way, I would be nervous about seeing an authentic path to salvation in religions that see Jesus in a very different role. A religious tradition that explicitly denies Jesus is the way (and there are many) is going to have a hard time finding God. I agree wholeheartedly that everyone will be judged on what light they have been given, but I am not sure the outcome of that will be the same as a lot of people think. Romans 1 makes it clear that everyone has enough knowledge of right and wrong to be judged, but to me this is bad news because everyone has done wrong. Like it says in verse 20, they are without excuse, and in the next several verses it describes all the horrific things they do. I think this is where the urgency of the Great Commission comes in: we need to go into all the world and preach the gospel because it is the only way we know of for people to receive salvation. Can a person be saved without hearing about Jesus? I think it may be possible. But I am not going to count on it for the purposes of my service to God; I believe it is of utmost importance to teach the gospel to those who have not heard.

I grew up with the freedom of knowing about Jesus without religion. Religion tends to cloud things and can interfere with one’s relationship with God. What I mean by this is, so many people get caught up in the rituals and rules of their religion as well as using it as a shield and defending it from other religions that they those sight of a true relationship with God. I think God is about relationship, not religion. I’m not saying we should discount religion, I think religion can have good purpose. I also think it is helpful to be informed of other religions in order to understand and respect others perspective. As for salvation, I do believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation and thinking of him as divine and human, in my opinion is the best way to understand this.

I agree that there is only one way to heaven and that is through Christ alone. Not through good works and being a great person. God did make that easy for us. Many other religions believe it through being a good person and good works alone and you will receive eternal bliss. I disagree with that. It was Jesus who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (14:6). It wasn’t anyone else. I will agree with Jesus on this that there is nothing we can do as human except have faith in him and believe in his word and in the blood of the cross to one day be with him in heaven. It is God only who will judge those who have never heard Gods word, but it says in the Bible that should know him through his creation.

I agree that we should not shun other religious practices. For one how can we know for sure that ours is right, all we can do is have faith that God/Jesus would not lead us astray. We are all Gods children and thus we should strive to know each other, and know each others ways.

I firmly believe that Jesus is the way, I also believe firmly that another man and his beliefs are not for me to judge. Yes, I shall testify, and if I feel the need to share I do. I just don’t believe in pushing, and proding someone who has their beliefs toward mine. I have found that the only thing this does is leaves them mad and they usually resist it even more. I firmly believe in planting the seed and this doesn’t mean anything more than introducing Jesus to someone leave it for God to push and prod. My God is good at that I feel he is a great provider to the seed I plant. And I feel that God knows what is in a person’s heart, so if we look at an example my great grandfather who was mormon, passed away, but he believed in Jesus Christ. I believe he is in Heaven, others in my family aren’t quit so sure. I can’t say that because someone else believes different than I myself do that they aren’t going to heaven. Especially when we look at the subject of people being given a last minute opportunity by God who is gracious.

I believe that Jesus came to set a good example as to how we should live our lives.  And this is an example we should try to follow, especially as Christians.  However, I don’t think that the only way to God is through the doctrine the Nazarene church follows.  Why? Because what happens to those people who grow up in settings where they will never be able to even HEAR about Christianity?  Is it fair to say that only the select few who were born into the right circumstance get to hear ‘the word’ and go to heaven?  This is where the Church would reinstate the need to spread the word to every person on this earth.  However, this is simply NOT possible.  In my opinion, I would say it isn’t fair for only those born into the right circumstance to have the opportunity to receive eternal salvation.  And honestly, I wouldn’t want to serve a God who would be this unfair… But I don’t think he is, which is why I don’t think Jesus is the only way.