At some point in life, many of us have experienced the embarrassment of trying to open a locked door only to realize there’s a sign right in front of us that reads, “Please use other door.” No matter how much pushing, pulling, and twisting you do, only the correct door will let you into the building.
Jesus speaks of a similar door for those who wish to enter God’s presence: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus points to himself as the only way to God. Such an exclusive claim doesn’t fit well in a world that says all faiths are of equal value. In fact, religion as a whole is no longer seen as a way of life, but a hobby or a comforting opinion that should be put away any time it conflicts with other views.
So, when Christians are called to share that Christ is the only way to salvation, a common response is, “Isn’t that harsh and exclusive? I don’t want to step on other people’s beliefs.” Whether out of empathy or fear of appearing arrogant, it’s often tempting to downplay the right way to God in order to spare another person’s feelings. Perhaps you may even know someone who misuses this teaching as an occasion to mock or look down on others. Yet Jesus affirms his own claim of exclusivity with these words:
“Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture.”
John 10:7-9
The thieves and robbers in this passage are those who teach another way to God other than through Jesus. Even within Christianity, believers are tempted to add to Jesus’ sacrifice by looking for alternatives such as good works, personal experiences, wealth, and more as if his death on the cross were insufficient for being close to God. This dangerous habit is nothing new. Jesus frequently opposed the Pharisees, who at the time were viewed as the ultimate authorities on God. Not only did they flaunt their knowledge and status, but the teachings they added to God’s Word pulled people away from Jesus, the very subject and focus of the Scriptures they so diligently studied! When any teaching rejects Christ as the only way, it also leads its listeners away from God.
Jesus makes it clear: Whoever seeks eternal life and a relationship with God must go through him. “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him” (John 14:7). We know the Father only because of Jesus. Only Jesus offers us undeserved love and forgiveness for our sins. Ironically, this exclusive teaching is also the most inclusive; it is offered to all people regardless of background and unites believers in Christ without favoritism. Sharing this truth is one of our greatest joys, even if it offends people at first.
Jesus encountered the same challenges. After he preached that he came from the Father and that all who look to him will have eternal life, many of his disciples stopped following him. They wondered who could accept such a hard teaching. But when Jesus asked the Twelve if they would leave too, Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).
May Peter’s words be our attitude toward the one and only Savior Jesus Christ.
Recommended resources:
- The Hard Sayings of Jesus: Embracing His Words of Life
- What in the World Is Going On?: Identifying Hollow and Deceptive Worldviews
- Here We Stand: A Confessional Christian Study of Worldviews
- Four Portraits of the One Savior: Discovering Why the Bible Has Four Gospels
Written by Erika Sims, edited by Ray Schumacher