Exclusive Faith

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This is a sermon based on John 14:6 where Jesus makes the claim to be the only way to God. It examines the claims made in this verse and evaluates them in light of what the Bible reveals about Jesus Christ. The message stresses the fact that Christianity is an exclusive religion if we accept the validity of Jesus' claims. 

Written Excerpts:

John 14:6 ^(NKJV) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 

Introduction:

Well, today you’re going to hear a sermon that is not politically correct! (Not saying that I ever try to make any of my sermons PC.) In fact, I maintain that any sermon that is based on the Bible is not going to be politically correct!

There are a number of themes that have been endorsed by the politically correct thought police these days, but one of them is the theme of inclusiveness. Now, don’t get me wrong. The basic idea of inclusiveness as it relates to accepting all people regardless of race, gender, disability, etc., is fine and certainly compatible with Christian faith. The Bible clearly teaches us that all human beings are created equal and have value and worth simply because they are human and because all humans are created in the image of God.

However, in this one area of thought, we are often reminded by the “thought police” how we can or cannot view diversity. And, it is so ironic that many of the same crowd that preaches inclusiveness, will often strongly exclude at least two groups of people: Christians, and unborn babies.

Another area where inclusiveness is anti-biblical is the area of faith. It is not very popular these days at all for anyone to claim that one particular religion or faith is correct or right and all others are wrong.

This viewpoint is considered to be the height of bigotry and narrow-mindedness.

(Is Jesus Really the Only Way to God, By Dennis P. Hollinger, Ph.D., President & Coleman M. Mockler Professor of Christian Ethics)    Last year [2008], the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life published a major study on religious affiliation, beliefs and practices in the United States. One of the significant findings was that 70 percent of all Americans believe that many religions can lead to eternal life, including 65 percent of all self-identifying Christians. Perhaps the most surprising finding was that 56 percent of all Evangelical Christians believe that there are many paths, other than faith in Christ, to God and eternal life…. (See http://pewforum.org)

… Among Evangelical Christians, only 45 percent clearly affirm that a personal belief in, or relationship with, Christ is essential for eternal life. (http://www.gordonconwell.edu/resources/Is-Jesus-Really-the-Only-Way-to-God.cfm)

If this was the position of Evangelical Christians in 2008, then I can only imagine what the percentages are today. I want to propose to you today that the Christian faith is an exclusive faith, not an inclusive one. By making this proposition, I simply refer to the fact that Jesus Christ made a claim to be the only way to God. He did not allow for any possibility that there might be many ways or many roads to God.

Let us turn our attention to the passage in John 14 to see exactly what claims Jesus made regarding himself.

I.      Jesus claimed to be the right/only path to God.

This chapter starts out with Jesus’ assurance for peace. “Don’t let your heart be troubled.” Referring to disturbing news He just shared with them at the Last Supper (ch. 13). In the moment of uncertainty about the future, Jesus reassures them that He is the way.

“way” – road, path. 

In the immediate context, He has just talked to them about Father’s house, going away and coming back. Thomas asks, “How can we know the way?” Jesus responds with a very specific answer, “I am THE way…”

In the Greek language, often the definite article before a noun indicates a very specific thing. So, Jesus was not proclaiming Himself to be one of many ways (“a way”), but He was claiming to be the ONLY way.

In a world of competing philosophies, claims and confusing arguments, it is wonderful to have someone point the right direction, the right road or the right path. Jesus is that path, the only path to God and to eternal life. Jesus is the exclusive road to the destination we seek – God and heaven.

II.    Jesus claimed to be the standard of truth.

“truth” – that which corresponds with reality/ the way things actually/really are.

It also includes the idea of authenticity, genuineness, etc.

Jesus understood the disciples need for a truth standard. After Jesus was no longer with them, they would need to have something to keep them anchored in the truth; something to guide them in the right path. So Jesus is reassuring them that they could measure every idea, every activity, every notion by what they saw in Him. He is setting Himself up as the standard for judging what is true and trustworthy.

Jesus’ statement would give panic attacks to the politically correct crowd today. Most of them would cringe at the claim that there is an absolute standard of truth.

Jesus also tell them just a few chapters later, (Jn. 17) “Sanctify them through thy truth. Thy word is truth.” When Jesus is no longer with them, they can go to the Word of God for the standard of truth.

III.   Jesus claimed to be the source of life.

Not only did Jesus claim to be the only way to God and eternal life, and not only did Jesus claim to be the source and standard for truth, but He also made a claim to be the source of life itself.

He is the source of physical life.

John 1:3 (NKJV) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

He is the source of spiritual/eternal life.

1 John 5:11-12 (NKJV) And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

It’s possible to know truth but be completely spiritually dead. It is possible to be right, but without life, passion, or delight.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen a number of people in my years of ministry who know the Bible and doctrines very well, but they do not exhibit any qualities that attract me to Christ.

IV.   Are His claims trustworthy?

I remember sitting in a class during my senior year of high school, and hearing my teacher raise the question (without giving an answer), “What right do we [Christians / Americans] have to go into another country and tell them that they have the wrong religion, and attempt to convert them to ours?”

I had been raised in church all my life… I didn’t have an answer to his question.

Let me provide an answer by sharing some quotes from other writers.

(Lee Strobel) The uniqueness of Christianity is rooted in the uniqueness of Jesus himself. Other religious leaders say, "Follow me and I'll show you how to find the truth." But Jesus says, "I am the truth." Other religious leaders say, "Follow me and I'll show you the way to salvation." But Jesus says, "I am the way to eternal life." Other religious leaders say, "Follow me and I'll show you how you can become enlightened." But Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." (https://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/bible-answers/theology/are-there-many-paths-to-god.html?start=1)

(Lee Strobel) Theologian R.C. Sproul puts it this way, "Moses could mediate on the Law. Mohammed could brandish a sword. Buddha could give personal counsel. Confucius could offer wise sayings. But none of these men was qualified to offer an atonement for the sins of the world." Jesus alone was qualified. (https://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/ bible-answers/theology/are-there-many-paths-to-god.html?start=2)

(Lee Strobel) Jesus backs up his claim with unique credentials. Jesus authenticated his claim of being God by living a perfect life, by embodying the attributes of God, and by fulfilling dozens of prophecies written hundreds of years before Jesus came to this planet. Unlike other religious leaders, Jesus also authenticated who he was by performing great miracles in broad daylight, in front of skeptics. He demonstrated his mastery over nature. He demonstrated his mastery over sickness. He demonstrated his mastery over death by bringing Lazarus back to life after four days in a cold, damp tomb. In the most spectacular demonstration of his deity, Jesus fulfilled his own prediction by being resurrected from the dead, in an historical event that was witnessed by more than 500 people and that sparked a spiritual revolution that has been unparalleled in the history of the world. (https://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/bible-answers/theology/are-there-many-paths-to-god.html?start=3)

Conclusion:

Years ago I learned a chorus that went something like this:

I am the way, the truth and the life

That’s what Jesus said.

I am the way, the truth and the life

That’s what Jesus said.

Without the way there is no going,

Without the truth there is no knowing;

Without the life there is no growing;

I am the way, the truth and the life

That’s what Jesus said.

Jesus Christ made some very exclusive claims and statements. But He backed up everything He said with His life.

Someone has said, “When we come to the end of life, the primary question we will have to answer to God is this: ‘What did you do with Jesus?’”

What have you done with the claims of Jesus?

Did you believe Him? Did you trust Him?

Let us sing the closing song: Only Trust Him