Skip to main content

The Only Way to Eternal Salvation

 

        Since its conception, Christianity has been the object of ridicule and rejection. Compounding its opposition, is the consistent refusal of individuals to accept God’s plan of salvation which only comes through Jesus Christ. The world wants to make salvation confusing and complicated in order to be relieved of God’s command to repent and serve Him. So, Christians now are seen as arrogant and ignorant when they declare that Jesus Christ is the only way to receive God’s salvation.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Acts 17:30 (KJV).

       The above verse is from Paul’s acclaimed sermon to the idol worshippers on Mars Hill. In his discourse, Paul was speaking to a group of people who had all forms of idols and gods that they paid homage to. In their efforts to not overlook any deity, they had an altar built to the UNKNOWN GOD. So, Paul tells them that he would present to them this god.’

        How sad a state were these people in. In their quest to please God, they had altars set up to every deity that they could imagine. Remember also, each deity had its own system of worship and service. Though they had many gods, they were still unsure of their position before their gods or of their gods’ existences. They were in a perpetual state of unsurety and confusion. It is very much like today. There are many religions in operation, each declaring their doctrines and practices as the way to God or a righteous life. Yet, many claim that there are others ways to God aside from their religion. How confusing this must be!

        One prevailing argument is that if God is so loving and caring why He would allow someone to suffer in eternity? Also, there are so many “good” beliefs systems why does one have to become a Christian in order to go to heaven? The answer to both of these is simple. God loved the world so much that He gave us one way to heaven so that no one will ever have to be unsure as those individuals on Mars Hill.

        Since He has made the way to Him so simple, if one rejects Him, it is because they really do not want to serve Him on His terms. He gives one way so that there will be no confusion, but an assurance of one’s relationship with Him and one eternal inheritance.

        Jesus Christ is the one way to God. It is not an issue of arrogance and ignorance, but a clear demonstration of God’s love, compassion, and mercy for all men. His command to repent is to all and His salvation is also to all who receive Him.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

On Defending the Faith (Post 1): The Mandate of Christian Apologetics

What is truth? This question posed by Pilate to Jesus has challenged philosophers, thinkers, and theologians. However (like Pilate who walked away after his inquiry) many who claim they are in search of truth, really have no interest in finding "truth" because it will demand a lifestyle response. Therefore, many make truth elusive, especially where the divine is concerned, so no ultimate commitment or rejection is required due to glorified agnosticism. Though there have been distortions of the Christian faith, doctrine, and practice, the core truth claims of Christianity remain. The Christian, today, has to be willing to stand on the faith and have the proper approach, appeal, and apparatus to defend the faith. This post is the beginning of a three part series concerning Christian apologetics. When individuals hear the word apologetics, they oftentimes feel this is reserved for a special class of Christians who are well versed, educated, and hold some sort of ecclesiastical a...
Post a Comment
Read more

On Defending the Faith (Post 2): The Mindset of Christian Apologetics

Relativism is an established doctrine of today's society. Though there are those who hold to traditional values with respect to culture and religion, the global trend is to promote the idea of "personal truth." This means that what is true for one, may not be true for another: just live out your own truth. Because of this prevailing attitude toward faith and spirituality, the Christian must be spiritually and mentally prepared to engage in apologetics. The Christian must have the proper mindset while standing in defense of the faith. Continuing our examination of I Peter 3:15-16, we find that Peter gives us the proper mindset needed for effective apologetics. "...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you..." (I Peter 3:15a)         As opposed to the generalized theism presented in society, the Christian has to have a passionate, unwavering fear, reveren...
Post a Comment
Read more