Only Jesus Can Save

Only Jesus Can Save

The Christian Post ran a lengthy piece recently on the question, “Is Jesus the only way?” That is, is the message of the cross of Christ exclusive: do only those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ receive eternal life? The article began by quoting a megachurch pastor in New York City who certainly doesn’t think so.

Reportedly, Michael A. Walrond Jr. of First Corinthian Baptist Church declared in a sermon, “there was a time when you would see people in the pulpit say, “well, if you don’t believe in Jesus you going to Hell.” That’s insanity in many ways because that is not what Jesus even believes. . . . And so the key is you believe in God. And whatever your path is to God I celebrate that. Personally, I celebrate that.”

The article went on to discuss institutions of higher education, including supposed Christian ones, that are undermining the biblical belief that only Christ is the way to God and to salvation. In our pluralistic society, the message of the exclusivity of the cross is offensive. But that shouldn’t surprise us: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame” (Romans 9:33).

Western culture teaches that all roads lead to God and that you just have to be good or sincere. And many Christians are beginning to think this way. America’s Research Group found that 65% of millennials who regularly attend churches in the USA think good people get to heaven. Why? For the same reason so many Christians compromise with God’s clear words in Genesis. It’s not that the Bible isn’t clear on the issue of salvation. It is, just as it is clear on the details of creation in Genesis, the six literal days of creation, Adam made from dust, death after sin, global Flood, etc. 

The scripture is abundantly clear: salvation is found in Christ alone.  Yes, Jesus is the only way to heaven. The Bible, God’s authoritative word, teaches that there is no other way to salvation than through Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He is not a way, as in one of many; He is the way, as in the one and only. No one, regardless of reputation, achievement, special knowledge, or personal holiness, can come to God the Father except through Jesus.

Jesus is the only way to heaven for several reasons. Jesus was “chosen by God” to be the Savior (1 Peter 2:4). Jesus is the only One to have come down from heaven and returned there (John 3:13, Luke 24:51). He is the only person to have lived a perfect human life (Hebrews 4:15). He is the only sacrifice for sin (1 John 2:2; Hebrews 10:26). He alone fulfilled the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). He is the only man to have conquered death forever (Hebrews 2:14–15). He is the only Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). He is the only man whom God has “exalted . . . to the highest place” (Philippians 2:9).

Jesus spoke of Himself as the only way to heaven in several places besides John 14:6. He presented Himself as the object of faith in Matthew 7:21–27. He said His words are life (John 6:63). He promised that those who believe in Him will have eternal life (John 3:14–15). He is the gate of the sheep (John 10:7); the bread of life (John 6:35); and the resurrection (John 11:25). No one else can rightly claim those titles.

The apostles’ preaching focused on the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Peter, speaking to the Sanhedrin, clearly proclaimed Jesus as the only way to heaven: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Paul, speaking to the synagogue in Antioch, singled out Jesus as the Savior: “I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin” (Acts 13:38–39). John, writing to the church at large, specifies the name of Christ as the basis of our forgiveness: “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name” (1 John 2:12). No one but Jesus can forgive sin.

Eternal life is made possible only through Christ. Jesus prayed, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3). To receive God’s free gift of salvation, we must look to Jesus and Jesus alone. We must trust in Jesus’ death on the cross as our payment for sin and in His resurrection. “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Romans 3:22).

At one point in Jesus’ ministry, many of the crowd were turning their backs on Him and leaving in hopes of finding another savior. Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” (John 6:67). Peter’s reply is exactly right: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68–69). 

Do not be deceived, Jesus is the only way to salvation, repent and accept him as your personal Lord and savior today and be saved.

Sources: https://answersingenesis.org/gospel/salvation/jesus-only-way/; https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-only-way.html