The Message
Jesus told them, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 (CSB)
Our culture is shaped by pluralism, universalism, and relativism. In pluralism, individuals believe multiple belief systems can be equally valid. Universalism holds that all people are ultimately saved, regardless of their actions or beliefs. Relativism suggests that truth and beliefs depend on personal perspective rather than absolute standards. These ideas stem from the fallen nature of the world, highlighting why Gospel proclamation should be at the heart of the believer's life. As Jesus states in John 14:6, he counters these false beliefs and proclaims the truth that must be shared.
The Gospel's message is exclusive because Jesus is the only path to salvation. Jesus clearly stated that the only way to the Father is through Him. Christ alone is the route to reconciliation with God. When sharing the Gospel within the culture, we must steadfastly affirm that salvation is only found in Christ.
The Gospel's message is centered on truth and the Truth itself. It is not merely a suggestion we devise to assist someone, but the authentic truth from the Lord. When we proclaim the Gospel, we are revealing a message rooted in the truth about the Truth. As the Truth, Jesus embodies the source of all truth. Unlike worldly ways, Christ is the Truth.
The Gospel message reveals the source of life. Sin calls for death, and when we share the Gospel, we proclaim that sin in our lives merits death. This marks the bad news, as no action of ours can earn God's favor. However, the good news of the Gospel is that death has been overcome through Christ, making escape from death possible. Christ is the only source of life who offers us deliverance from sin's bondage and grants us the freedom of eternal life.
When we engage in evangelism, we affirm that Jesus is the only way to salvation. We invite everyone to respond to this exclusive path to redemption. Our message is not fabricated; it is the absolute truth about the Truth. We recognize the importance of this message because it reveals the way to experience a true and genuine life that only Christ can provide.
QUESTIONS
How does acknowledging the exclusive claim of Christ as the only path to God impact your interactions with others who hold differing beliefs?
What does Jesus’ exclusive claim about being the only way to the Father teach us about faith?
