Notes from John 6:67, 68
After many of Jesus' followers had deserted him, he asked the 12 disciples if they were also going to leave. Peter replied, "To whom would we go?" In his straightforward way, Peter answered for all of us--there is no other way. Though there are many philosophies and self-styled authorities, Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. People look everywhere for eternal life and miss Christ, the only source. Stay with him, especially when you are confused or feel alone. Notes from Acts 4:12
Many people react negatively to the fact that there is no other name than that of Jesus to call on for salvation. Yet this is not something the church decided; it is the specific teaching of Jesus himself (John 14:6). If God designated Jesus to be the Savior of the world, no one else can be his equal. Christians are to be open-minded on many issues but not on how we are saved from sin. No other religious teacher could die for our sins; no other religious teacher came to earth as God's only Son; no other religious teacher rose from the dead. Our focus should be on Jesus, whom God provided as the way to have an eternal relationship with himself. There is no other name or way! Notes from 1 Timothy 2:5, 6
Though some people think there are many ways to God, in practice, each person must choose a single way. We can stand on one side of a gorge and discuss the possibility of many bridges across the abyss, but if we are determined to cross, we will have to commit to one bridge. Those who insist that there are many bridges to God usually fit one of the following categories: (1) They have not personally committed to any "bridge." They are surprised that their belief in multiple ways does not exempt them from having to choose one. (2) Their belief in "many ways to God" hides their true belief that finding God doesn't really matter at all. (3) They are convinced that arguing for "many ways to God" will insure that they won't be wrong. If there is only one way, their generalized belief will presumably have included it. (4) They have decided that believing in "many ways to God" requires less work than going to the trouble of actually considering the claims of various religious systems. The facts remain: We human beings are separated from God by sin and we need a Savior--a way across the abyss of sin and back to God. Only one person in the universe is our Mediator and can stand between us and God and bring us together again--Jesus, who is both God and man. Jesus' sacrifice brought new life to all people. Have you let him bridge the gap between you and God? |
