March 24, 2007
Newsletter Archives

We live in a pluralistic society and it has become unpopular to be dogmatic about very much. Those who have strong opinions are considered narrow, bigoted, and intolerant. Yet we cannot read the Bible without coming to the conclusion that the Lord Jesus would fail the test on every count if He were to be examined for broadmindedness. One quotation would prove this. He said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6. This statement clearly excludes everyone else and every other way to God.
The apostle Peter expressed the same viewpoint. Speaking of the Lord Jesus, he stated, “Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. And the apostle Paul was no different. He said, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5.
If, for a moment, we leave aside the exclusive claim of Christianity and think about the exclusive content of the Christian message, what do we find? This can be summarized in a single sentence. All religions of the world believe that human effort is required to establish a right relationship with God and Bible Christianity does not. In world religions we see people reaching up to God to build a bridge between them and God. The true Christian message teaches that God has reached down to us in our total depravity and helplessness. He is the bridge-builder.
This is exactly why, the Bible message can go to the worst person in the world and tell him there is hope. The apostle Paul claimed he was the very worst sinner to bring hope to everyone else. He said, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1: 15&16. Thus people who are downtrodden, defeated, hopeless, and powerless can see light at the end of the tunnel. The Christian message says their effort is not required.
There is no need for them to reach up to God to try to save them selves. The Lord Jesus has come as the Savior and if they will simply trust Him, he will save them. As the apostle Paul puts it, “When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6.

Russ Nesbit