THE SCANDAL OF CHRISTIANITY (5 OF 14)
by Keith Krell
The Scandal of Christianity (5 of 14)
Series: Focus on Your Family
Keith Krell
John 14:6
What is the mother of all politically incorrect statements? Are you ready? Here it is: "Jesus Christ is the only way to God." Even the mere hint of this conclusion causes most Americans to cringe and shudder. Many Americans become irate over this declaration. They will spew forth accusations such as "intolerant," narrow-minded," "arrogant," "hateful," and "bigot." It quickly becomes apparent that the greatest atrocity in today's culture is not theft, rape, or murder. It is intolerance. People are willing to tolerate any viewpoint, except one that claims to be uniquely true. Today, a scant 12% of Americans claim that their religion is the only true faith.
It should not be surprising that unbelievers reject absolute truth along with the claim that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. What is shocking is that a 2008 poll of 35,000 Americans showed that "57% of evangelical church attenders said they believed many religions can lead to eternal life." Now, this is disturbing! It's not even a foregone conclusion in evangelical churches that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. Is it any wonder that most of our churches are so anemic? Seriously, if Jesus is just one of many possible options, it should be no surprise that Christians aren't sharing their faith. Why bother? We don't have to sweat sharing the gospel with our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, friends, and family. They can just believe in "God" or in some other worldview and be saved.
But what does the New Testament actually say about this? In John 14:1-6, Jesus informs His disciples that He must go away and prepare a place for them through His death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus assures His men that they know where He is going. But Thomas objects, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Then in 14:6, Jesus declares the mother of all politically incorrect statements ...
Series: Focus on Your Family
Keith Krell
John 14:6
What is the mother of all politically incorrect statements? Are you ready? Here it is: "Jesus Christ is the only way to God." Even the mere hint of this conclusion causes most Americans to cringe and shudder. Many Americans become irate over this declaration. They will spew forth accusations such as "intolerant," narrow-minded," "arrogant," "hateful," and "bigot." It quickly becomes apparent that the greatest atrocity in today's culture is not theft, rape, or murder. It is intolerance. People are willing to tolerate any viewpoint, except one that claims to be uniquely true. Today, a scant 12% of Americans claim that their religion is the only true faith.
It should not be surprising that unbelievers reject absolute truth along with the claim that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. What is shocking is that a 2008 poll of 35,000 Americans showed that "57% of evangelical church attenders said they believed many religions can lead to eternal life." Now, this is disturbing! It's not even a foregone conclusion in evangelical churches that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. Is it any wonder that most of our churches are so anemic? Seriously, if Jesus is just one of many possible options, it should be no surprise that Christians aren't sharing their faith. Why bother? We don't have to sweat sharing the gospel with our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, friends, and family. They can just believe in "God" or in some other worldview and be saved.
But what does the New Testament actually say about this? In John 14:1-6, Jesus informs His disciples that He must go away and prepare a place for them through His death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus assures His men that they know where He is going. But Thomas objects, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Then in 14:6, Jesus declares the mother of all politically incorrect statements ...
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