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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Only One Way

I heard yesterday that a senior pastor and his assistant expect to be fired soon. It seems prominent members of their congregation are upset with their evangelical theology. Specifically, they object to the pastors’ teaching that Jesus is the only way to heaven.

Undoubtedly, the belief that Jesus is the only way to heaven has fallen into disfavor among an increasing number of professing Christians. Tolerance and acceptance of others’ views are widely held virtues in our mixing-bowl culture, but the road to Heaven is not open to an expansion program. Although we can be tolerant of those who hold views that differ from ours, we must not accept a theology that is eclectic and inclusive.
The apostles preached with conviction that Jesus is the only way to Heaven (Acts 4:12), and they did not amend their message to accommodate views held by their contemporaries.

If professing Christians try to pry Heaven’s gate open to everyone regardless of his or her beliefs, they will have to ignore or reject Jesus’ clear statement, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).