Appeasers abound everywhere and no more so than in the religious world amongst many of those who claim to follow God. Not only are the people trying to be politically correct, they are extending the prohibitions to religious speech in the name of getting along with everyone who is disagreeable regarding the truth. The idea that many of them express is that there are many ways to heaven with any one of the different beliefs as good as any of the other. What that false belief indicates is simple to understand. Those who claim such do not know the Bible message and most certainly do not know the teachings of Jesus Christ. Strong words you say, so let us allow the Bible to speak on the matter to those who claim belief of some kind and to the unbelievers.

Jesus laid the foundation for salvation and eternal life when he said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) Jesus didn’t say anything in that verse about going to heaven which is the popular belief amongst many. He unequivocally said that going to God was only through him. Being with God is one of the parts of the gospel message. Then in verse 7 Jesus said, If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Those words were spoken to the Jews who were looking for a messiah. The truths in those verses also apply now. If you don’t know Jesus, you cannot know God no matter how many words are said on the matter or how much heaven is desired.

The gospel of John was written to believers (the assembly-church) to remind them of on whom they believed from the Day of Pentecost on to their present day. Great apostasy was rearing its ugly head and many were leaving their faith in Christ.

Paul wrote in Acts 4:1, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. The message of the gospel isn’t about going to heaven but salvation from sin. True, heaven will be the residing place of the saved, but the unsaved will not be there no matter how good they or someone else may be.  True, the gospel has many parts, but the first and main part is salvation freely offered in Jesus Christ. 

In the letter to the Ephesians 2:5-9 Paul wrote, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 9  Not of works, lest any man should boast. Notice verse 5. When the world was dead in sins, God, in his mercy for his human creation, sent his son to save us from our ungodly behaviors. Works of piety or  works of compassion and other activities to show what a great person you might be will not save you. Sadly, many people believe that will gain them entrance into heaven. Remember, salvation must be first before Christ takes you to heaven.

When the Jesus was speaking to the Jews he said, Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (John 7:22-23)  Works outside of Christ mean nothing to God and they will not save. People can claim to have done all types of  things to please God, but if not done through him as a member of the saved they are worthless.  Works must be done with Christ in mind. As Paul wrote in Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.  

For those who say that belief in Jesus is narrow and that it condemns many people to an uncertain future need to ponder the follow words. Jesus said, For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:17-18) The word does not condemn. It points our condemnation and gives the message of salvation. Deny Jesus and refuse his salvation and remain condemned. Believe what you will, but remember, there is no other name whereby we must be saved. 

© 09-03-2011 DEC

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