Being crystal clear about what matters most

In a culture where relativism reigns and we are told there are no moral absolutes (which curiously, is an absolute) it is good to know we can depend on the unchanging, infallible Word of the Living God. While celebrities, superstars, athletes and even some who claim the name of Christ, either plainly deny or remain unclear on cardinal truths of the Christian faith, it is immeasurably comforting to know God has given His people an immovable anchor for the soul … the Bible. God’s Word makes some things, in fact, the most important things, crystal clear. On these, there is no room for disagreement.

Readers, there are some biblical teachings in which Christians must not vacillate one iota. (Which is the topic of this article.) Yet, there are other areas of doctrine, in which believers can agree to disagree. Any level-headed mature Christian will concede there are Scriptural truths, that while important, are of lesser eternal significance. In these areas, we must grant liberty to other Christians to affirm differing doctrinal positions.

While we all think we are right, and the other guy wrong; there are some Bible teachings in which good godly men and women strongly differ. Some of my dearest Christian friends disagree with my stubborn Baptist beliefs. Yet, we remain close friends. However, when it comes to certain truths … primarily, how someone can enter into God’s presence for all eternity, there is no room for disagreement. On secondary Bible teachings, yes, we must allow for varied opinions. Nevertheless, there are some issues in which Christians can never fluctuate or waver. Specifically, when it comes to how unholy humans can be reconciled to a Holy God. On this, God’s Word never fluctuates and is intentionally clear. Therefore, so too must every born-again believer be the same way. Yet, this is not popular in the world in which we live.

Let me illustrate.

Not too many years ago, Oprah stated on her daily TV program that, “There are many paths to what you call god,” and it was up to each individual to “find the right path for them.” When someone in the audience replied by saying that the Bible teaches that there is only one way [to God] and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ, this well-known personality replied by saying, “There couldn’t possibly be … there couldn’t possibly be only one way.” This brash statement was met with loud and resounding approval of the audience. Yet, there was a small group of women who had the holy boldness to take a firm biblical stand and repeat again, that the only way for a Holy God to be reconciled to depraved men was through the redemptive work of God’s own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

I site this occurrence as an example of a growing and ungodly trend in America today, and even among some who identify themselves as Christian, to discount the teaching that there is only one true way to heaven. If there is one thing that the Bible makes plain, is that there is only one way in which we sinners can be made righteous and enter into God’s presence – and that is by faith in Christ alone. Acts 4:12 reads, “…there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” This passage could not be more clear-cut. There is only one name under all of heaven by which men may call upon and be saved; the name of Jesus.

Though this reality has become (and will probably continue to become) more and more unpopular; this is one truth on which Evangelicalism must not equivocate. We must be decidedly cohesive on this essential eternal truth. My Christian readers, while we may disagree on any number of doctrinal teachings, this is something for which we must stand firm and united. Salvation is found in Christ alone.

Jesus said these words in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” You will note the Lord did not say He was “a way” but “the way.” Jesus is not saying He is merely one of many ways, but instead the way; the only way. The Messiah could not speak any plainer than He did in this passage.

When the Bible and Christ Himself says that no one comes to Father except through the Son, who are we (noted celebrity or otherwise) to call into question the legitimacy of this truth? Do we have any right to waver, hesitate, or even apologize for what the Bible makes vitally plain?

While this truth may seem harsh or narrow, it is as wide as the Inspired Text allows. There is one way for lost sinners to find true fulfillment and a life of lasting purpose, and this is by trusting in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus voluntarily came to this world, lived a perfect and sinless life, and went to a place called Calvary to pay for the sins of all who would ever place their faith in Him. He died and rose again, thereby affirming that He alone is the one sure path from earth to heaven.

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