Is Jesus the Only Way of Salvation?

There are three options recognized by theologians today. Only one of them is found in the Bible. The other two are heretical.

Exclusivism: Salvation is found only through faith in Jesus Christ. Only those who have trusted Christ are saved. They are declared to be right with God and all their sins are forgiven. No one, who does not trust in Jesus Christ has any hope of salvation, but may only expect to be judged and condemned to everlasting Hell.

This is the position of the Bible:
“I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me,” (John 14:6). “For there is no other name given under Heaven whereby we can be saved,” Acts 4:12.
“Therefore by the deeds of the Law, no flesh shall be justified. . .” Romans 3:20. “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2). “Then shall He say also to them on the left hand, Depart from me, you accursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).

This has been the teaching of the church through the centuries:
It was the belief held by Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, D. L. Moody, and C. H. Spurgeon.

This is the belief held by Bible believing Christians today: This includes people such as Billy Graham, Elizabeth Eliot, John MacArthur, Beth Moore, Ergun Caner, Paige Patterson, and Jerry Falwell.

This has been the teaching of Baptists in the past:

These examples are from the London Confession adopted by Baptists in England in 1644:

V. All mankind being thus fallen, and become altogether dead in sins and trespasses, and subject to the eternal wrath of the great God by transgression; yet the elect, which God has(1) loved with an everlasting love, are(2) redeemed, quickened, and saved, not by themselves, neither by their own works, lest any man should boast himself, but wholly and only by God of(3) His free grace and mercy through Jesus Christ, who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption, that as it is written he that rejoices, let him rejoice in the Lord. 1) Jer. 31:2 2) Gen 3:15; Eph. 1:3, 7; 2:4, 9; 1 Thes. 5:9; Acts 13:38 3) 1 Cor.5:21; Jer. 9:23, 24

VI. (1) This therefore is life eternal, to know the only true God, and whom He has sent Jesus Christ. (2) And on the contrary, the Lord will render vengeance in flaming fire to them that know not God, and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1) John 17:3; Heb. 5:9; Jer. 23:5, 6 2) 2 Thes. 1:8; John 3:36

These examples are from the Midland Confession of Faith, adopted by English Baptists in 1655:

10th. That every man is justified by Christ -- Romans; viii.33; I Cor. vi.11; apprehended by faith; and that no man is justified in the sight of God partly by Christ and partly by works. Romans iii.20,28,30; Gal. v.4.

16th. That at the time appointed of the Lord, the dead bodies of all men, just and unjust, shall rise again out of their graves, that all may receive according to what they have done in their bodies, be it good or evil.

It is the teaching of Southern Baptists today:

These are from our Baptist Faith and Message:
IV. Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. . . .

X. Last Things
God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.
Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.

There are two main heresies afoot about salvation these days.

Pluralism: All religions lead to God, at least all of the higher ones, for they are all in touch with the same spiritual realities. Each religion merely describes these realities differently. Thus, anyone who follows any of the “higher” religions may be assured that he really is in touch with God.

This is the position of many Americans today. It is the unofficial position of most television networks and programs, and is represented as the only morally sound position in many venues of public life.

Here are a couple of examples:
“We [Muslims, Jews, and Christians] all worship the same God.”
--Walter Abdur Ra’uf Declerck, quoted in The Fort Worth Star Telegram, Oct. 25, 2003, page 3F.

“The great religious traditions are to be regarded as alternative [salvational] “spaces” within which, or “ways” along which, men and women can find salvation/liberation/enlightenment/fulfillment.. . . The great world traditions have in fact all proved to be realms within which, or routes along which people are enabled to advance in the transition from self-centeredness to Reality-centeredness. . . . Accordingly, by attending to other traditions than one’s own, one may become aware of other aspects or dimensions of the Real, and of other possibilities of response to the Real. . .”
--John Hick, British Theologian

Inclusivism: Jesus is the only Savior, but He will save some who have never trusted Him. We can affirm that Salvation is only in Christ, without affirming the need to tell others about Him as they need not have faith in Him anyway.

This is the position of many Catholics, who believe that other religions are more or less able to save depending on how similar they are to Catholicism. Thus, other denominations, and religions which teach that there is one God, or those which teach a high view of ethics will lead their followers to salvation.
This is the view of many mainline denominations, and most theologians today as well.

Here is an example:
“It is. . . quite possible to suppose that there are supernatural, grace-filled elements in non-Christian religions.. . . A lawful religion. . . can be regarded on thye whole as a positive means of gaining the right relationship to God and thus for the attaining of salvation. . . The member of an extra-Christian religion. . . [is] an anonymous Christian.”
--Karl Rahner, Catholic Theologian

The biblical answer is "Yes", Jesus is the only way. The basic problem that I see in not wanting to see Jesus as the only way for salvation is too high a view of ourselves. You see, most people want a man-centered gospel as opposed to a God-centered gospel. In other words, "God loves me" period. That sounds good, but that makes us the object of salvation - man-centered. However, if we say "God loves me so that I can glorify Him" that makes God the object of our salvation. Subtle but a huge distinction.

Martha B. McKee Coggins.

I got a call from Pam Coggins asking if I would be a part of the memorial services for her mom and, of course, I agreed and immediately began to pray and ask the Lord what I could say to be a comfort to Pam and the family.

As always, God is so good and as I was studying for a message, I happened to be looking at a passage in Isaiah. Although, I had already read and studied it, the Lord prompted me to read it once again. While I read the verse it became evident that these were the verses I were to read to give encouragement to the grieving family and loved ones.

Scripture Reading - Isaiah 43:1-4
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, … Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: …Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

Many had shared through the passing years the wonderful companionship and fellowship they had with sister Martha. They will forever cherish the many blessed memories that come to us from those moments. Her faithfulness, friendship, and joy of the Lord will continue their radiance and testimony in our lives. And we know that we’ll see Martha again on the other side of eternity.

We continue to pray for Pam, Peggy, Howard and the family in their loss. May God overwhelm them with His great peace and assurance that she is now more alive than she has ever been.

Obituary

Mrs. Martha B. McKee Coggins, age 82, Jonesborough, our loving wife, mother, and grandmother went home to be with Jesus, Friday, May 28, 2010 at the Four Oaks Health Care Center. She will forever be in our hearts. Mrs. Coggins was a native of Washington County and daughter of the late Frank & Lillie Cole McKee. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Coggins was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, a brother, Everett McKee, a sister, Christine Phillips and a half-sister, Sylvia Phillips. She was a member of Cherokee Baptist Church where she taught the Pre-School Sunday School Class for many years. Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Robert Howard Coggins, Jonesborough; two daughters and son-in-law, Pam Coggins and Peggy & Charles Broyles, all of Jonesborough; grandson, Jeremy Broyles and wife Joleene, Jonesborough; great-grandson, Ethan Broyles; twin-sister, Mary Malone, Jonesborough; sister, Louise Matson, West Grove, PA and half-sister, Shirley Bennett, Nashville; and several nephews and nieces. The family would like to thank the staff of Four Oaks Health Care Center for their wonderful care and kindness shown to their mother.

How Long Should a Devotional Time Last?

Some people claim that they never have time for daily devotions. These same people may schedule three meals a day and snacks between the meals. Obviously it is difficult to find legitimate excuses for not having a daily devotional time. So taking time for daily devotions is an issue of priorities. We take time or make time to do the things that are really important to us. The priority we give to our daily devotions helps show how much our relationship to God means to us.

The quality and depth of a devotional time is more important than its quantity and length. Nevertheless you can hardly have a successful devotional time by rushing in and out of the presence of God for a spiritual lift as you would go through a drive through for a latte (that’s French for an expensive cup of coffee). Therefore you should not hurry your devotional time but should plan for sufficient time to focus on the Lord and communicate meaningfully with Him. Then you will strengthen your relationship to God and see your devotional time develop rather than decline.

The length of personal devotions may be limited by your schedule for sleeping, eating, working, family time, and other responsibilities. Exceptions to these factors are days off work, periods of fasting, or special occasions planned for time with the Lord. However, we usually find time for the activities we really desire to do. And we should be willing to miss a meal or some sleep if necessary in order to spend time with the Lord.

On occasions such as a trip to the mountains or beach, we may be free from our routine schedule to have a longer devotional time. However, this is where I often get out of my routine and have less of devotional time if any at all. Before major decisions Christians might extend their prayer time throughout the night (Luke 6:12–13). Again, shorter and more frequent devotional times often best fit a daily schedule filled with decisions, meetings, advising, and numerous intense activities that call for renewed wisdom and strength from the Lord.

Here is a plan to get you started.

“Thirty Minutes With God”

1. Relax (2 minutes)
Be still and be quiet! Slow down! Prepare your heart. Take a few deep breaths and wait on God.

2. Read (5 minutes)
Begin reading where you left off the day before. Read until you feel God has told you something. Then stop and think about it.

3. Reflect (8 minutes)
Think about what the passage means to your life, and write those thoughts down. Part of reflecting is memorizing verses that speak to you in a special way.

4. Record (5 minutes)
Write out a personal application statement that is practical, possible, and measurable. If you can't write it down, you probably don't understand it. Remember also that context of Scripture is important and if not careful we can "make" or "adjust" God's word to say what we want as opposed to what the timeless principle is.

5. Request (10 minutes)
Conclude your Quiet Time by talking to God about what He has shown you and making your requests from your prayer list.

Bibliography:
Charles R. Swindoll and Roy B. Zuck, Understanding Christian Theology (Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003), 1071.