Assault on The Gospel: Is Jesus The Only Way?

Assault on The Gospel: Is Jesus The Only Way? Sam Petitfils

Is Jesus the Only Way? Introduction Two key questions: Can man by nature know God? Can man by nature be saved? Romans 1:18-25: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Man clearly can discover God in nature, His power and divine nature. Man wants to be his own authority, so he suppresses that truth in unrighteousness, leading to lies and dark behaviors. Man cannot escape knowing God in one sense. But the reason he does not recognize God is he suppresses the truth, and strays into false beliefs and evil behavior. Man is dead in trespasses: And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind (Ephesians 2:1-3). 2

Blinded by Satan: In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4). 1 Corinthians 1:18-25: For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart. Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. General Revelation The knowledge of God found in nature and conscience: enough to condemn but not enough to save. Special Revelation God speaks to man through the Bible, preaching, Jesus ministry, and the apostles. Conclusion: Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few (Matthew 7:13-14). 3

Descent into idolatry Definition of idolatry: The worship or excessive devotion to, or reverence for some person or thing. An idol seeks to replace the one, true God. In Bible times, this was done through manmade images, thought to be inhabited by pagan gods. But the Bible indicates idolatry is much broader than images. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming (Colossians 3:5-6). Upon coming to Christ, Christians renounce idols and pledge to turn to God: For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God (1 Chronicles 22:19). Our lives must revolve around Christ; otherwise we lay ourselves prey to creeping idolatry. Once we have done that, we will allow other belief systems to worm their way in our hearts. Empires Babylon Medo- Persian Greek Rome Future Events Vision of Statue Head of Gold vv. 36-38 Chest and arms of silver vv. 32, 39 Middle and thighs of bronze vv. 32, 39 Legs of iron; feet of clay vv. 33, 40-43 Messianic kingdom stone vv. 44-45 Table of Descent from Daniel 2: Things get worse because of idolatry. 1 Note decline in value of metals with each new kingdom except Messiah s kingdom. 1 This table taken from The ESV Study Bible, 1590. 4

Pluralism: More than one Exclusive: The only one Chapter 1 The Problem with Christians Ryken: Authentic, biblical Christianity has always been an exclusive religion. Ryken points out in chapter two that the early Christians were not willing to worship the emperor, even after the emperor was willing to place an image of Christ alongside other gods in his private chapel. Authentic, biblical Christianity has always been an exclusive religion. True Christians insist they possess the truth apart from all others religions. It is scandalous in the sense of the Greek word skandal, meaning that which gives offense or arouses opposition. Approaching dangers: Blending of elements of the world religions into one. Universalism all will be saved regardless of religious beliefs. Henotheism worship one god among many. Pantheism the blending of God with the world. De-Christianization of all of society (e.g., the speedy removal of the Christian faith and its teachings, even though an empty hallow Christian church will remain.) When we attempt to blend God with man and creation, the result will elevate man to god-like status. We will worship the creation more than the Creator. Apologist Peter Jones gives two antidotes for the church to keep it in line with God s purposes: 1. Don t retreat. We tend to retreat when faced with aggressive opposition. We fear the world s frowns so we withdraw from the world and wait for the second coming. 2. Don t conform. If we do nothing, we will conform. We have to instead submit our minds to Christ and seek God through His Word. We have to build a Christian worldview (worldview the way we think and act in this world). 5

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2). 1. Remember the five Solas : Firming Up the Christian Worldview Sola Fide, by faith alone. Sola Scriptura, by Scripture alone. Solus Christus, through Christ alone. Sola Gratia, by grace alone. Soli Deo Gloria, glory to God alone. 2. Develop a God-centered way of thinking. 3. Promote the Great Commission: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20). 4. Influence the world around you by living out the Christian faith. 5. Believe and affirm the sovereignty of God. 6

Chapter 2 Three Kinds of Pluralism Empirical Pluralism: We live in a diverse society of many languages and cultures. People bring different religions and philosophies from where they came. We acknowledge pluralism exists and is all around us. Cherished Pluralism: The belief that different faiths are good things and we should encourage them. We should praise people for having values, whatever those values are. All religions are equally valuable. While we should celebrate cultural diversity, we should not celebrate religious diversity. Marilyn Monroe on asked if she believed in God: I just believe in everything a little bit. We are starting to believe this in America today. Philosophical Pluralism: We all should believe in pluralism. We demand you sign on to pluralism, and if you don t, we will persecute you. Each religion gives us part of the picture. Vanderbilt built the All Faith Chapel, dedicated by Hindus, Jews, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, and the Baha i. Here you may worship as you please. The university board refused to build a chapel for only one religion. They instead built one to support all faiths. Another name for pluralism: relativism: All religious views are equally valid and true. President Eisenhower famously said, the American system of government makes no sense unless it is founded in a deeply felt religious faith and I don t care which one it is. Pluralism denies to you the right to lay claim to the truth. 7

Some root causes of the prevailing pluralism 1. Christians have not developed deep beliefs. 2. Christians have not always remained loyal to Christ. They have not upheld vital doctrine and thus have surrendered beliefs. Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). 3. Christians have not always been alert to the spread and danger of pluralism. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you (2 Timothy 1:13-14). Privatization of religion: I have my own faith my own way. I make it private. Notes 8

Chapter 3 When Pluralism Comes to Church Christians have always been vulnerable to the latest ideas. Our culture has begun to influence the church. Many Christians, for example, claim people can be saved while believing in other faiths. Christian pluralism believes it can embrace other religions without giving up the Christian faith. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). In the past, Christians expressed their concern for the heathen by throwing their efforts into missions and evangelism. Now some of them wonder if all that effort is really necessary. How can God condemn those who have never heard the Gospel? they wonder. Maybe he saves them a different way. Maybe he gives them a chance after they die depending on how they lived their lives (from Chapter 3). So-called Evangelical Clark Pinnock believes because some have not heard about Jesus, God reveals Jesus through other world religions. Many have therefore concluded we do not need any missionary activity at all. What is the problem with Pinnock s view? 1. The Christian faith is not anonymous. 2. The Apostles and Jesus taught Jesus was the only way. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him (John 3:36). Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few (Matthew 7:13-14). 9

I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins (John 8:24). No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons (1 Corinthians 10:20). How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us? So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:14-17). 10

Chapter 4 Christianity for a Pluralistic Age Biblical Christianity recognizes that pluralism exists, and as citizens, honors the right for each to believe as they want, but rejects the view that one can get to heaven apart from Christ. Since the beginning, Christians have always had to stress Christianity s truthfulness against all other religions. The New Testament writers wrote the Bible in an environment of many different religions and philosophies. Christians accept that pluralism exists in the world today. The Bible was written in a climate of pluralism, and Christians have always had to live in that context. We accept pluralism, but cannot accept religious pluralism. This does not mean passing a law to make Christianity the legal religion of the United States. It means we preach Christ as the only way. Tolerance can be a virtue. For example we cherish cultural diversity. Christians tolerate religious diversity. We allow for the free expression of religious convictions. We tolerate, though we do not endorse it. Tolerance and truth. What about religious intolerance? We need to guard against making concessions to false teachings. Listen to Jesus words to the churches of Asia: But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:14-15). But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols (Revelation 2:20). 11

Some rules for serving in a religiously diverse society 1. Practice courtesy to all. Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people (Titus 3:1-2). And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:24-25). 2. Be willing to critique culture. Frog in the kettle syndrome One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons. This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth (Titus 1:12-14). 3. Immerse yourself in the Word of God as a cleansing agent (i.e., it cleanses us). Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25-27). 12

Chapter Five Why Jesus Is the Only Way Biblical Christians are not willing to abandon truth. When faced with pluralism, Christians have only one answer: Jesus is the only way. No one can access God apart from the Son (John 14:6). Four essential truths: 1. The unity of truth. The Bible sets forth truth as a priority: For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth (2 Corinthians 13:8). The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father (2 John 1-4). I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth (3 John 4). 2. Jesus is the only Savior. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture (John 10:9). Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins (John 8:24). Christianity is exclusive. Christianity is inclusive. 13

3. Sin is our only real problem. It s universal. Sin is your problem. Sin leads to judgment. 4. The only solution. The death of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ. The followers of Jesus Christ. 14

Notes 15