A survey by the Pew Forum of Religion and Public Life asked respondents about religious beliefs and practices. The results of the survey showed overwhelming majorities of Americans believe in God (or a "universal spirit"), but substantial majorities from all major religious categories say they believe their religion is not the only path to eternal life, and that there's not just one correct version of their faith. About 7 in 10 of those surveyed said they believed that many religions can lead to eternal life, and that there is more than one true interpretation of the teachings of their own religion. Just as confusing as this, 8 in 10 said they turned primarily to religious teachings to set their standards.
We need to understand the nature of truth, especially the truth of what Scripture teaches about Jesus and salvation. It is in Christ alone. When Christ defined the way of salvation as through Him, He automatically excluded everything else. You cannot have two contradictory "truths" on this matter, and both be right. Jesus said He is the only way to the Father; "I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the father, but by me" (John 14:6). Jesus did not say He is "a way," or "one of many ways," but "the way." In a pluralistic society, such an exclusive claim may seem odd or even ridiculous. However, Scripture is exclusively the word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and it alone is how God reveals His will to us (2 Peter 1:20-21). There is no other Messiah, Savior, system, or "truth" that will save. Jesus is either who He claimed to be, the divine Son of God, or not. His life, however, reveals He is the truth (John 1:14). If we do not respond to Him in faith, for who He is, there is no alternative for salvation. Without Christ, we are lost.
The attitude of many today is reminiscent of some in the Hebrew writer's day. They were abandoning Christ and the gospel for the Laws of Moses. Some today would say surely that truth was just as valid as the gospel truth. But the Hebrew writer clearly warned, "For if we sinwillfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins" (Heb. 10:26). He also said of Christ, "...he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation" (Heb. 5:9). Jesus and Scripture are true. Either salvation is through Christ, or it is not. Jesus also said there is only one road that leads to salvation. "Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).
There is objective, absolute truth for us to believe, and God is the source of that truth. What Jesus said is essential to being saved, being His child, being part of His body, and having a genuine hope of heaven. Let us clear the mist of confusion and point to the clarity of Scripture, and how Christ alone will save. And let us make sure that is what we believe and live by.
Robert Johnson, Longview, TX