A. INTRODUCTION
1. Politically correct salvation. All religions are good and lead to Heaven in their own way.
? Ecumenical. Establishing or promoting unity among religions or denominations –Webster
? Syncretism. The fusion of different religious beliefs into one plan of salvation –Webster
? Liberalism. Modern movement emphasizing intellectual liberty of discovering truth through rationalism as opposed to traditional views of Christianity –Webster
? Cooperative evangelism. An evangelist seeks cooperation of all Protestant churches with a view of leading some to Christ.
2. Politically correct truth. There is no such thing as absolute truth; “Abortion may be wrong for me, but it’s alright for you.”
? True today, false tomorrow.
? Pragmatism: The results justify the means (way it is done). “Truth is tested by consequences” –Webster.
? Individualism. The interest of the individual is paramountly good, ethical and gives meaning, to life. All values, rights and duties originate within the person –Webster
Three Views of the Critics
? If there is a God, they can’t see Him punishing anyone in Hell, if there is a Hell.
? How could a loving God punish anyone eternally?
? If a person sincerely believes in their religion, they will go to Heaven.
B. THE EXCLUSIVE VIEWS OF JESUS
1. Because Jesus is God, He is as truthful as God. “God of truth” (Deut. 32:4). “Truth is that which is consistent with itself, and is in accord with the facts of the universe.” –Webster
2. What Jesus said is truth. “Truth comes by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).
3. The truth will not change, i.e., it is eternal. “His truth endureth to all generations” (Ps. 100:5).
4. Jesus embodies truth. “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
5. All the contents of the Bible are true, and it is the embodiment of truth. “Thy word is true” (John 17:17).
6. Salvation depends on correct knowledge of God. “Come to the knowledge of truth” (II Tim. 3:7).
7. Those who do not know the truth reject the truth. “Be damned who believed not the truth” (II Thess. 2:12, KJV).
C. THE EXCLUSIVE PLAN OF SALVATION BY JESUS
1. Jesus said many are wrong about salvation. “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).
? There are two gates, the right one and the wrong one.
? Not everyone will be saved.
2. Jesus said salvation is demanding. “Easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter into the kingdom of Heaven” (Matt. 19:24).
3. Jesus said salvation depends on His truth. “I tell you the truth, (but) you believe Me not” (John 8:45).
4. Jesus gave no middle road for a person’s individual view of salvation. “Except you repent, you shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
5. Jesus demanded inner transformation. “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, KJV).
6. If people’s opinion of their salvation is right, then the suffering of the Son of God on the cross was a mistake.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
