Inclusive or Exclusive

<<personal faith in Jesus is the only way to heaven>>

revelation in creation or through the elements of truth contained within their non-Christian religion is a false teaching. This erroneous belief is also known as inclusive/interfaith/pluralistic/universal/progressive Christianity. It stands in stark contrast to the traditional evangelical Christian view based on scriptures that a sinner can only be saved by a conscious, explicit faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and those who do not humbly accept Jesus Christ as Saviour are under condemnation (Jn 3:16-18, 14:6; Act 4:12; Rom 10:13-15). While there may be exceptions to this principle such as infants and children dying young, besides the mentally handicapped who are unable to comprehend their sin and to make a rational choice of trusting in Christ – sometimes termed the age of accountability (2 Sam 12:23; Isa 7:15,16). These limited exceptions do not undermine the position of Christian exclusivism, but show the infinite mercy of God in providing salvation for those who might otherwise not attain it. The un-evangelized will not be condemned for failing to believe in a Jesus that they have never heard of. Rather, they will be judged for their sinning against God’s moral law that has been implanted in their heart (Rom 1:18-21,32, 2:14,15).

Society is offended at the intolerant view of Christian exclusivism that insists Jesus is the only way of salvation and that faith in Him is required for that salvation. It considers this stance as arrogant, as it invalidates all competing religious claims and seeks to force an individual’s truth universally on all others. This exclusivity assumes the existence of absolute truth, whereas the mistaken humanistic belief is all pathways lead to God (whoever or whatever that may be). Yet truth by its very nature is exclusive, and so recognises there is also error or falsehood. Yet, if it is true that Jesus is the only one who can resolve our sin issues, then we dare not abandon that conviction for fear of giving offense. Saying that Jesus is the only way of salvation is only affirming what Jesus Himself said – and we are to believe and teach what He taught. Paul declared that his very religious and sincere hearers must repent and follow the true God otherwise they will be lost (Act 17:22,30). All other ways, while claiming to be viable methods of knowing God, do not lead to truth – they lead to destruction.

 We must consider two key issues: 1/. Is Jesus the only way of salvation? 2/. Is faith in Christ required?

The facts are: everyone has sinned; everyone is guilty before God; therefore, everyone needs Jesus because He is the only remedy God has provided (Act 17:30; Rom 3:23, 5:17-19; 1 Tim 2:5; Rev 5:9).

Salvation is inclusive yet also exclusive

The inclusive aspects of Christianity are: *we are all sinners, guilty before God, with any deliberate sinful act just increasing personal guilt and judgment (Mt 11:20-24; Rom 1:18-3:20,23; 2 Cor 5:10). *God sent His Son to be the Saviour and salvation is offered to all mankind on His terms – repentance and acceptance of Jesus sacrifice on our behalf, not our ineffective efforts (Jn 3:16; Eph 2:8,9; 1 Tim 2:3-6). *God doesn’t show any favouritism but lovingly accepts all those who fear Him and do what is right – the invitation is to "whoever wishes, let him take the free gift" (Act 10:34,35; Rev 22:17). However, the way to experience salvation is exclusive: it is only experienced by those who put their faith in Jesus who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me” (Jn 14:6). His statement specifically excludes any other means. He is the way, not a way – there is no alternative route. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” with those who do not believe are condemned (Jn 3:18; Act 4:12; Rom 1:16). There is no other person, philosophy, belief system or worldview through which we receive “the forgiveness of sins” (Eph 1:7-9). Being included in Christ is the result of believing the exclusive truth that Jesus is the ONLY way to God.

repentance from sin and trusting in Jesus (Mt 7:21; Lk 13:3,5; Rom 10:9,10). The Bible highlights some of the sinful lifestyles of those prohibited unless there is a genuine turning from evil and embracing the new life in Christ (1 Cor 6:9-11; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:5-10; Rev 21:8,27, 22:14,15). The words of Jesus are pivotal; “I am the gate, whoever enters through me will be saved…I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 10:9, 14:6). So although many will be prevented from entering into heaven, the invitation is extended to all, “whoever believes in Him [Jesus] will not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16,36). The Bible refers to this as “passing from death to life” being brought out of a state of spiritual death and alienated from God, into Christ who is the source of Life, and to enjoy communion with God who desires that no one is shut out from His presence (Jn 5:24; Eph 4:18; Col 2:13; 2 Pet 3:9). 

 The Christian church has always insisted on the necessity of gospel outreach because of the conviction that apart from faith in Christ and discipleship to Him a person will not be saved. Understanding people’s eternal destiny hangs in the balance should motivate us to be actively involved in evangelism. This belief is rooted in the teaching and practice of Jesus and His apostles with the promise “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Mt 28:19,20; Rom 10:12-14, 15:20,21; Phil 1:18; 2 Tim 2:10).  The gospel must be preached – yet to be of personal value to an unsaved person it must be believed and acted on (Jn 1:12; Act 3:19; Rom 10:9,10). Have you accepted the sacrifice of Jesus as your substitute and are you walking in the newness of life He offers (Heb 9:14; 1 Jn 1:7,9, 5:11,12)?

 See also: age of accountability, cheap gospel, eternal damnation, eternal life, false teaching, pluralism, religion.