There's only one way--Jesus. Ask someone if they are going to heaven and you typically get one answer--yes. Ask why they think they're going to heaven and hang on, because you'll have answers all over the board. That's a "deadly" problem. Jesus makes it clear in John 10:1-21 that He is the only way to heaven. ("I am the door. If anyone enters by me he will be saved" (verse 9). "So there will be one flock, one shepherd." (verse 16).
Now you're probably thinking Ok, Tami, why are you telling me this? You're preaching to the choir. Maybe so, but here's the thing. We need to be able to communicate to others what we believe and why. We have to be able to respond to the argument that Christianity can't be right because it's exclusive and intolerant. Do you see how John 10:1-21 can help us do that? Or, are there any others scriptures that you look to when you're wanting to explain God's plan of salvation? How do you see yourself using these verses and others as you move forward? Tami W.
Reading this passage carefully I was struck by the enormity of Jesus being the good shepherd. The God of the universe lays His life down for a bunch of foolish sheep? Sheep that run their own way, follow the herd, and get into all kinds of foolishness? But this passage tells us that our Good Shepherd loves us and knows us. Hallelujah!
I was also struck by "the sheep follow him, for they know his voice" vs. 4. Since we know Jesus intimately when we sit with Him, it makes the importance of spending time in Word and in prayer hit home!
Hi:) new here. Love your daily encouragement Tami. Thank you so much. In reference to today's passage-this is a tough one because in reality, it does make Christianity intolerant. Christ as intolerant is how the enemy presents it, and we are left to defend the faith on the premise that we have a leader who isn't really loving at all. But isn't that what Christ himself had to face when He stated as well that He was the way, the truth, the life? We see this happening everywhere during his ministry. It is one of my greatest challenges when presenting the gospel- John 10 is one of those chapters that channels me back into course when I am at a loss for words. The Holy Spirit is also our intercessor and He speaks through us in time of need. It is his promise. Unfortunately for some believers, this may be hard to believe, therefore, when having to defend the absolute statement of Christ as the ONLY way, some believers buckle. Not being able to distinguish between speaking his truth, which is already love in itself, and being tolerant, many have succumbed to the false notion that maybe, just maybe, there are other ways and other truths out there apart from Christ. It is my prayer that we as followers of Jesus, continue to grow in Him, not only through our emotional relationship with him, but also through his Word, which is our sustenance, our shield and our light. May the Holy Spirit who lives in us, give us ears to hear and eyes to see, and may he convict us even further in knowing and sharing the very good news, that our Good Shepherd Christ, is indeed the ONLY way, the ONLY truth, and the ONLY life. Blessings.
Just this weekend I was spending time with a good friend who attends a church that believes that all religions lead to God. I have come across this sort of belief before and know that it is wrong but I never can remember how and where God has shown us His truth on this subject. How timely that I was able to do this study on this day and receive an answer I was looking for.
Danette, I'm so glad today's reading and blog were encouraging to you. Just the right thing at just the right time. I love when God does that in my own life. Thanks for your comment! Tami W.
Love all the comments. I still wonder if anyone has an answer to this. I also deal with a lot of people who think that Christianity is very intolerant, and all religions lead to heaven. Any suggestions on how to answer/handle this?
I have had encounters with JW's, particularly someome in my family circle, and they like to attack the trinity of the Gospel or the Deity of Jesus. In a recent study that discusses a believer being conformed to the image of God through sanctification, I ran across a scripture that I am going present to them when I have another encounter,
Gen 1:26 And God said, Let Us make man in Our likeness
From this verse, it reveals that God is speaking to at one other person in the trinity.
Lately, in order to attack the deity of Jesus, a JW threw Rev 3:12 at me, which claims that Jesus that is calling the Father, my God. It caught me off guard at the time, but a verse that I may counter with in the future could be Rev 21:6 in which Jesus states from the throne, It is done, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
Robert.D
I think the better question would be "why did God provide any way?"
i think thats the right answer karen. we often forget that we lost our chance to stay with god when adam and eve fell. and that the only way to get to heaven through jesus isnt intolerant. becuase he is the one who paid the price for it, when he didnt have too.
When the issue of "intolerance" rears it's ugly head I prefer to explain "The One Way" of Christ in terms people can understand. Here's one the Spirit just handed me. See if it works for you...
If a person scoffs at Jesus' claim because it is "intolerant" ask them if they "believe" in breathing. We all believe in breathing because we know that if we stop breathing we will die. If I point out to the person that he must continue breathing or he will suffocate I am not being intolerant, I am merely being truthful. There may be other ways to oxygenate the body without breathing that person can TRY but I am absolutely sure if he breathes regularly he will stay alive. He may "believe" he can absorb O2 from the air through his skin or some other method but in fact he cannot. For me to tell him he must breath to live is therefore not intolerant but factual and the additional advice to "breathe deeply" will further increase his vitality.
This person still has the choice to breathe or not to breathe - we have not taken away his ability to choose. We are just pointing out what we know to be The Truth.
I always remember and remind that we are not the one who puts "the close on the sale". Our job is only to witness The Truth. It is combination of the person's willingness to receive The Truth and the Holy Spirit's calling that bring a person to Jesus. We must never feel inadequate if a person refuses to hear Jesus' calling through our efforts. It's up to them to respond to what, in the final analysis, they know to be true.
(you can use the same analogy with regard to the body's need for water)
I find it interesting that although all religions (if they claim there is a heaven) reveal a "how to" get there...working your way, sacrificing, etc...but only Christ PROVIDES the way to heaven. Christianity really offers the only doable method! The other religions just reveal our inability, if we're really honest.