Theological Misconceptions Part 2: "Jesus is one of many ways to God."

The second misconception I want to address is the idea that there are many paths to God, Jesus is just one of them. This is sometimes voiced, as it doesn’t matter what you believe so long as you are sincere. The problem with this view again begins with a foundational misunderstanding of God’s character. The philosophical understanding at the root of this misconception is that if God is loving He would surely not allow someone who is sincere in whatever religion they are practicing to be cast off for all eternity. This is an overemphasis of one attribute (love) over others, such as justice. This is a topic that will be dealt with in depth in later posts.

Outside of the overemphasis on God’s love, the Scriptures are explicit on several doctrines that are essentials to the Christian faith. All of which speak very clearly to claims of exclusivity. A denial of any of these doctrines constitutes a lack of regeneration or a lack of salvation.

--Jesus is both fully God and fully man (John 1:1,14; 8:24; 12:39-41; Col. 2:9; 1 John 4:1-4).

--Jesus rose from the dead physically (John 2:19-21; 1 Cor. 15:14).

--Salvation is by grace through faith (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 3:1-2; 5:1-4).

--The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus according to the scriptures (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:8-9).

--There is only one God (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8)

--God exists as a Trinity of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

--Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (nature of incarnation)

--Jesus is the only way to God the Father (John 14:6).

The last claim, from the words of Christ Himself, allow absolutely no room for Christ being only one of many ways to God. Christ's claim is that He is in fact the only way to God, by faith in His death and resurrection to bear God's wrath against sin in our place.