Jesus is the one, the only, 'Solo Savior'

We’ve just begun a new series in our church entitled, “Believe.” It consists of 10 weeks of looking at core beliefs of the Christian faith, 10 weeks of looking at how we act on — or put into practice — those beliefs, and 10 weeks of looking at the fruit or result of those acts and practices. In essence, it can be summarized as “Believing, Behaving, and Becoming Like Jesus.” As I am writing this article, I am also preparing to present the third core belief, “Salvation,” on Sunday. According to the Bible, salvation (or the forgiveness and cleansing of our sinfulness) is only possible through acceptance of the saving work that Jesus did for us through His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the tomb.

As I was focused on this core belief, I overheard a conversation related to it that “perked up my big ears.” Someone was saying that they have adopted teachings that they agree with from several religions (“Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.”) for their belief system. I was tempted to jump in on the conversation, but didn’t feel it was appropriate — nor would be well received — in the circumstances. But I grieve the confusion and diffusion such an approach (however well-intended) brings.

You cannot pick and choose parts of the Bible that you like — versus parts you don’t like, mix them in with teachings from other religions, and experience the “ Spiritual Nirvana” you are looking or hoping for. The Bible is clear that it’s “all-or-nothing” when it comes to believing and accepting what it teaches about Jesus, and what He said about Himself.

Perhaps the most familiar passage of scripture in the world — and the essence of the Good News the Bible declares is found in John 3:16-17: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” This being the case, the Bible goes on to stress that this is the only way to be “saved,” and experience all that God offers to us.

In John 14:6 Jesus is quoted as saying, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Later, the Apostle Peter would declare, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Some would argue that this is too restrictive and exclusive; that we must be accepting of all beliefs, and that God would surely not condemn anyone who is “well intentioned” or has a “good heart.” To this I say, “If that’s the case, then God sent His Son Jesus to suffer a cruel and brutal beating and death by crucifixion for no reason!” Why would He do that, if trusting in any and every “good-sounding-teaching” is all it takes to go to heaven, experience Nirvana, or whatever your after-life goal is? It’s just totally illogical, and “puts the lie” to the “Big Lie” that the “Father of Lies” tries to hoist on us.

Because of the claims that Jesus made about Himself, we cannot choose to accept some of His teachings, and reject the rest. Either He is who He claimed to be, or He’s a liar and/or lunatic. He wasn’t just a “good teacher.” He was and is the “Only-Begotten of the Father,” given for the salvation of the world!

There is only ONE way to the Father, to Heaven, and all the good things that God offers to us — and that is through His Son, Jesus Christ, the “Solo Savior.” If you haven’t already, I pray that you will put your total trust in Him today. For as the Bible also says, “Now is the time of God’s favor, today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Jon L. Pomeroy is pastor of Sandpoint Church of God.