Is Jesus really the only way to have a relationship with God?
Christians are often accused of being exclusive and narrow minded because of their theology that Jesus is, indeed, the only way to God. However, Al Hassler pointed out that every major religion makes what is known as an "exclusive truth claim." Islam claims it is the only path to God. So does Buddhism. Even Oprah Winfrey makes a claim that is "exclusive"when she says that all paths go to the same place. Her theory of spirituality and getting to God is "like climbing a mountain." All roads lead to the top of the mountain (the same place), there are just different paths you can take to get to the same place. This is an exclusive truth claim because she says she is right and all the major religions are wrong when they claim to be the only way to God.
The Bible is our main source as we dive deep into this question so many people struggle with. What does Scripture say about Jesus being the only way? If you happen to struggle with whether or not Scripture is a trustworthy source, please refer back to the teaching by Pastor Adam on 9/19. Al Hassler also shared that on his faith journey he had to battle and work through whether or not he was going to trust the Bible and take it at God's word. He studied and researched for over a year. Ultimately, he firmly landed on the truth of the Bible and that it can, indeed be fully trusted. Al emphasized three main reasons: 1) It resonates with his heart and spirit; 2) it works when you put it into practice 3) It can academically and historically be trusted (Adam's teaching from 9/19 directly addressed this).
Another key point to nail down before diving into the exclusive truth claim of Christianity is what you believe about the character of God. The scripture has much to say about this topic so Al challenged everyone to read all 4 Gospels and decide whether the character of Jesus is trustworthy.
INVITATION: Dive in today as we examine the claims of Scripture regarding Jesus being the only way to God, and also as what it has to say about the character of God and whether or not He can truly be trusted. Al Hassler shared vulnerably that he had some trust issues with God. Is that you? Are you willing to be open to what God may have for you this week?
MONDAY: John 8:31-32: Al Hassler spoke of how he began putting the principals from scripture into practice and his life and relationships changed. It is one of the ways he "tested" whether or not he was going to trust the authority of Scripture in his life. Even professing Christians can tend to negate the relevance of Scripture in today's culture. This is often the case even though most never make any serious attempts at being in, learning, knowing and applying scripture. These verses are a good example. "Know the truth and the truth will set you free" is often quoted and many would say they believe it. However, note what verse 31 says. This is an IF/THEN situation. IF you put Scriptural principals into practice (as Al Hassler decided to do), THEN you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. It takes more than an academic or general "knowing." What principles are you being nudged into practicing this week? If you are honest, are there any principles from scripture that you "like" and would even say you "believe" but don't put into practice in your life?
TUESDAY: Luke13:22-25: As you are honest with yourself and with God, how do you feel about the "narrow" doorway to God? How might you pray about that today? Remember, God can handle your struggles and your doubts. Also, we have a "struggles" tab on our website where you can ask anonymous question, or journal or pontificate however you feel inclined.
WEDNESDAY: Exodus 34:6-7 & Jeremiah 9:23: These Exodus verses are the first place where there is mention of the character of God. God knew Moses and Jeremiah needed to trust him. God declares himself to you just as he has Moses: "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." As you are still before God, let these words sink into your soul. What is your response? What is God speaking to you personally from these verses?
THURSDAY: John 13:3-5 & 12-17: Al pointed out that you cannot nail down what you believe about the character of God simply from information that stays in your head. You must experience the character of God. On the night before he was mercilessly hung on a cross, Jesus chose to comfort and serve his friends. And while suffering and dying on the cross, he asked His father in heaven to forgive the very people who abused him, spat on him and made fun of him. Jesus is the exact replica of God. As you read these verses and contemplate what Jesus did for you, and how he led, served and died, how do you feel about whether or not he can be trusted?
FRIDAY: John 14:6 & I John 2:2: This verse in John is one of many claims in scripture that Jesus is the only way to God. This is probably the most clear and direct verse. There is only one person who can pay for our crime and that is God himself, through Jesus. This is where perfect mercy and justice intersect for your benefit and for mine. Because of Jesus dying on the cross, our debt - our death sentence - is fully taken care of. Jesus died for you personally, and for the entire world. He is the "sacrificial lamb" that was slaughtered in fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies and so you and I can live a life in full communion and relationship with God himself.
SATURDAY: Psalm 19:1-4 & Romans 1:20: Many times people get stuck on the fringe situations of types of people and situations who might not "see" or "know" about Jesus. These verses make it clear that God can communicate in concepts. Al mentioned how common it is in other cultures for people to have dreams or visions about Jesus. He showed a film clip of the story of Helen Keller who, when told about Jesus, claimed she had always known him, but just didn't know his name. Helen Keller was blind and deaf and virtually non verbal. Yet Jesus managed to reveal himself to her. Don't you think God is big enough and powerful enough to reveal Jesus in any way, shape or form he desires? His very character is that we would come to know Him and love Him and be in relationship with Him. He is not going to cruelly withhold that type of information from ANYONE.