As we continue our study of “Doctrine & Devotion,” an interesting verse comes up. In Titus 2:11, Paul states: “For the grace God of has appeared bringing salvation for all people.”

This grace of God that has appeared in Christ is available for all people.

No, this is not an affirmation of the heresy of universalism, which would claim that everyone will get to heaven one way or the other.

In Matthew 25:46, at the end of the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus says:

“And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

In that sentence, Jesus uses the word "eternal" twice—once for eternal punishment and once for eternal life. However you define the term, it means the same thing in both places: Eternal punishment is as long as eternal life. The bottom line is that every person will spend eternity somewhere. Your eternal destiny is determined by what you do with Jesus. You must repent of your sins and trust in Christ for salvation (John 3:16)

And so the fact that this salvation appears to all people does not mean that all will be saved without exception; it means that all can be saved without distinction—no matter race, gender, status, or age. In salvation, the ground is level at the foot of the cross.

But in a world where relativism often challenges the notion of absolute truth, the Christian claim that Jesus is the only way to salvation can seem offensive and intolerant. This exclusivist perspective says that salvation is solely through faith in Jesus Christ, a belief rooted in biblical teachings and central to Christian doctrine.

**The Biblical Foundation**

1. Knowledge of God: Romans 1:18-21 explains that all people have some knowledge of God, but sin causes them to suppress this truth.

2. Christian Response: Christianity acknowledges human guilt and offers redemption through Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection are seen as satisfying divine justice (Romans 3:21-26; John 3:14-17).

3. Necessity of the Cross: The crucifixion was essential for addressing human sin and divine justice, making Jesus' sacrifice the sole means of salvation (Hebrews 2:17; John 14:6).

**Jesus' Exclusive Claims**

Jesus made clear claims about His unique role as Savior:

• Matthew 11:27: Jesus asserts His unique authority to reveal God.

• John 14:6: Jesus states that He is the only way to the Father.

• John 17:1-2: He speaks of His authority, granted through His redemptive work.

• Luke 24:46-47: Jesus teaches that salvation is based on His death and resurrection.

• Matthew 28:18-20: Jesus commands His disciples to spread the gospel, underscoring His authority.

**Apostolic Teaching**

The apostles also upheld the exclusivity of Christ:

• Acts 4:12: Peter emphasizes that salvation is found only in Jesus.

• Romans 3:21-26: Paul explains that only Jesus meets the divine requirements for salvation.

• 1 Timothy 2:5: Paul notes that Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity.

• Titus 2:13: Paul calls Jesus “our great God and Savior.”

• Revelation 5:9: John describes the redeemed praising Jesus alone.

**The Necessity of Faith**

Historically, Christians have believed that conscious faith in Jesus is necessary for salvation. It can’t be passive, don’t after death, etc.

• John 3:16-18: Belief in Jesus is essential for eternal life.

• Acts 17:30-31: Paul calls for repentance and faith in Christ.

• Romans 2-3: Both Jews and Gentiles need faith in Christ for forgiveness.

• Romans 3:9-10: All are unrighteous and need the righteousness of Christ, which comes by faith.

**Addressing Objections**

Critics often raise objections to exclusivism, such as accusations of arrogance or concerns about fairness. However, the key question remains whether Jesus is the only Savior. If He is, Christians are compelled to uphold this truth.

1. Arrogance: The exclusivity of Christ does not stem from arrogance but from a belief in the truth of Jesus' claims (John 14:6).

2. Fairness: The issue is not about hearing the gospel but about sinfulness. All people are sinners in need of Christ's salvation (Romans 3:19-20).

3. Hope for the Unreached: The hope for those who haven't heard the gospel lies in evangelism, emphasizing the necessity of mission (Matthew 28:18-19; Romans 10:12-14).

**Inclusivism vs. Exclusivism**

Inclusivism, as some Christians believe, suggests that salvation may be available to those who have never heard of Christ but live according to God's revelation in their conscience. In other words, through what theologians call general revelation (Rom. 1:18-31), a person may be saved.

However, this view is challenged by Scripture, which emphasizes the necessity of faith in Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

1. General Revelation: While general revelation makes people aware of God's existence, it does not provide saving knowledge. Special revelation, particularly through Christ, is necessary for salvation (Romans 10:14-17).

2. Sincerity and Salvation: Some argue that sincere seekers from other religions might be saved. However, examples like Cornelius (Acts 10) show that explicit faith in Jesus is necessary.

**The Mission of the Church**

The mission of the church is to proclaim the gospel, grounded in the belief that Jesus is the only way to salvation. This belief drives the urgency of evangelism and the necessity of conscious faith in Christ. While recognizing the good in other religions and the moral lives of individuals, Christianity maintains that salvation is found exclusively in Jesus Christ, as affirmed by Scripture and the teachings of the New Testament.

**Conclusion**

Ironically, those who champion inclusion often exclude those they deem insufficiently inclusive. This mirrors the world's hypocrisy: demanding openness from all religions, yet rejecting the exclusive claims of Christianity.

Jesus was both radically inclusive of sinners and utterly intolerant of sin. This dual nature is offensive to a world that values tolerance above truth. Christianity boldly asserts an exclusive truth while paradoxically calling all to come.

We must balance our exclusive identity as Christians with an inclusive mission to the world. This tension is at the heart of the gospel. Jesus' claim to be the only way to God is scandalous, but it's the only truth that offers salvation.

While the world values comfort and safety, Christians are called to a challenging path of faithfulness. This may lead to isolation, but it's the only way to truly live.

Let's embrace the paradox: an exclusive gospel with radical inclusion.