Sometimes things come up in reading that seem worthy of writing a blog post.
Some things that seem to have answers, even though they are not included in an article.
This is one of those.
Someone made a comment about those who do not embrace Christianity. They asserted that this does not mean they are wrong about what they believe.
So, as this is a Christian blog, are they wrong?
Not necessarily - for the most part.
The crux of it seems to be in this verse spoken by Jesus, which can be found in John 14:6,
"No one comes to the Father except through me." This post examines some possible implications of this verse.Some people have said this makes Christians look arrogant. That is, saying that Christians are right, and everyone else is wrong.
Didn't Jesus preach against arrogance? Humility is a building block of the Christianity, after all.
Well, what does it mean to say that Jesus is the "Only Way?"
Other posts on this blog have asserted that Jesus can ultimately save everyone, regardless of what religion they practice.These posts assert that people are judged on the level of knowledge they have. This is based on what is on the inside.
Some have even made claims like this: when Christianity was first being spread, around 400 A.D., it did not reach as far as some people in places like China, in the Far East. They then say that, if you can only come to God through Jesus and they didn't know about him, then it is somehow a stumbling block to the whole religion.
While that does not dismiss Christianity altogether, it is something worth thinking about.
It might be a good time to say that God is transcendent and above human thought. It might also be a good time to say that Jesus went to save all people "in prison" on the Day after Good Friday (1 Peter 3:19). That includes those before Jesus, and those who did know of Jesus.
So, here is another question, since this is a blog to discuss these things.
What is meant by going through Jesus, and can one do this outside of Christianity?
Well, things like "do unto thy neighbor", "love thy neighbor" and the 10 Commandments are pretty universal concepts in organized religion, and they are just common sense.
And, the message of Jesus was about more than following the law. His message said that it was not the outward action so much that you are judged on, but what is on the inside. Sin is separating yourself from God on a spiritual level.
In fact, Jesus broke the letter of the Commandment about the Sabbath Day when he saved someone, according to Mark 2:27 and Luke 13:14. (The Jews claimed he worked instead of rested.) Yet, Jesus is recognized as the only sinless One.
Thus, it could be hypothesized that if you follow God on the inside, then you are following Jesus. (Luke 16:15) He is the Way, as he came and redeemed humans. Many religions believe that people recognize right from wrong on a deeper level, if they are honest.
Jesus also came to save those who needed help, as he knew who they were. Matthew 9:12 reads, "It is not the healthy who need a physician, but the sick." Jesus came and ate with prostitutes, tax collectors and those who society sometimes frowned upon.
He even said, " What you did to the least of the brethren you did to me." (Matthew 25:40)
What Does This Mean?
Jesus came to redeem humanity by his personal choice.
Since all things were created through him (John 1:3) , including people, he knows where they are spiritually. His message is not to cast people out, but to love them for who they are.
This post asserts that Jesus is capable of saving people in other religions. One can practice another religion and still come to God through Jesus.
Of course, Jesus would like you to know about his amazing grace and the idea that he did the work to earn you salvation, if you accept it. But maybe part his plan is to address those who don't accept the message. It can get you to reflect more, and learn and become aware of his presence.
God's plan is beyond human understanding.Christianity is amazing, and one can turn to Christmas as a small reflection of that. Just look at a child on Christmas morning, and that is reflective of the message Jesus is sending.
The message of going through Jesus to get to God can have a lot of interpretations. However, from the Bible one can glean that Jesus has the power to save, and the desire to save his Creation.
Do you think Jesus is the Only Way?
