one of the most audacious things that JESUS ever said…

we have been looking here on the front porch at some difficult questions that people have about suffering and about doubts.

another tough question for some has to do with one of the most audacious things that JESUS ever said. the most politically incorrect words ever to come from the lips of JESUS are found in john 14.6 (rsv), I am the way, and the truth and the life. no one comes to the FATHER but by ME.

now for some that is a very narrow-minded arrogant and controversial statement. but JESUS said it not out of arrogance but out of great compassion. the truth in this single sentence is one of the most important bits of information for the entire planet and for you personally.

so why is it so controversial? well it’s because this statement strikes at the heart of some great myths today about religion. one of those myth is that all religions are basically the same.

now many believe that when you strip away all the surface level distinctions, all religions basically teach the same thing. all spiritual paths, in other words, lead up the mountain to GOD in one way or the other. so it doesn’t matter which one that you believe.

yet with this one outlandish assertion, JESUS CHRIST boldly takes CHRISTianity and HE puts it in a separate class by itself. if the only real path to GOD is through JESUS CHRIST, then the reality is this: CHRISTianity cannot be reconciled with any other religion.

acts 4.12 (niv) says, salvation is found in no one else for there is no other NAME under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

you see the uniqueness of CHRISTianity is rooted in the uniqueness of JESUS CHRIST. HE is unlike any other religious leader who ever walked the planet. listen to the difference between what other religious leaders say and what JESUS says.

• other religious leaders say, “follow me and i will show you how to find the truth.” JESUS says, I am the truth.
• other religious leaders say, “follow me and i’ll show you the way to salvation.” JESUS says, I am the way to eternal life.
• other religious leaders say, “follow me and i’ll show you how you can become enlightened.” but JESUS said, I am the light of the world.
• other religious leaders say, “follow me and i’ll show you many doors that lead to GOD.” but JESUS said, I am the door.
• other religious leaders say, “follow me and i’ll show you how you can find spiritual nourishment.” but JESUS said, I am the bread of life. then JESUS said, so, follow me.

just a thought from the front porch…