Christians Have an Inclusive Message<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
A repeated criticism against Christians is that they are too exclusive in their understanding of God and salvation.  "How could you possibly believe that salvation only comes through Jesus Christ?" the critics ask. Jesus' words, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father but through me" (John 14:6), should be changed to say, "I am a way, a truth, and a life. People can come to the father through me or through any other means they choose." A growing number of people believe that all religions lead to God in their own way. These same people insist that no one can claim superiority of one religious belief over another because all religious teaching is a matter of subjective opinion. Religion, they claim, is not a matter of science or history. It belongs to the realm of feelings and personal experiences. Others actually believe that as long as you are sincere in your efforts to serve God it doesn't matter what religion you follow. Yet how would this test apply to those who sincerely thought they were serving God when they demanded the crucifixion of Jesus?John Hick, a well known proponent of pluralism, described the current cultural environment accurately: "The present philosophical interpretation of the global religious situation aims to encourage each religious community to de-emphasize and eventually winnow out that aspect of its self understanding that entails a claim to unique superiority among the religions of the world."Hick is right. Social etiquette requires one to acknowledging the independent validity of every faith. Those who attempt to convert people to their religious beliefs are now accused of religious chauvinism. It is not enough to maintain (as we should) that each person is free to follow and express his or her own religion.  Now we must treat each religious belief as equally valid and abandon, as unacceptably arrogant, any attempt to convert others to a different religious opinion.Strangely, this approach to religion is often promoted as a requirement of tolerance and open-mindedness. Yet, "it forecloses on open-mindedness in the same breath by which it extols the virtues of open-mindedness.  Both the irony and tragedy of this fierce intolerance stem from the fact that it is done in the name of tolerance" (D.A. Carson). Evidently, no exception to tolerance will be tolerated.The present attitude toward religion can be intimidating to those with a missionary faith. How can they obey Jesus' call to, "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), without being considered rude, intrusive and exclusive? In such an environment, followers of Jesus are tempted to feel marginalized by accusations of exclusivism. Yet it is nothing short of cowardice to bow to the pressures required pluralistic civility. Like the first followers of Christ, present day followers must not dilute the message of salvation. In the fiercely pluralistic and polytheistic society of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Rome, the apostles testified of Jesus that, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). They did not announce this as a matter of personal opinion. They presented it as a fact of prophecy and history.
Given the prevailing attitude toward religious beliefs, it is wise to emphasize the inclusive aspect our message. The good news of salvation is meant for all people. At least seven truths related to the gospel apply to all people - without exception or distinction. Emphasize each one when you share the gospel
1..  God has demonstrated his love for all people (John 3:16).
2.  God desires the salvation of all people (I Timothy 2:3-4).
3.  God has made provision for the salvation of all people (I John 2:2).
4.  God commands all people to repent (Acts 17:30).
5.  God will hold all people accountable for their response (Acts 17:31).
6.  God takes no pleasure in anyone's rejection of his provision (Ezekiel    18:23,32).
7.  God will save all people who place faith in the Lord Jesus Christ                (John :16).
 

Steven W. CornellMillersville Bible ChurchMillersville PA. 17551|www.millersvillebiblechurch.org