There are many things written in the Bible which people of all religious persuasions can use as helpful tips on life. Jesus often talks about peace and love, ideals which are shared by many. This fact has led some people to then pass the Bible (and Jesus teaching also) off as just another helpful philosophy and another equally valid way for people to follow in order to find God.
Yet when we come to the words of Jesus, such as recorded here in John 14:6, we can see that it is not possible to simply dismiss him as just another philosopher or spiritual leader. In this verse (and many others) Jesus claims absolute exclusivity in the path to God. Against the claims of the world's philosophies to provide a way of enlightenment, Jesus states, "I am the way". To the many religions which claim that what they teach is absolute truth, Jesus states, "[I am] the truth". And to those who try to please God by living a 'decent' life and helping their fellow human in the hope that in the end they will receive back the reward of their chosen lifestyle, Jesus states, "[I am] the life."
Can you imagine if a religious leader today held an international press conference and announced to the world that he was the only person on earth with the truth about God and that no one could know God without following him? There would be public outcry and claims of intolerance from all corners of the globe! Surely no one would take such outrageous claims seriously.
While the scenario above seems rather unbelievable, Jesus Christ has made such claims clearly and unequivocally. While some so-called "Christian" leaders have embraced a pluralism of ideas and advocate that all religions are equally valid, the one whom they supposedly follow has made no room for such a position. When it comes to Jesus there are only two valid options: 1. Reject his claim that no one comes to God except through him and embrace one or more human made philosophies, or, 2. Deny all others and follow Jesus Christ alone. As a Christian, it pains me to confess that I often have more respect for those who have diligently investigated Jesus' claims and decided to reject him than I do for those who feel they can use him as a figure at Christmas and Easter for peace and good will, but for the rest of the year have no conviction about him one way or the other. While I am saddened at their choice, at least those who strongly reject Jesus realise that it is not possible to sit on the fence when it comes to him and his teachings.
The most important decision for each and every person is his or her relationship with Jesus Christ. While sitting on the fence may seem an attractive position, it is not a valid one. Either Christ is the only way to God (as he claimed) or he is not. If he is not, then at best he was a lunatic to make such a claim and, at worst, the world's biggest liar. But if he is who he claims to be, the fate of an eternity rests on your decision to trust in him, and him alone, to make you acceptable before God. With regard to our relationship with Jesus Christ, the Bible puts it this way: "there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
If you have not yet come to a conclusion about Jesus Christ, I urge you to investigate him and his claims. Reading the Gospel of John and then the letter to the Romans is the best way to start. There you will encounter the very words that Jesus spoke while he was on earth and teaching about what his life and death means to us. This website contains helpful information about Jesus and how to follow him. If you would like to ask more questions or wish to talk to someone about your choice to follow Jesus Christ, please email us by clicking on the "Contact us" link above.
