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Salvation Questions
Aren't there many paths to God?
But I'm a good person; isn't that enough?
What about those who have never heard of Jesus?
But I’m a good person; isn’t that enough?
This is very common thinking. Many of us at IBC once thought this way.
How do we know what God bases this decision on? Thankfully, He repeatedly tells us in His word.
Think about the following portions of Scriptures,
- "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)
No one is good enough; every person falls short of God's glory. - In Ephesians, Paul tells us that we are saved through faith; that it is "not of ourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9)
- In Galatians, Paul refers to "the works of the law" which is keeping God's commandments. Notice what he says: "...a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ... for by the works of the law shall no [person] be justified." (Galatians 2:16)
- "If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." - Galatians 2:21
In other words, if you could be made righteous by following rules (even God's rules), then Jesus didn't have to die. - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us. (Titus 3:5)
For more, look up some of the references listed on the salvation page.
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Aren't there "many paths to God"?
God's word gives us a clear answer: NO.
It's unusual in today's culture to make such an exclusive claim. We do not do so lightly, nor do we think we are somehow superior to other people (in fact, we know we are sinners; only Jesus is righteous).
Everyone has opinions & ideas; but on this issue, only God's ideas matter. Again, consider the following passages of Scripture.
- The apostle John tells us of a conversation Jesus has with a religious man. Note what Jesus says of himelf: "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me." (John 14:6)
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The apostle Peter addressed a group of religious leaders, explaining his belief in "Jesus Christ of Nazareth." He said: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
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The apostle Paul told Timothy: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (I Timothy 2:5)
For more, look up some of the references listed on the salvation page.
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What about those who have never heard of Jesus?
We cannot always see the "whole picture"; we must learn to trust God. Consider what is revealed through each truth below.
The Bible is clear that...
- God is loving and "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
(II Peter 3:9) - God is actively involved in the life of every creature and every person.
(Matthew 10:29-31) - The only way to be justified is through faith in Jesus. There is no other way.
(John 14:6; Acts 4:12) - God uses His creation to declare His glory in every land, culture and language.
(Psalm 19:1-6) - God uses His word to show us our guilt.
(Romans 3:19; Galatians 3:24)
"The Scripture hath concluded all under sin..." (Galatians 3:22) - God uses His word to point us to Christ (our Savior).
(Romans 10:17)
"...that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to all that believe..... the law [OT] was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith."
(Galatians 3:22-24) - God uses His people to spread this good news of Salvation in Christ (the "Gospel").
(Romans 10:13-15)
The Gospel is actionable information - we who have heard of Jesus must do something about it. He paid for our sin, and offers us salvation. We must trust our loving God (who can be trusted!) to do what is just and right with others. He knows every heart and each person must answer to Him. We must prepare to meet Him ourselves.