Who Is Jesus?
Is Jesus Exclusive?
By Dr. John Wagner
Some people consider Jesus one of the prophets; some a great teacher. Some people describe Him using the terms 'messiah' or 'savior'. The most important question however, is, who do YOU think Jesus is? The answer is an intensely personal one; and one which no one can answer for you. But while the answer is intensely personal, it cannot be private. Your answer will ultimately determine your eternal destiny!
Many writers label the time in which we live as 'postmodern' and describe certain characteristics which they say make this time unlike any other in history. When discussing religion, two terms are used to describe this time period: 'pluralistic' and 'diverse'. To be 'politically correct' today the philosophies identified by these terms must be embraced. Briefly, these philosophies include the idea that every religion is of equal value and no one has the right to tell anyone else that they are wrong in anything they believe. Postmodernism says 'truth' is whatever a person determines it is for themselves. The embracing of these views becomes evident when people ask the questions:
"What difference does it make what religion we belong to?"
"We all worship the same god anyway, don't we?"
The answer to those questions is: "No, we don't worship the same god." And yes, it does make a difference what religion we belong to." These answers are found in the Bible, where Jesus sets Himself apart as exclusive and without equal; not as one among many. In John 14:6 He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." He did not say 'I am one of the ways;' He said He was THE way!
In Acts 4 the disciples were prohibited, by the Jewish religious leaders, from preaching about Jesus. They responded to the prohibition, in verse twelve, by saying: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." The disciples believed that to withold Jesus was to withold salvation; without Jesus people are lost; without hope and without God.
The Bible presents Jesus as God; as the Creator; as the only Savior of the world; and as Lord. He described Himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Whatever you think of Jesus, it is essential to come to grips with these exclusive claims. You must answer the question in your heart: "Who is Jesus?"