The prevailing religious philosophy of our culture today is one of tolerance and coexistence. We’ve all seen the popular “coexist” bumper stickers which typify this virtue. The underlying idea is that we’re all basically just good people trying to figure out God in our own way and the worst thing anyone could do is claim that their way to God is the right way or only way. Biblical Christianity is often maligned because it seems to go against this prevailing idea and assert the exclusive idea that Jesus is the only pathway to true salvation. Some people, within and outside of Christianity, are pushing for a more inclusive view inline with today’s culture. So which is correct? Is Christianity exclusive or inclusive? The answer is both.
The Sinful Condition of Humanity Is Inclusive
The Bible teaches that every human being possesses equal value, worth, and dignity because we are all created in the image of God. It also teaches that every human being has been tainted by the curse of sin. This doesn’t mean that everyone sins the same amount or the same way, but it means that we’re all equally separated from God due to our sin.
Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Imagine trying to run and jump across the Grand Canyon. Some may be able to jump out a few feet, while the best Olympic long-jumper may be able to make it out close to 30 feet. But the ultimate result would be the same for both – falling very short. The same is true with our sin. Some may appear to be better than others in this life, but we all stand equally condemned in our sin before God. This may sound very offensive, but there is another way that Christianity is very inclusive.
The Invitation to Salvation Is Inclusive
The Bible offers us the inclusive message that the life and work of Jesus provide the opportunity for salvation to all sinners. Jesus offers full forgiveness of sin to anyone, regardless of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, socio-economic status, etc., if they simply acknowledge their sin and trust in Jesus to forgive them of it.
1 Timothy 2:3-6 This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.
God loves every single person and lovingly offers salvation to anyone who would turn to him. This is an extravagant and inclusive love. But there is still even more inclusive good news.
The Call to Love and Respect Is Inclusive
The Bible is clear that God doesn’t show any favoritism when it comes to his love and salvation.
Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.
The Jewish and Gentile people in Bible times had far greater tension and discrimination toward each other than anything in our world today. But the Bible says that God showed no favoritism toward either.
Likewise, Christians should never show any favoritism toward others. Christians are called to demonstrate genuine love and respect toward all people. This means that things like racism, sexism, classism, or any other form of discrimination should never be accepted. This doesn’t mean that the Christian needs to agree with all people or support values that contradict the Bible, but it does mean that our love and respect should be inclusive of all.
Yet even with all of this inclusivity, the Bible is very clear that Christianity is very exclusive in one very important way.
The Way to Experience Salvation Is Exclusive
While God loves and invites all people to salvation, it is only experienced by those who put their faith in Jesus. It doesn’t matter how nice of a person you are or how sincerely you follow your own way, there is only one way to salvation and it is through Jesus. This is not some man-made religious idea but comes from the words of Jesus himself.
John 14:6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
Jesus taught that there is only one, exclusive way to find forgiveness of sin and eternal life. And it is by believing and trusting in him. This may not be popular in our culture today, but it is the plain teaching of the Bible. And when you understand both the inclusive and exclusive salvation God offers, it can be incredibly good news for you!
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What are some examples we see in our culture of this prevailing idea of tolerance and inclusivity? What makes this so popular and appealing?
- Read Romans 3:23. What does it mean that all “fall short”? How is this different than the idea that we’re all equally evil or bad?
- How can this idea of all being sinful be liberating and helpful news?
- Read 1 Timothy 2:3-6. What does it mean that God wants “everyone to be saved”? How can God love people who have sinned against him?
- Describe in your own words how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ makes salvation possible for everyone?
- Read Acts 10:9-36. What are the implications of this interaction between Peter, a Jew, and Cornelius, a Gentile?
- What are some ways that Christians partake in subtle, or not so subtle, forms of favoritism, racism, and discrimination?
- What is the difference between discrimination and holding a moral conviction based on the Bible? How can we love and respect those with whom we disagree?
- Read John 14:6. Also, read Matthew 7:13-14, Acts 4:12 and 1 John 5:11-12. What is the implication of these verses?
- Why is the idea of there being many pathways to God so appealing? How can a Christian lovingly and respectfully respond to this idea?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
This is part of the Versus series. Download the sermon slides.
