God's Creative Call

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Ambivalent Confessions?

Have you ever had an encounter and/or discussion with a fellow Christian believer who states (and, apparently believes) the following mistaken idea?


"As a Christian, I believe that Jesus is the only way for me, but I can't say He is the way for the others."


Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason states:


Statements like this have become increasingly common among Christians of all stripes.

In both confessing Christ and retreating from the Gospel at the same time, these ambivalent confessions betray a deeply confused understanding of the Christian message.
 In the CD "No Other Name," I walk you through the error behind the well-meaning but misguided thinking. I hope it will equip you for your discussions with others about the Gospel.

A statement like, "As a Christian, I believe that Jesus is the only way for me, but I can't say He is the way for the others"might be considered as a well-meaning, politically correct type of communication, but as Greg stated, it is misguided thinking.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we know His Word, the Bible is the absolute truth. So when Jesus tells us in Scripture, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except by by Me" then we know we are wrong to say "but I can't say He is the way for the others."

Standing firm for Christ and sharing the true gospel message has to be our utmost intention and goal in this life. No amount of political correctness will do! Did Jesus utilize political correctness during his three-year ministry on earth? NO. Of course not! He told the truth - even when doing so brought danger to him and his disciples from those who opposed our Lord and Savior.

We cannot shirk our duty as followers of Jesus by giving a wishy-washy version of the gospel message. We must be firm in our convictions, put on the whole armor of God, and use Scripture to both evangelize the world as well as ward off the enemy of our souls.

Eph 6:10   Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.


Eph 6:11   Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.


Eph 6:12   For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, [fn] against spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places].


Eph 6:13   Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.


Eph 6:14   Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,


Eph 6:15   and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;


Eph 6:16   above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.


Eph 6:17   And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;


Eph 6:18   praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--


Eph 6:19   and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,


Eph 6:20   for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.


Dr. David Jeremiah has an excellent sermon about utilizing the Armor of God.

Go to David Jeremiah.org, click on the green box that reads "Watch Now - This Week's Broadcast" and watch "The Shield of Faith." Former broadcasts are also available at the site.

Hat Tips to all links.

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