Isn't it Arrogant to Say Jesus is the Only Way?

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Isn't it Arrogant to Say Jesus is the Only Way?

by John Benza

Related reading: Is there absolute truth?

First, let me say that I do not seek to offend or degrade other religions at all. I am not associated with any Christians that degrade others as genuine Christians believe Jesus came to redeem all people regardless of race, color or national origin.

What makes Christianity different from all other religions is that Christianity celebrates the divine achievement accomplished by Jesus – the Christ, our redeemer, from eternal damnation. Most religions focus on human accomplishment. In other words, most religions determine man's future based on what he does or accomplishes in this life.

Jesus teaches us that salvation (eternal life in Heaven) is achieved through Grace (God's free gift through Jesus' death on the cross) and not of works (man's efforts to accomplish good things) so that no man may boast of his own accomplishment.

Jesus himself said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to
the Father but through me." Jesus further elaborates on this difference between the "wide group of religious choices" and the single path of salvation Christians choose when he states in Gospel of Matthew, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

This last verse explains why Christians seek to share the message of salvation to others. Like a lighthouse that beacons ships to warn them of danger, Christians proclaim the teachings of Jesus so that all may hear the truth and make their own choice with knowledgeable forethought.

We do not seek to convert anyone—we don't believe we have the power to do that. Only God does. We place Jesus' Words out there for all who are seeking to know "where the rocks are" and for those that heed it, we count it the blessings of God. For those who choose to ignore it, that is their right and their choice. Man stands condemned by a perfect and Holy God. Jesus offers redemption and salvation from damnation, free, no matter how many good works we’ve done. I cannot make one believe that message of hope, only God can, and that is why Christians believe salvation is from God alone.

I realize that not all may accept this answer and the message of Jesus, but at least you understand the motive and the rationale for why we Christians believe what we do.