Sermonette: Is Jesus the Only Way?

Sermonette: Is Jesus the Only Way?

#1670s
Craig Sablich
Given 10-Sep-22; 17 minutes 2022-09-10

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description: (hide) In response to the unequivocal proclamation of the apostle Peter in Acts 4:12 to the Sanhedrin that there is no name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved except for Jesus Christ, some notable evangelical and mainstream clergymen, interviewed by Oprah Winfrey (including Billy Graham, Joel Osteen, Rob, Bell, and William Craig), timidly and apologetically attempted to correct the overreach of the apostle Peter. Ignoring the caustic mixture of good and evil in carnal human nature, these apologists pointed to surface good behaviors which all people might exhibit, claiming that God would be patently unfair for destroying those who never heard the name of Christ. Some of these clergymen coddle blatant sexual perversions and other aberrations in their congregations, suggesting that they are basically good people, worthy of salvation. The apostle Paul warns believers not to be unequally yoked to unbelievers, warning that there cannot be fellowship between righteousness and lawlessness (II Corinthians 6:14). Admittedly all of God’s people have working acquaintances with unbelievers, but to enter a close relationship with someone not yet called of God is dangerous and foolhardy. Those who think their sterling example may win someone with a rebellious and lawless mindset over to Christ are playing with fire and explosives. God the Father has the sole responsibility of drawing an unbeliever and sinner (such as we all once were) to Christ. Presumptuous thinking that we are strong-willed enough to form an emotional relationship with someone hostile to God may pollute or endanger our own precious calling.