Light for Every Man
"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (John 1:9)
The Bible clearly teaches that faith in the person and saving work of Jesus Christ is essential for salvation. Jesus Himself said: "I am the way . . . no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
This means that there is no salvation whatsoever in Islam or Buddhism, or anything other than faith in Jesus Christ!
But what about the millions over the ages who have lived and died without ever hearing about Christ? Paul answers: "But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world" (Romans 10:18). That is, they have heard! Paul was referring to the familiar 19th Psalm, which reminds us that God's glory is declared by the heavens themselves, and Jesus Christ is God.
Paul also stressed that even God's "eternal power and Godhead" are "clearly seen" "from the creation of the world," so that those who don't see are "without excuse" (Romans 1:20). Thus, as Peter said "in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him" (Acts 10:35). Although Christ has provided at least some light for "every man," the tragedy is that "men loved darkness rather than light" (John 3:19). But for those like Cornelius (to whom Peter was sent with the gospel--Acts 10) who act on whatever light they have (in nature or conscience or any possible remnants of primeval truth in their native religion), God will send more light, for "he that doeth truth cometh to the light" (John 3:21).
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| "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20) "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). "When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God" (v. 10). "You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). "You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled" (Colossians 1:21). "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven" (Romans 4:7).
"It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2). "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
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There is no salvation in Islam or Buddhism, and certainly not in evolutionary humanism--or anything other than faith in Christ!
Matthew 16:15-17 "Who is Jesus?"
He said to [His disciples], "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven."
| The enduring symbol of Christianity is of course the cross. Unlike the flag, however, the cross is significant for what it does not contain: a crucified body. "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said" (Matthew 28:6)—eleven words which changed the world.
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