Getting Job-ed
In part 5 of 6 in our reflections on the Reformation, we are looking at the Sola: “Christ Alone.” The implications of this cannot be overstated. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, through Christ alone. It’s as offensive today (if not more) as it has been for 2,000 years! No others can save. Not: the Pope, Mother Mary, the saints, angels, Buddha, Muhammad, science, political ideologies, political figures, your health, your savings account, your status, your job, your religiosity, your good works. Nothing can save you but Christ alone.
No One Comes to the Father Except Through Christ…
Jesus makes it extremely explicit that salvation only comes through Himself. As much as the culture tries to say that He didn’t say that, they’re 100% wrong:
“… I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me….” John 14:6 ESV
“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:9-10 ESV
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” John 12:46 ESV
The Gospel of John is packed full of explicit claims from Christ to His being the only way to see God, as this is stated in all of the other New Testament writings. The New Testament writers risked their lives to state their allegiance to Christ, and most of them paid with their lives for that.
You’re Father is the Devil
The world states “all roads lead to God… as long as you stay true to yourself and what you believe then that’s all that matters…” We’re taught to conform to this ideology in society and in the workplace. Jesus faces this same ideology with Jewish leaders:
They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 8:39-47 ESV
Did you catch all of that? The Jewish leaders are saying that they believe in God and are His people because they are physical descendants of Abraham. Jesus makes it painfully clear: no, you’re father is the devil. Wait! They believe in Yahweh of the Old Testament! Jesus is saying “no, if you believed in Yahweh, you would believe in Me.” Those implications are massive. Isn’t the world trying to always equate all religions together? Jesus makes it clear that He is the only way to see God. This cannot be stressed enough.
The Danger of Believing in “Christ Alone”
Shortly after Jesus says this, they pick up stones to try to kill Him. Rightfully so: Jesus basically just told them they worship Satan. Those are bold words, but they should speak to us also. How often have we compromised Christ as being the only way to God, the rightful King of the universe? How often have we compromised to make peace at work or with friends to avoid those “awkward” moments?” How often have we thought something else can make us able to see God other than Christ? We try to go around Him at all cost, but it’s only through Him that we can see God (John 10:7-9).
If you believe in this doctrine, there are many dangers that can await: ostracizing from family, being fired from your job, losing friends, being in awkward situations, being labeled an “extremist” or “fundamentalist,” being told you’re archaic, being told you’re intolerant, being martyred. But the reward is greater: “…in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). The reward is not less, it’s far greater.
-Austin
