Skylar's Blog & Podcast

Acts 4:12

There is a conversation that has circulated churches, classrooms, and different spiritual beliefs that I want to throw out and talk about. The question is this (and I want you to answer it before we go on): is there any other way to heaven besides through Christianity? In other words, let's say there is a person born into a tribe which is totally isolated. Because of this the Bible is never translated into their language and they also never receive the Gospel. However, this people group are seeking after a God figure who they know created everything supernaturally. They do not know who this God is, but they seek after him/her. They want to know him/her better but unfortunately they have no way of knowing this god. They follow closely to what God calls for in His children, so in essence they're living the Christian life, but they just can't figure anything about this God. Will this person enter into God's kingdom? Before you go on, read one of these articles or both about this attitude shift in America and you'll see what I'm talking about:

http://www.wdef.com/news/americans_say_more_than_one_way_to_heaven/06/2008

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1817217,00.html

In Peter's second sermon he's addressing a band of angry religious leaders, and in his sermon he proclaims something, that something is the verse I put up top: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."However, Jesus threw out one better: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6)." What do these verses say about this question? What do you think?...

Do you want to know my answer? In my mind there's two things that need to be said: first, just as Jesus said: there is no way to God, therefore there is no way to heaven, except through Him. Jesus made it clear that the path to heaven was a narrow path, and true Christianity would never be something the masses would get really excited about/something they would accept. In my mind, to say someone can stumble into heaven like we were talking about is the same as saying someone can earn their salvation, and the Bible is clear this is not possible (Romans 3:23-26, Ephesians 2:8-9). The second thing is this, God realizes this is a problem. God does not enjoy casting people into hell (1 Timothy 2:4). However, take a step back. We are always to quick to blame God for this, but wasn't it God who called us to take His Gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Now, this is not a plug for more missionaries. However, there are too many times when we point the finger at God and too few when we look at ourselves and ask if we are allowing God to use us. The times in my life where I have truly sought out God's desires and His will are few and far between. Maybe I'm the only one, but maybe it's time for all of us to seek out what God wants for this world. Maybe it's time we turn the finger pointing at God and turn it back on us and allow God to speak into our hearts and allow Him to place His desires into our hearts. Maybe He will place in your heart a desire to reach those isolated villages spread out across the world who have never received true life. Maybe He will ask you to minister to your next door neighbor. Both are incredible callings; however, warning: if you seek this out God will answer and He will start something in you that will forever change your life.