The Bible and Religious Pluralism

The ancient Christian teaching that trust in Jesus is anyone’s only hope for salvation clashes head on with the modern idea that all religions are equally legitimate paths to God. Sadly, this “religious pluralism” is a notion many Christians have embraced, too.

Is Jesus the only way? Is salvation dependent on faith in Christ? That’s what Jesus taught with crystal clarity:

Enter by the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. (Matt. 7:13-14)

Not only is Jesus the only source of salvation (since forgiveness is not possible without the payment Jesus provides), but trust in Him is the only means of salvation (since He’s the only one who solved our problem—sin).

The following verses identify nine distinct lines of argument that biblically prove Jesus taught this truth and entrusted it to every one He trained to take His message after Him—the Apostles.

Neither Jesus nor His disciples were religious pluralists. When a hundred passages argue the same point from a variety of different angles it cannot be mistaken, only ignored.

The Clearest Statements
Jn. 14:6 Jesus said to Him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.”

Acts 4:11-12, Acts 16:30-31, 1 Tim. 2:5, 1 Jn. 2:23, 1 Jn. 5:11-12, Lk. 10:16, Lk. 12:8-9, Jn. 3:18, Jn. 3:36, Jn. 8:24, Jn. 10:7-8b