Recently one of my students was puzzled and inquired of me about a statement I made in class. I commented that I was looking forward to being in heaven with a host of people from different times and places. I was especially looking forward to speaking with and learning from not only Christians from other denominations but from the redeemed from other religions.
My student asked the age-old question, “Does this mean that many roads lead to God?” “Oh, no,” I responded. “The Bible is very clear that Jesus is the way and there is no other name given under heaven by which we can be saved.” Seeing the puzzlement grow deeper upon his face I continued, “Ephesians 2 clearly states that God does the saving. God is the seeker in the parable Jesus told about the lost sheep. It is God who goes out looking for His lost ones. God is the finder and He finds His redeemable ones on Elm Street and Oak Avenue and Spruce Lane. It doesn’t matter that some are on dead end paths. He finds and rescues all who will allow.”
God doesn’t play favorites. Those who have been Christians all their lives are so blessed. But just because we were born into a Christian culture does not mean we have exclusive rights to the Kingdom. We did not choose to be born where we were born. No one will be saved by an accident of birth. All who are saved will be redeemed by the grace of a loving, caring Father who made it possible by Jesus, the Way.
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 3, 2008
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org