Ben is a church leader at a church in Newcastle. A couple of weeks ago, Ben was preaching on John 10 where Jesus says he is the gate—the only way to peace, and safety and life in all its fullness. After the service, a young student came up to Ben in tears. She had never been to church before and asked, “Is it true?” Ben asked, “Is what true?” “The message you shared from the Bible,” she said, “is it true?” “Yes,” Ben replied, “it is.” The student continued crying, but she also smiled and said, “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.”
“It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard too!” Ben said - Jesus’ claim that he is the only way might sound exclusive at first, and it is. However, this exclusivity is what paradoxically makes the gospel the most wonderfully inclusive truth.
Think about other worldviews: In some religions, you might pursue enlightenment, yet once you have emptied yourself you find yourself alone in a struggle against desire, with no guarantee of eternal life. Others burden you with the weight of karma, while still others leave you uncertain if your good deeds are enough for salvation and your life hangs in the balance. Even secularism forces you to forge your own identity and this will leave you burdened by the weight of self-reliance.
Jesus' message of the gospel offers a radical departure from other worldviews. While religion often requires you to earn your salvation through religious practices and moral behaviour, and modern society emphasises self-reliance and individual achievement, Jesus offers his life as a gift. On the cross, he took our place, and through his resurrection he overcame death, offering us eternal life—freely, by grace.
The beauty of Jesus’ exclusive claim lies in its universal invitation. You don’t have to work your way to God or a fulfilling life—Jesus has already achieved it. While every other system and way of life will burden you, Jesus offers freedom. All he asks is that you turn to him, repent of the wrong in your life, and believe. And you can come to him regardless of your background, past mistakes, or the messiness of your life story. It’s the most beautiful truth the world has ever known. He truly is the ONLY way, and it is this that makes the gospel so radical and the best news you will ever hear.
After this encounter, this young student gave her life to Christ and has now settled into church community. It’s undeniable we’re in a significant cultural moment and God is on the move.
