The Exclusivity of Christianity: Myth or Reality

[rusra02]

I believe scripture says that people will be sent to Hell. However God does not torment people there but they can be tormented by the fact that they are there and the memory of their sins.

The English word "hell" translates (poorly, IMO) the Hebrew word Sheol and the Greek word Hades. Acts 2:27 and Psalm 16:10 shows these terms are equivalent and mean the same thing; the Grave. Concerning those in Sheol, Ecclesiastes 9:10 says; "Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your might, for there is no work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave, where you are going." Verse 5 affirms that "the dead know nothing at all." These and other scriptures convince me that the dead are not in any pain.

 

[12jtartar]

Some Christians belief that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus.

This could mean only Christians make it to heaven and people of all other faiths are destined for hell.

One of the most commonly quoted passages from the bible to justify this view is: John 14:6

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

What's the best way of looking at this passage?

Is their reasonable justification for Christians' claims that only their faith can save? Is there a better way of understanding salvation?

adrian009,
When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit came down on him, in the form of a dove, and stayed its him. The Almighty God, Jesus' Father spoke to Jesus from heaven, Matthew 3:16,17. God said; this is my son in whom I am well pleased.
The Bible then tells us that there is not another name under heaven by which we MUST get saved, Acts 4:8-12.
That means that when Jesus comes back to earth, he will judge the people on earth, Acts 17:31, Matthew 25:31-46, 2Thessalonians 1:6-9.
When Jesus comes back to earth, the vast majority of people who do not know God, and follow Jesus, will go into the Lake of Fire, which is the second death, Revelation 20:15. It seem that some people on earth that had no opportunity to get to know God will live through the Great Tribulation, because of their good conscience, Romans 2:13-16, Revelation 7:14.
After Armageddon there will be The Thousand Year Judgment Day. During that time most of the dead will be resurrected back to earth,over a period of time, and all living then will be taught the proper way to live, in order to reach perfection, as Adam and Eve were before their sin. During that time people will also be bringing the earth to the condition that it was in the Garden of Eden.
At the end of the thousand years there will be one last test, to see if all really want to remain on earth, or would rather die with Satan, Revelation 20:7-10.

 

[Hawkins]

Some Christians belief that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus.

This could mean only Christians make it to heaven and people of all other faiths are destined for hell.

One of the most commonly quoted passages from the bible to justify this view is: John 14:6

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

What's the best way of looking at this passage?

Is their reasonable justification for Christians' claims that only their faith can save? Is there a better way of understanding salvation?

Christianity is the best bet because it is the only all-human facing religion. Other religions are very much "local".

Acts 1:8 (NIV2011)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV2011)
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Christians are asked to preach the gospel to every nation as a witness before His second return. It is an all nation and all time mission. Salvation should be for all humans and thus should be all mankind-facing. This should global, not local.

Matthew 24:14 (NIV2011)
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

 

[idea]

Some Christians belief that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus.

This could mean only Christians make it to heaven and people of all other faiths are destined for hell.

One of the most commonly quoted passages from the bible to justify this view is: John 14:6

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

What's the best way of looking at this passage?

Is their reasonable justification for Christians' claims that only their faith can save? Is there a better way of understanding salvation?

1 Cor 15 29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

salvation in this life... or in the next. No need to overly worry about everyone.

 

[Muffled]

True. The problem is the differing interpretations of 'true meaning of Christianity.' It is clear from the Gospel that 'Jesus grew in stature and wisdom.' Our stature is defined genetically, but we may choose to close off growth in wisdom. Ideally, we ought to apply Jesus' teaching to the needs of the communities of our day, just as did the evangelists when they penned their Gospel.

Mt 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins.

I believe that the central nature of Christianity is to be saved from sin, so when someone says he encourages, supports or tolerates sin he is no longer Christian.

 

[Muffled]

That's perfectly all right. Only that the Bible does not say that any of these are not true. There are symbolic prophecies of Muhammad the Bab and Baha'u'llah in the Book of Revelation and in the Old Testament that may be of interest to you.

Thanks for your comment. Anyway, for the record we believe in Jesus as the Lord and the Bible as the Word of God.

I believe you could say that the words are manifestations of God and the prophets the instruments for conveying those manifestations. I believe I do that also whenever I quote His word.

I believe that is the first time I ever heard a Baha'i say that.

 

[Muffled]

The above is a belief, not necessarily a fact, and it's very important to recognize the difference between the two.

I believe according to RF there are no facts only beliefs.

 

[loverofhumanity]

I believe you could say that the words are manifestations of God and the prophets the instruments for conveying those manifestations. I believe I do that also whenever I quote His word.

I believe that is the first time I ever heard a Baha'i say that.

Inscription in the Old Bible Written by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

"THIS book is the Holy Book of God, of celestial Inspiration. It is the Bible of Salvation, the Noble Gospel. It is the mystery of the Kingdom and its light. It is the Divine Bounty, the sign of the guidance of God. "

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

 

[Muffled]

1 Cor 15 29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

salvation in this life... or in the next. No need to overly worry about everyone.

It would be nice if everyone we prayed for were saved but I believe that doesn't happen as often as we would like.

 

[pearl]

I believe that the central nature of Christianity is to be saved from sin, so when someone says he encourages, supports or tolerates sin he is no longer Christian.

It is also supposed to be the nature of Christianity not to judge as that belongs to God alone.

Mt 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins.

Yet the Gospel of John offers a different answer. John’s Gospel does not see Jesus’ death as a ransom nor does it use the language of sacrifice or atonement. There is instead emphasis on friendship, intimacy, mutuality, service, faithful love—revealing God’s desire and gift for the full flourishing of humanity, or in other words, salvation. The question; Would the Son of God have become incarnated if humanity had not sinned?

 

[MJFlores]

Some Christians belief that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus.

This could mean only Christians make it to heaven and people of all other faiths are destined for hell.

One of the most commonly quoted passages from the bible to justify this view is: John 14:6

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

What's the best way of looking at this passage?

Is their reasonable justification for Christians' claims that only their faith can save? Is there a better way of understanding salvation?

Christians? Which one?

• World Christian Encyclopedia (David A. Barrett; Oxford University Press, 1982) apparently estimated almost 21,000 denominations, and the updated World Christian Encyclopedia (Barrett, Kurian, Johnson; Oxford Univ Press, 2nd edition, 2001) estimated at least 33,000. “Denomination” is defined as “an organised christian group within a country”.

• The Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary estimated 34,000 denominations in 2000, rising to an estimated 43,000 in 2012. These numbers have exploded from 1,600 in the year 1900.

33,000-43,000 different Christian faiths - I don't think all are going up. I believe my Lord Jesus saves and he will save his church. Ephesians 5:27-29

This is how it works - at the end of the world.

1. Jesus returns, saves those people who are in him (dead and alive) 1 Thessalonians 4:17
2. The people of the Earth mourns Matthew 24:30
3. God wrath follows until the earth is bare. 2 Peter 3:10
4. Satan is defeated, false prophet and the beast thrown to the lake of fire. People who did not share the first resurrection are judged, those who did not pass thrown to the lake of fire. Revelation 21:8
5. Death also thrown to the lake of fire 1 Corinthians 15:26
6. Those who are saved, will enjoy eternal life. Revelation 21:4

Is salvation exclusive for all Christian faiths no matter how different each and every denominations and sects believe in? I think, there will be a reckoning - Matt 7:21-23

 

[Dawnofhope]

Christians? Which one?

• World Christian Encyclopedia (David A. Barrett; Oxford University Press, 1982) apparently estimated almost 21,000 denominations, and the updated World Christian Encyclopedia (Barrett, Kurian, Johnson; Oxford Univ Press, 2nd edition, 2001) estimated at least 33,000. “Denomination” is defined as “an organised christian group within a country”.

• The Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary estimated 34,000 denominations in 2000, rising to an estimated 43,000 in 2012. These numbers have exploded from 1,600 in the year 1900.

33,000-43,000 different Christian faiths - I don't think all are going up. I believe my Lord Jesus saves and he will save his church. Ephesians 5:27-29

This is how it works - at the end of the world.

1. Jesus returns, saves those people who are in him (dead and alive) 1 Thessalonians 4:17
2. The people of the Earth mourns Matthew 24:30
3. God wrath follows until the earth is bare. 2 Peter 3:10
4. Satan is defeated, false prophet and the beast thrown to the lake of fire. People who did not share the first resurrection are judged, those who did not pass thrown to the lake of fire. Revelation 21:8
5. Death also thrown to the lake of fire 1 Corinthians 15:26
6. Those who are saved, will enjoy eternal life. Revelation 21:4

Is salvation exclusive for all Christian faiths no matter how different each and every denominations and sects believe in? I think, there will be a reckoning - Matt 7:21-23

So its not just the Christian exclusivity, but exclusive Christians amidst the Christians.

 

[omega2xx]

So its not just the Christian exclusivity, but exclusive Christians amidst the Christians.

Do all Bahai believers believe exactly the same way about what all your scriptures say?

 

[Dawnofhope]

Do all Bahai believers believe exactly the same way about what all your scriptures say?

In our conversations I haven't quoted any Baha'i scripture to you. I've quoted the bible. Baha'is come from different cultures and different faith backgrounds. I am from a Christian background, but we will have Baha'is that are from Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, or atheistic backgrounds.

Baha'u'llah the founder of the Baha'i Faith was born in Persia but was exiled to Bagdad, Constantinople, Adrianople, and finally Akka, the great fortress prison of the Ottoman empire. Most of His contacts, though not all, would have been with Muslims. When He passed away in 1892 His son Adbu'l-Baha became head of the Faith, and was finally permitted to have freedom to travel in the twentieth century so in 1912 set sail for America. There he spent nine months travelling around through the States and spoke in many places on Christian themes. So to answer your question, not all Baha'i believe exactly what I believe in as not all Christians belief exactly what you believe. However there are some significant points of difference between Baha'is and Christians in our understanding of the bible. These include the nature of Salvation, the Divinity of Christ, the resurrection, the exclusivity of Jesus as the way to God, and the Return of Christ. To better understand the Baha'i perspective on Christian themes you would need to eventually read the Baha'i writings yourself. I wouldn't imagine that would be of interest to you, but here's a good starting point.

Bahá'í Reference Library - Some Answered Questions

 

[omega2xx]

In our conversations I haven't quoted any Baha'i scripture to you. I've quoted the bible. Baha'is come from different cultures and different faith backgrounds. I am from a Christian background, but we will have Baha'is that are from Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, or atheistic backgrounds. That doe snlt answer my question.


Baha'u'llah the founder of the Baha'i Faith was born in Persia but was exiled to Bagdad, Constantinople, Adrianople, and finally Akka, the great fortress prison of the Ottoman empire. Most of His contacts, though not all, would have been with Muslims. When He passed away in 1892 His son Adbu'l-Baha became head of the Faith, and was finally permitted to have freedom to travel in the twentieth century so in 1912 set sail for America. There he spent nine months travelling around through the States and spoke in many places on Christian themes. So to answer your question, not all Baha'i believe exactly what I believe in as not all Christians belief exactly what you believe.

You were tdrying to point out that because some Christians have different interpretations, that makes the Bible not from God or not accurate.

However there are some significant points of difference between Baha'is and Christians in our understanding of the bible. These include the nature of Salvation, the Divinity of Christ, the resurrection, the exclusivity of Jesus as the way to God, and the Return of Christ. To better understand the Baha'i perspective on Christian themes you would need to eventually read the Baha'i writings yourself. I wouldn't imagine that would be of interest to you, but here's a good starting point.

That is exactly why I say you are not teaching the Bible.

Bahá'í Reference Library - Some Answered Questions

You are right, I see not need to study any religion I believe is not true.

 

[Dawnofhope]

You were tdrying to point out that because some Christians have different interpretations, that makes the Bible not from God or not accurate.

The Baha'i perspective on the bible:

THIS book is the Holy Book of God, of celestial Inspiration. It is the Bible of Salvation, the Noble Gospel. It is the mystery of the Kingdom and its light. It is the Divine Bounty, the sign of the guidance of God.


‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Bahá'í Reference Library - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, Pages 17-18

That is exactly why I say you are not teaching the Bible.

We have differing views of the bible, we both believe in. Who has the authority to determine which of us is correct?

 

[omega2xx]

The Baha'i perspective on the bible:

THIS book is the Holy Book of God, of celestial Inspiration. It is the Bible of Salvation, the Noble Gospel. It is the mystery of the Kingdom and its light. It is the Divine Bounty, the sign of the guidance of God.

That is an excellent description of the Bible. So why do you accept the writings of Bahai, when it contradicts what the Bible says?

I want to put one more nail in the coffin of unBiblical Bahai theology

I Thes 4:16 - For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven...

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Bahá'í Reference Library - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, Pages 17-18

We have differing views of the bible, we both believe in. Who has the authority to determine which of us is correct?

WE can only believe what we can believe. IMO, the main difference in what we believe about the Bible, is that I believe it is the only source of spiritual truth. You are willing to accept the writing of what I think the Bible says is a false religion.

What would Bahai say the chief end of man is?

 

[Hawkins]

Some Christians belief that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus.

This could mean only Christians make it to heaven and people of all other faiths are destined for hell.

One of the most commonly quoted passages from the bible to justify this view is: John 14:6

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

What's the best way of looking at this passage?

Is their reasonable justification for Christians' claims that only their faith can save? Is there a better way of understanding salvation?

It represents a situation where even when you are put in you will say the same!

Here's the analogy. We all know that there's no way for humans in stone age to realize the existence black holes. When you are sent back to them, the only way for them to reach this truth is by believing what you said. If the existence of black holes do concern their dead or alive, now all you can tell them is that "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man can come to the truth of the existence of black holes, but by me.".

What else can be done?!

 

[Dawnofhope]

That is an excellent description of the Bible. So why do you accept the writings of Bahai, when it contradicts what the Bible says?

I want to put one more nail in the coffin of unBiblical Bahai theology

I Thes 4:16 - For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven...

It is important to recognise, the problem isn't the Bible, it is us! That is why there is division amongst Christians and we are not in agreement.

The only nails and coffin here are the ones you imagine.

We need to understand what is meant by heaven. It is the invisible realm where heaven exists, rather than up in the physical sky, where it clearly doesn't.

Where did Jesus come from? Heaven of course.

John 3:13, John 6:38, John 6:41-2

Did He literally descend from the sky to enter Mary's womb? I don't think so. Nor should we expect His descent from the literal clouds of heaven.

WE can only believe what we can believe. IMO, the main difference in what we believe about the Bible, is that I believe it is the only source of spiritual truth. You are willing to accept the writing of what I think the Bible says is a false religion.

That's what the Jews think about the NT.

What would Bahai say the chief end of man is?

To know and worship God

 

[Dawnofhope]

Is salvation exclusive for all Christian faiths no matter how different each and every denominations and sects believe in? I think, there will be a reckoning - Matt 7:21-23

WE can only believe what we can believe. IMO, the main difference in what we believe about the Bible, is that I believe it is the only source of spiritual truth. You are willing to accept the writing of what I think the Bible says is a false religion.

What else can be done?!

It is a very Christian characteristic to focus and emphasise points of difference. Many Christians I come across, do this. No sooner have I mentioned the word Baha'i than the Christian is looking for the areas of disagreement so they can satisfy themselves that the Baha'i faith is false and fell good about their own (perceived superior) view.

The main problems with this approach:
- It causes division amongst Christians who of course understand the bible differently.
- It leads to Christians being less inclined to associate with others who they view as different and deficient.
- The standards that each Christian uses are not necessarily any more true or correct than the principles they reject in others belief systems.

I prefer to focus on the vast areas of agreement.

- We believe in an Omnipotent, All-Powerful God.
- God has created the universe and all that exists
- God has qualities of Love and Justice
- God is concerned for His creation
- Man is a special part of His creation and we have been created in His image
- God out of concern for His creation and humanity has guided us through Great Teachers and/or prophets
- One of those Great/Teachers or Prophets (Jesus) is exalted above all humans
- God expects us to make a great effort to live in accordance with His teachings and to have Faith in Jesus
- The OT prophets have provided God's guidance to the Jewish peoples
- The Bible has a record of Jesus, the apostles, and the OT prophets
- Jesus, the apostles, and the OT prophets we guided by God's unerring spirit
- The Bible should be considered authentic and authoritative
- We should love God with all our being and love our neighbours and enemies as Jesus taught
- We should forgive others
- We should be good as God is good
- We believe that we have a soul and that there is an afterlife
- We believe that evil is a real problem
- We believe that Christ promised He would return and spoke of the signs that would accompany His Return.
- The Returned Christ will bring in a new age or era in human history.
- Jesus is the 'Son of God'
- 'Salvation' is intimately associated with Christ.
- Jesus was crucified
- His sacrifice enabled our salvation
- The resurrection is a concept/reality of profound significance and importance