"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way...'" (John 14:6).
I shared the following, by Richard Wurmbrand, at last evening's Divine Service. And remember that "The Way" was an early name for Christianity (Acts 9:2, 24:14).
A young Brahmin came one day to the renowned missionary, E. Stanley Jones, and told him, "Your speeches have found much response. It would be good if you would preach Christ as one of the many ways. There are others, too. We love Krishna. Others love Kali. If you would accept this, all India would listen to you."
This temptation existed already at the beginning of Christianity. The Roman Empire was very tolerant toward religions. They gladly would have accepted Christ as one of the many gods in their Pantheon - on the same footing as Diana, Mars, Apollo, Mithra, and the emperors. What led to the persecution of the first Christians was the insistence that Christ is the only way and that all the others are false.
Personally, I would like it very much if there could be many ways. However, in no regard is the universe constructed according to my wishes. Someone wiser than I, who knows better, has created it. I have to accept it. I have no other choice. I would like to have been born and raised in other circumstances. Again, my life has been predestinated without my being consulted. I cannot decide how men should be saved. The master of the universe has appointed only one way of salvation.
There is no arguing with Him. Receive Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Refuse Him, neglect Him, and you will be damned. It is as simple as this. God did not ask us about our tastes. We would like it if there would only be a heaven. There exists a hell, too. It is so easy for you to avoid it.
