- Isn’t everyone a child of God?
Actually, according to the Bible, no. The Bible tells us that only those who “believe in his name” (John 1:12), those who put their faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, are considered “Children of God.” It is a right given to those who have responded to the grace of God by faith.
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12–13
In actuality, anyone who has not responded in faith to the grace of God is under the wrath of God and stands condemned.
“Whoever believes in him [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:18
- Aren’t all religions really the same? Aren’t people just on “different roads going to the same place (heaven)?”
No they are not. First of all, we must examine the evidence. If you look at any major “religion/cult” you will find that they do not agree about what heaven is, where heaven is, nor do they agree about how to get to heaven. It is illogical then to say that everyone is going to the same place eventually when those of different religions/cults don’t believe this.
According to the words of Jesus, there is a wide road that many are on and that road leads to destruction, meaning hell. Again, according to Jesus, there is a very narrow road that leads to life, meaning heaven, and that road is Him.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13–14
Jesus clearly states that He “is” the gate.
Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.” John 10:7–9
(See the next question for more details.)
- Are Christians arrogant or closed minded because they believe that the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ?
No. Christians can (and should) only speak what God has said in His Word, the Bible. According to the Bible, not Christians, the only way to heaven is through the gift of salvation. It would be much more arrogant of a Christian to give his or her opinion or idea about how to get to heaven when God has answered this question clearly in the Bible.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” John 14:6
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9–10
“…Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
