The Offence of Christ

Christianity claims that there is only one way to God. And that has become a problem.

Let’s look at the offending words in the Bible. Jesus is speaking and says ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’

There it is. Black and white. No room for manoeuvre on that one.  

It looks offensive, arrogant even. And as a Christian, it’s one of the main challenges I get from those of other faiths or of no faith.

But there is another scripture I need to highlight. Jesus is speaking again: ‘the one who seeks finds.’

That’s clear too.

And it’s the key to this particular riddle. Yes, Jesus is exclusively the way to God. But yes, everyone can find Him.

The claims of Christianity would indeed be arrogant were they to be claimed as some secret way achievable only to a few (in much the same way as a secret society might claim). But the opposite is true. He is there for all and if you seek Him you will find Him.

If you’re reading this with doubt as to whether this is true, let me encourage you to carry out a little experiment over Christmas. Read Mark’s Gospel. It’s the second book in the New Testament and it’s the shortest and easiest to read of the gospels.

As you read, start with a prayer, asking Jesus to reveal Himself to you. He will. That’s His promise.

Now back to the problems Christians face today. Certainties are offensive in today’s post-modern world. The dear old BBC avoids Christian content and promotes alternative values. It’s uncool to have values that appear to be certain. Live and let live. Don’t claim to know the truth.

But that’s what I do claim. Not built upon my own knowledge but on the basis of what the Bible says.

For centuries the views I have expressed above have been the foundation stones of our nation. It is a comparatively recent phenomenon to accuse Christianity of being offensive and arrogant because of the certainty of its beliefs.

It’s Christmas, a time for carols. This is one of my favourites:

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver you

Wonderful words. And not just for Mary of course. For all of us.

There is only one way. And it’s not arrogant to say that. Because that’s not the end of the story. Thankfully, there is life for all. That baby boy grew up, lived, died, rose again and offers us new life.

All who seek Him will find Him.