True Christianity?

There is a trend among Christians that I have been noticing in recent years that I think is harmful. I've been seeing it even more lately, and I've even been observing it at the Christian university at which I teach.

The trend is to deny the central importance of Jesus. A lot of it tends to emphasize some very important things, such as love, tolerance and service to our fellow humans. You hear Christians quoting Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist sources to make their religious points. They say things like there are many paths to God and each one must find his or her own way. They talk about the brotherhood of man.

But, this is missing the whole point of Christianity. The basis of Christianity is that humankind chose sin over God, thus separating ourselves from the fellowship of God. No matter how hard we try, we cannot earn our way back. We had to have someone stronger and better than us to pay the price, namely Jesus. And, if we accept this free gift, we are back in fellowship with God - God has wiped the slate clean.

Of course, love, tolerance, service to our fellow humans, compassion and forgiveness are very important, and Christians should do those things in response to the free gift of salvation and in devotion, love and obedience to God.

But, Jesus is pretty clear:

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' " -John 14:6

and

"Whoever believes in him 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

Paul wrote:

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel - which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!" -Galatians 1:6-8

Another passage:

"The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.' " -Acts 16:29-31

As Christians, we should not be afraid to assert and defend the truth of Christianity!