Русский
Română
Español
Question:
How can we share the message of Jesus that He is the only way to the Father and not be arrogant when we share?
This message should not be transmitted with arrogance. In fact, arrogance is contrary to Christian behavior and attitude, and it must not be in the character of a disciple of Jesus. At the same time, the fact that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one comes to the Father except by believing in Him is the most important concept, and it should be told to all people.
Recently, I visited Saint Petersburg, where I presented at a scientific conference the history of the evangelical movement before the appearance of the first baptist church. Traveling through the city, I preached the Gospel to a muslim driver, who came from Azerbaijan, and the entire discussion was about the Person of Jesus Christ. He told me that the muslims also believe in Jesus Christ and that we, Christians should also receive Islam, because there is also faith in Jesus Christ. Then I explained to him that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who is rejected in the Islamic religion, everyone who doesn’t accept this truth, can be saved. I repeated to him continually that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and this is what He Himself said about Him. I emphasized that these were not my own words or opinion; these are the words of the Savior of the world, He said this and insisted on this truth. Then, Apostle Peter said that there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. When I left him, the muslim driver promised me that he will read the New Testament, to find more about Jesus and His teaching.
I am worried about another thing… A small number of people preach the Gospel to others, but most of them remain silent when they must preach Jesus. Others want to be politically correct and distort the message of the Gospel. Even some great evangelists try not to offend anyone and deny the fundamental truth that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and
the Life, and no one comes to God but through Him.
For I preach the Gospel into many countries, and I have talked with people of different nations and religions, and when I preach to them the Gospel, I emphasize that Jesus is the only way to salvation. I have never been accused of arrogance by somebody. Even if I would have been accused, I haven’t surrendered, but I would continue to tell them this important truth because without understanding it, they can’t believe the Gospel or be saved.
When people start to talk about their religion, it is right to listen to them; we should even ask them questions because in such a way we understand them and know better how they can understand us when preaching Christ to them. When the Apostle Paul came to Athens, he was walking and observing things, he was listening and having discussions with people. When he had the possibility to speak in the Areopagus, he told them:
„“Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man. Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:22-31)(NASB)
The Apostle didn’t criticize the religion of the Athenians, even if his spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols. He looked for giving a positive aspect to this, to be able to talk with them about Christ and preach to them the Gospel. We should also act like this and explain to people that without faith in Christ Jesus, they can’t receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life. May God help us to do so.
Translated by Elizaveta Bîrlădeanu