by Kim Josephson

Jesus Christ said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the father but by me” (John 14:6). In our day this statement is taken to task by almost everyone. The broad-minded, compassionate, brotherhood of man type thinker challenges Jesus' narrowness. Philosophers balk at the bigotry and uncompromising position of the Messiah! Even the Church which dares not deny it, has in its embarrassment minimized the import of such a statement. Yet, there it stands. “Heaven and earth shall pass away but my Words shall not pass away.” (Matt. 24:35) The statement is stark and severe and it must be dealt with. Don't be deceived by a bunch of rhetoric. The timid will be put off by the so-called implications of these words but listen, Jesus isn't implying anything. He categorically defines the way - the truth - and the life and then promises damnation to anyone who refuses - no man cometh unto the Father but by me.

Note the exclusiveness of the definition. Jesus did not say He was a way - or one way of many ways. He did not say He was a truth - or one truth of many truths. Plainly, definitively Jesus says that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Here, Christianity is loosed from any common ground with man's concept of religion. Jesus gives us no rituals, no forms but instead demands relationship. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and if that will be effectual for our salvation, it will be by the grace of God through faith in Him.

But Brother Kim, what about the millions of good people - the Hindus - the Buddhists - whatever? Jesus plainly says there is no other way but Himself. I will not challenge the Son of God. I will not argue with the Risen Lord - the soon coming King of Kings. Jesus did not lie. He is the Truth. He loved us enough to tell us the truth.

But agreeing with the truth is not enough. We must act on what we know. Jesus has spoken - we must act. How can we be silent when the world all around us is damned? If Jesus had never commanded us to witness, the knowledge of this one fact would make us responsible for the souls of others. C.T. Studd said, “We call ourselves the soldiers of Christ, the Army of the Lord, while millions die having never heard the name of Jesus - I wonder what the angels call us?” The knowledge of this one fact should launch a thousand ships to the mission fields. It should send Christians through their neighborhoods in every city and town. It should break every heart in every church and a river of tears should flow for the souls of the lost. How will they know if you don't tell them? How can we live as if Christ were an option? In Jesus' name we must tell them!