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Is Jesus the only way to God?

What happens to sincere people of other faiths?

What about those who never hear the gospel?

You haven’t been in ministry long if you haven’t been bombarded with questions like these. Do you ever find yourself struggling to articulate compassionately the exclusivity of Christ for salvation? Are you intrigued by the arguments of inclusivism and pluralism?

The Zondervan Counterpoints series answers the question of “salvation in a pluralistic world” by bringing together a wide spectrum of viewpoints on this sensitive subject. Four views are presented here regarding the fate of the unevangelized.

First, John Hick makes a case for normative pluralism – the view that all ethical religions lead to God. In Hick’s chapter, Hick testifies to his abandonment of Christian distinctives and his belief in the unknowable Transcendent which be believes is common to all religions. Pluralism becomes much less attractive upon reading Hick’s attack on the most fundamental doctrines of Christianity.

Next, Clark Pinnock makes a case for inclusivism – the view that salvation is found in Christ alone, but that conscious faith in Christ is not necessary for salvation. Pinnock’s enthusiasm and optimism for the “goodness” of other religions is too sweeping. His case is emotion-based more than reason-based, but to his credit, he does seek to back up his belief with Scripture. I have written on inclusivism here, so I won’t repeat my thoughts on the position.

The third position is Alister McGrath’s belief that salvation is in Christ alone, but that we cannot know for sure the fate of those who never hear the gospel. McGrath’s contribution differs sharply from the others in that he presents his argument by questioning many of the assumptions behind the idea of “salvation” and by seeking to avoid being too influenced by the Enlightenment.

The final contribution comes from R. Douglas Geivett and W. Gary Phillips. These men present the traditional view of salvation in Christ alone and the necessity of conscious faith in Christ.

Upon reading this book, I was struck by how one’s view of God seems to determine which side one will takes in this discussion. Hick’s “God” is virtually unrecognizable to traditional Christianity. Pinnock’s “God” is the all-American, equal-opportunity for everyone Deity that is “fair” according to human standards. McGrath’s “God” won’t fit in any box. Geivett and Phillips holy “God” has revealed himself in Scripture and calls all people to repentance and faith in His Son.

Pick up Four Views on Salvation. It’s a worthwhile read. This book does more than address the question of salvation in our pluralistic world. It leaves you with a firm understanding that the very identity of God himself is at stake in the debate.

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