In 1966, something happened in the heart of London that had longstanding ripple effects throughout the Western world. Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and professing Christian leaders gathered for what they proudly deemed an “intra-faith” service—and many applauded, hailing the event a great day for religion.
But, my friends, it was not a great day. In fact, that moment was a modern-day crack in the dam—a profound public rejection of the uniqueness of the Lord Jesus Christ. And tragically, this false gospel has now become the prevailing belief system in America, with these same kinds of services happening everywhere under the guise of “tolerance” and “unity.”
The idea was simple but dangerous: No single religion has the Truth, so maybe we can piece it all together. Soon, the argument evolved into full-blown pluralism: Every religion must be treated as equally true. And if you dare say otherwise, you are arrogant, bigoted, and a threat to society.
Proponents of pluralism argue inclusivity is the better road—that salvation is available not only to Christians who believe in Jesus but to all men of good will. But Jesus taught, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
Our Lord Jesus Himself did not leave the door open for “many paths to God.” He said there is one way—and it is He.
THE DANGER OF THE BROAD ROAD
Cries for inclusivity have echoed far and wide in the West—even infiltrating churches. They silence followers of Christ with hateful accusations of bigotry, intolerance, and exclusivity. Tragically, the result is confusion, frustration, and doubt.
I believe with all my heart that true Christians who love the Lord Jesus must understand these heresies that threaten the Church today. So let me give you six deceptive principles advocated by inclusivists—six traps that believers must resist with all discernment.
#1 INCLUSIVISTS PREACH GLOBAL HARMONY AT ANY COST.
The cry of the day is unity, unity, unity. Inclusivists claim that an instinct for survival unites us, that pursuing global harmony should trump all, and that whatever divides us must be eliminated to achieve the common goals of environmentalism and economic justice. Of course, Christians should be concerned about these things. But it would be foolish to sacrifice the Truth of the Gospel on the altar of global harmony. There can be no peace without the Prince of Peace, who alone can reconcile us to both the Father and one another.
TAKEAWAY: As Christians, we believe in global harmony but not at the expense of Truth. Indeed, global harmony is coming—that glorious day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord!
#2 INCLUSIVISTS TURN TO EASTERN RELIGIONS TO FILL THE SPIRITUAL VACUUM.
When Biblical Truth is thrown out, what rushes in to fill the void? False spirituality of every kind—New Age meditation, mysticism, reincarnation, and every Eastern philosophy that falsely promises spiritual enlightenment. There is nothing wrong with studying other religions. I have done it extensively. And do you know what happened? I only became more convinced as to the absolute uniqueness of Jesus Christ. Only one Savior died for sinners. Only one Redeemer rose in power. Only one Lord conquered sin, death, and hell. And without a doubt, if I am to truly love my neighbor, I must share with them this Good News of salvation—the Truth that they, too, can be accepted by Jesus as I have been.
TAKEAWAY: We learn about other religions not to admire them but to be prepared to point the lost to the unmatched supremacy of Christ, the only path to salvation.
#3 INCLUSIVISTS DWELL ON THE GUILT OF COLONIALISM.
Inclusivists call for the rejection of Christian values as a proper response to the past sins of Western civilization. Indeed, in the colonial era there were people—even nations—who claimed to represent Christ but acted sinfully. Some did so maliciously, while others acted out of ignorance. In contrast, many more operated out of true faithfulness to God, under the conviction that the Gospel is superior to every other faith because it is God’s revealed Truth. They carried that Truth sacrificially out of love for Christ and the lost.
TAKEAWAY: We can condemn the sins of history without condemning the Truth of the Gospel. Truth is Truth—even when its messengers fail.
#4 INCLUSIVISTS INSIST THAT EVERYTHING IS RELATIVE.
To them, the Bible was developed by man to cope with life’s difficulties; it was good for its time but is now outdated. Now, there is no question that the Bible has a specific historic and cultural context—but we know God Himself is its divine Author. Therefore, the Bible is His Word delivered to us, not man’s fallible attempt to make sense of God. Other religions may be the result of human imagination—some of their founders have admitted as much. But make no mistake, the Bible is God’s divine revelation—affirmed by hundreds of prophecies fulfilled with mathematical precision, authenticated by eyewitnesses, upheld by archaeological findings, and confirmed by the risen Christ whom history cannot erase.
TAKEAWAY: Christians know Scripture has cultural and historical contexts to consider, but through them God spoke and through them He continues to speak today.
#5 INCLUSIVISTS SAY GOD IS UNKNOWABLE.
Because all religions have a sense of mystery in their attempt to know a transcendent God, inclusivists believe we cannot know Him accurately. To claim to know Him is idolatrous, they say. As believers, we affirm that God is beyond human imagination and comprehension. Words cannot contain Him because He is the infinite God. Yet, He has spoken and revealed Himself fully in the person of Jesus Christ. Christian worship of the unique, eternal, divine Son of God is far from idolatry. It is the only authentic worship that ever was.
TAKEAWAY: The miracle of the Gospel is this: The transcendent God has made Himself known to us. He has fully revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, through whom He invites all to know Him and be known by Him.
#6 INCLUSIVISTS PROMISE PHYSICAL LIBERATION WHILE LEAVING THE SOUL IN CHAINS.
Pluralism claims its ultimate goal is “liberating the individual”—socially, economically, and emotionally. Yet modern theologians label Christianity a tool of oppression because of its call to die to self. They neglect the historical Truth that Christian movements have always led the way in human flourishing. It was the Gospel that compelled Wilberforce to end the slave trade, sent Booth into London’s slums, launched hospital and library movements, and founded orphanages. It was the Gospel that motivated men and women to leave the comfort of home and go and minister to the lepers of Africa. It is the Gospel that truly liberates men and women from addiction, from misery, and from sin even today.
TAKEAWAY: While Christians should be at the forefront of ministering to the poor and oppressed, our primary call is to see that souls are liberated from sin, death, and hell. To remain silent would be spiritual treason.
CHRISTIANITY IS INCLUSIVE
As much as inclusivists rail against Christianity, it is actually the most inclusive faith of all—just not in the way society wants it to be. The Bible is clear that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have eternal life (see John 3:16). It’s an open door for all who repent and submit to His lordship. It is open to any Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, spiritist, Christian Scientist, Unitarian, or secular humanist who trusts in Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and leaves false religion behind. It is open to Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians, for you will not enter heaven based on the denomination you belong to but based on your faith in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s an inclusive offer, available to anyone ready to receive the exclusive Truth of the supremacy and uniqueness of Jesus, our ransom and righteousness.
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