Jesus is Just Alright With Me?

How can a person suggest that Jesus was a great guy, but not the exclusive Savior of those who genuinely and with perseverance believe in Him to save them from their sins? It's the C.S. Lewis / Josh McDowell argument of apologetics. Everyone acknowledges that Jesus lived. Most people are comfortable with His uniqueness, His compassion, even His moral teaching. But when you look closely at His claims, He cannot be said to be merely a humble and compassion good person.

For example, take a look at John 8. Verses 13-29 reveal much of His typical dialogue with the hypocritical leadership of His day. Notice especially verse 24: "If you do not believe that I am the One I claim to be [that is, the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, God in the flesh], you will indeed die in your sins." This is exclusivity like none other.

Christians are often criticized for apparent lack of tolerance. But we are only following our Savior. If you don't believe that He is your Savior - your only way to be saved from the wrath of God hanging over your head due to your sinful wickedness - then you will indeed die in your sins and thereby experience the wrath of God for all eternity in hell, where thirst is not quenched, and where the worm does not die. Don't buy it? Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic (on the level of a poached egg, as Lewis remarked), or the Lord of all creation, God in the flesh, just as He claimed to be. Jesus can't be "just alright" with you. You make the call. But note that God commands all people everywhere to repent. The command of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent - that is, our Lord Jesus Christ.