At a time when it is increasingly unpopular to believe that salvation can only be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, Jonathan Pokluda blasted “lukewarm, church-going Americanized Christianity” and pointed out that the truth and enduring life are found “in no other thing or person than Jesus Christ.”
In a message to thousands of young people gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for Passion 2024, Pokluda cited USA Today statistics revealing that 70 percent of all major Christian and non-Christian religious groups say many religions can lead to eternal life.
“And we might reject that out of conviction; maybe you hear that (you think), “No, that’s not true. “But we accept it in practice because we are not bothered by someone who does not believe in Jesus,” he said. “We sleep well. We ride elevators and walk through hallways with people who are going to hell, and everything is fine. It doesn’t seem like we believe that Jesus Christ is the only way. …If you’re here and you’re a believer, I want to teach you how to approach things like, “All religions lead to God” or “I’m glad this is your truth.” Or: “I will live my life and get right with God later before I die; I’ll get the Jesus thing.’
Pokluda, pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, addressed the idea of truth, emphasizing that Jesus is not only historically true but is the embodiment of truth itself. He emphasized the importance of recognizing absolute truths, regardless of one’s personal beliefs or feelings.
“(Jesus said) ‘I am the way that leads to God. There is no other way to God; I am the only way to God. And you’ve probably heard, “Well, wait, I think there are many paths to God,” or “All religions will lead to God,” or “Don’t all religions actually teach the same thing?” This is a statement of ignorance. Anyone who says all religions teach the same thing has never studied other religions,” he said.
The pastor cited examples from Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism, each asserting its exclusive paths to spiritual fulfillment and salvation. He highlighted the contradictions between these religions, noting that while one claims to be the only true path, it inherently denies the others.
Pokluda emphasized the inclusive nature of Christianity’s exclusivity, as Jesus Christ offers salvation to all who believe in him, regardless of their origin.
“Christianity is exclusive. But it is the most inclusive of all the world’s religions. Jesus on the cross, arms outstretched, saying, “He who believes in me shall not perish but have everlasting life.” »
Pokluda told the story of her daughter’s illness during a mission trip, using it as a metaphor for the need to find the right path to salvation. Telling someone that a religious path leads to salvation is as misleading as telling a lost traveler that any airport gate leads home, he said.
“Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and it’s loving because it’s true,” he added.
Jesus calls people to a life of repentance and to turn from sin, not to restrict pleasure, but to guide them toward a fulfilling life in right relationship with God, he said.
“Jesus says, “I am the truth,” and many of you are not on a journey of truth, but on a journey of happiness. You don’t care. You would say, “I will believe a lie if it makes me happy, and what if the truth doesn’t make me happy?” What if the truth means I can’t do what I want, when I want? I can’t date who I want… I can’t watch what I want. What if the truth compromised my deepest desires? It’s always the truth.
The pastor discussed the concept of “new tolerance,” comparing it to “old tolerance.” The “old tolerance” was about accepting divergent opinions, while the new tolerance requires agreement with the beliefs of others, even if they contradict one’s own.
“This goes against God’s will. It is inconsistent with what He teaches; it’s inconsistent with His Word and it’s inconsistent with what’s going to lead you to life,” he said.
“Some of you out here, you’re on the straight and narrow and you’re saying, ‘Jesus, he’s just trying to stop me from doing things.’ He East trying to stop yourself from things: STDs, addiction, hangovers. I’m telling you, when you go 100% – I’m not talking about this lukewarm, Americanized church-going Christianity – I’m talking about, “I’ll go anywhere and tell anyone about Jesus.” it doesn’t matter who because I am free from everything.” what people think of me. I am no longer a slave to that. I live for him. I don’t care what you think of me. I’ll talk to anyone.’
“Jesus Christ is the way, Jesus Christ is the truth and Jesus Christ is the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him,” he concluded.
Passion 2024, which is being held this year from January 3 to 5, is “a gathering of young people aged 18 to 25 and their leaders united for the fame of Jesus”. Other speakers this year include Sadie RobertsonHuff, Louie Giglio and Levi Lusko, with musical performances from KB, Kari Jobe and more.
Leah M. Klett is a journalist at The Christian Post. She can be reached at: leah.klett@christianpost.com
Free Religious Freedom Updates
Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST free newsletter, sent twice a week from The Christian Post.
