A Matter of Viewpoint

In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.

-- Isaiah 29:18 NIV

Nearly every time an evangelical preacher/pastor is invited to a secular interview among the cultural media of our day, he seems to be grilled with a recurring question.

"Reverend ______________, is Jesus the only way that one can get to heaven?"

When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden, they were told to enjoy virtually every tree (Gen. 2:16) in that garden while avoiding (Gen. 2:17) just one. Looking with an objective eye, this seems to be an extremely favorable situation. While observing my two-year old, I notice that he often eats his "Cool Ranch" Doritos chips best when he knows that his six-year old brother is interested in them. If I am to say... "Porter, you better not eat those chips!", I usually can get him to clean his plate. Does reverse-psychology only work well with toddlers and adolescents? Eve was lured to the tree from which God specifically ordered her not to eat. She noticed that the tree's fruit was pleasing to the eye (Gen. 3:6).

 Why did she not focus on the other 99+% of the garden approved by God?
 Would the serpent have lured her and Adam to a tree of which God approved?
 It seems like I could have done a better job, how about you?
 Why did God put this one particular tree in the garden to begin with?

According to Acts 26:18, Paul tells us that we are set apart from sin to righteousness by way of faith in Christ and what He did by dying on the cross. As a sacrifice, Jesus laid down His life to secure our chance to receive forgiveness. With our way of doing things - as a result of a wicked and compulsive nature - it is easy to see how one forbidden tree among many allowed trees would always secure our attention. From the dark power of evil we must seek God and the light of His righteousness.

The world looks at Jesus and sees His way as exclusive and narrow-minded. At the cross, humanity in its entirety was given a bridge to reach God. As a matter of viewpoint, one can look at Jesus claiming He is exclusive in His claims.


On the same subject of viewpoints, are you certain Jesus is not inclusive...?

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 NIV

Gen. 2:16-17; 3:6; Matt 4; Acts 26:18;