Criticism for Affirming the Need for Christ

Two articles got my attention on page A19 in today's National Post. The first had to do with the controversy surrounding the Pope's upcoming visit to the United States during which he will pray at the site of the 9/11 attacks in New York.  His prayer will include a line that the terrorists could turn to the way of Christ's love. (Click here for the full prayer, as released by the Vatican) 

Some maintain that the prayer will further incense some in the Muslim world who have already attacked the pontiff for publicly baptizing a high-profile Muslim convert art Easter.  Osama bin Laden recently publicly accused Benedict of trying to provoke "a new crusade" against Islam.

The second article had to do with a series of newspaper ads being sponsored by the World Evangelical Alliance (of which The Voice of the Martyrs Canada is an associate member) concerning their recently released statement "The Gospel and the Jewish People - An Evangelical Statement".  The statement affirms the belief that there is only way to eternal life for all people, Jew or Gentile; through faith in Jesus Christ.   The statement comes from a concern that there has been a growing tendency among evangelicals to teach that Jews can be saved without faith in Christ. This statement reaffirms the biblical teaching that there is only way to salvation.

I find both of these articles encouraging in that they run counter to those, especially among some in the emergent church movement, who would depreciate the exclusive claims of Christ and the need for those outside of the household of faith to repent and embrace the work of Christ on their behalf.  If salvation could be found outside of Christ, then He died for nothing, as do those who suffer and die for His name around the world today.

(Click here for an article that I keep working on from time to time entitled "Is Jesus Really the Only Way").