Sometimes, it’s hard to boil down an Biblical concept into simple terms. In fact it seems that some people have made the Bible so complicated that others find nothing but confusion as they turn to Scripture. The subjects of salvation and condemnation are so often turned on their head that we may become powerless to declare the simple statements of truth found in the Bible. Former President Ronald Reagan had a talent of putting ideas and concepts into simple, to the point statements that were easy to remember. On one occasion, soon after beginning his first presidential term, he was discussing the strained relationship between the Soviet Union and the United States.
“My idea of American policy toward the Soviet Union is simple, and some would say simplistic.” It is this: We win and they lose. What do you think of that?”
(Ronald W. Reagan, in conversation with foreign affairs adviser Richard Allen. Reported IN Wilentz, Sean, The Age of Reagan, 2008, Harper Collins, pg. 151)
It may be that we could profit by taking our faith back to a more simple understanding. After all, Scripture was not penned for the scholar but for the common man. Instead of trying to appear more tolerant, perhaps we should do as we did for many years and just speak where the Bible speaks.
Jesus said it very concisely: “He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather for me, scatters” (Matthew 12:30). Ours is not to expand Jesus’ teaching, ours is not draw in those that Jesus excluded. Let us proclaim the sins of our time while loudly proclaiming the salvation that is in Jesus alone. Again, hear the concise words of Jesus: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father but through me” (John 14:6). Until we are firmly convinced that men are lost, there can be no revival. Can any man be saved? Yes! Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and pagans alike can be saved in Jesus Christ only.
