“Who’s In—Who’s Out –Who Decides?”

In case you missed it, Lakeside now has its own BodyZenSoul Salon

BodyZenSoul Salon is located beside the ZED Café near Francos on Lakeside Avenue. I doubt that full blown Buddhism is practiced there, but eastern religious vibes are unmistakable. Just down the “avenue” is Divine Magic, complete with Wicca signs in the window. Look around and witness a growing population of Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Jehovah Witnesses, and Mormons, not to mention scores of “out of the closet” atheists and agnostics. Lakeside area schools are well versed on how to navigate the choppy waters of religious pluralism. Churches are not. As followers of Jesus, how do we respond to these “developments?”

 Often I’m asked, “Pastor, what about people of other religions? Are they saved or damned in eternity?”  At face value, the question is a sincere concern/hope that everyone makes it “in”… or, at least, that God is fair. Even so, I can’t help but wonder if lurking somewhere beneath the question is a more subtle need to hear “We’re right, right? They’re wrong, right? We’re in, right? They’re out, right?” How would you answer?

Many of us “experienced” believers remember a day when it would be difficult to find anyone without Christian roots. Historic, biblical knowledge about Jesus Christ was an American shared value. In that day, not so long ago, even those who chose not to follow Jesus believed in His divinity, death on the Cross for our sins, and resurrection. On a scale of 1-10, the average person in our country might have been a seven or higher.

In that “Christian” context, a simple invitation (gentle jolt) at a critical moment would move people to accept Jesus. Preachers, SS teachers, deacons and even grandma could boldly proclaim (without threat of retribution) “Come to Jesus or go to Hell.” … to which most people (even unbelievers) shrugged, nodded in the affirmative, and went on their way. That day is over… with a capital O.

A new generation of Americans do not (widely) accept historic biblical teachings about Jesus. Even youth who were raised in church seriously question the “absolute need” to “believe” in the Savior. I know all this is disconcerting (I feel it too!), but it’s reality. It can accurately be said that younger (and some older) Americans reject dogmatism (right or wrong) in any form.

For me, not speaking on behalf of anyone else, but for me (and possibly you too), Jesus is Savior. He saved my life; He showed me a vision of a better way, forgave my sins, and filled me with hope for eternity. I believe that my name is written in His book. I believe that He is the Savior of the world, the unique-sinless Son of God, crucified on a cruel Cross as God’s “propitiation” (satisfaction) for the sins of humanity, resurrected Lord, and coming King. Moreover, Jesus is the “gatekeeper” of eternity. He is the Way, Truth, and the Life! (John 14)

Now, what about others? Do Buddhists, Hindus, Jehovah Witnesses, Jews, etc. go to heaven or hell?

First, let me say that we could learn much from others, including (especially) those with whom we disagree. There is a time to speak and a time to listen; we have two ears and one mouth. Those who wish to be understood should first seek to understand. (Note: this is no defense or excuse for terrorists in any religion, i.e. Muslim radicals.)

Second, WE do not “convert” people. The Holy Spirit is God’s agent for that. He convicts, convinces, and enters the heart. Our efforts to “save” people from the outside-in only frustrate the inner-workings of God’s grace.

Third, we are not the final judges of who’s in, who’s out. It’s not in our job description; it’s above our pay grade. We cannot usurp the place of Jesus as sole arbiter of right or wrong, in or out. Before HIM “every knee shall bow, every tongue will confess.…” Philippians 2

 I recall a conversation in which Peter asks Jesus… concerning John, “What about him?” Jesus replies, “If I want him to remain alive till I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me!” (John 21:22) Hmmm. Ouch!

 When I ask: “Jesus, what about them?” I cannot help but hear Him say, “What’s that to you? You must follow Me.” But, “Jesus, are they in or out?” Again, “You must follow Me.”

 As followers, we can only trust that Jesus is indeed the Way… we trust that all who come to Him will be given a joyful entrance into the Kingdom. We trust that Jesus alone decides who’s in and who’s out. It’s not our call. If Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, etc. enter the Kingdom, we are confident that Jesus is THE gatekeeper. What is that to us? It’s not our call; it’s His. “We must follow Him.”

 Sure, as a pastor trained in the Scriptures, I can package a collection of verses into an airtight argument that seems logical and truthful. With a few well assembled verses I can shut down the conversation. “Take it or leave it; turn or burn. Come to Jesus or go to Hell.” I can (and did on many occasions) “prove” the point. But, do I best serve the cause of Jesus the Christ by doing so… or, do I mostly satisfy my need to “prove” “I’m in. They’re out?”  

 Personally, I’m confident that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. Without Jesus I would be a lost soul; I would be lost now… and forever. THIS news I will shout from the highest mountain. But…  my job is to follow Him, to share His GOOD NEWS… how He entered my life, forgave my sins, and leads me from day to day, AND to tell how He will do that for ALL who come to Him. Our task is to share this GOOD NEWS with every creature on earth. While some are “in” and others “out,” nevertheless, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life for all who come through Him.

Well, that’s the best I can do on the matter. Did I say that everyone goes to heaven no matter what? No. Did I say there is NO need to trust Jesus? No. Just the opposite. I simply said, “It’s not my call.” Jesus is the only judge, the only gatekeeper, the only Savior of the world. He is the only One who died for the sins of the WHOLE world… including our neighbors -- the Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, etc. ALL who come to and through Him will find rest for their souls.  Praise His Name.

I plan to revisit Lakeside’s ZED Café and the Divine Magic shop in the days to come. I will go NOT to say, “Hello, I’m Pastor Mike. By the way: I’m in; you’re out.” Nor dare I say, “We’re all in.” I will simply tell what Jesus has done for me and what he offers to ALL. ‘Tis enough.

I close with this: A friend on a mission trip to a far away culture was asked, “Why did you come so far?” His answer: “Because I wanted to share that God loves you so much that He came to earth as a man and sacrificed His life so you could know the depth of His love for you. His name is Jesus.” To which came the response: “Oh. I know Him. I just didn’t know His name.”

Could it be? Would you allow? Is there the slightest chance??? that… someone close by simply needs to know His name? In case you missed it, here is a secret... lean down here… come closer… listen… to this faint whisper:

His name is

Jesus

To worship the one who bears this name, the one who is alive and well, join us for worship this Sunday at 9 and 11 am.

 Pastor Mike

 Note: For a more complete statement about Jesus Christ see:

Who Are We…. Guiding Values… Jesus Christ

Other articles below... click on the links below

Four Reasons I Believe in Hatcher

The McShin Award Banquet Acceptance Talk

Two-Eyed Vision

The Pursuit of HappYness

The "Waters" of Baptism

"Dissing" Dysfunction - Resolving Family Conflict

Are Marriages Made in Heaven?

The Language of Politics and Religion

Seder Supper for Christian Families... why not?

Doppler God

Send comments and questions to MPoole@HatcherChurch.org