Jesus Christ is not just a Savior, He is the only Savior of the world (Matthew 1:21; Acts4:12). This sublime truth puts us at odds against most of the world around us. The word “tolerance” is used so much today to imply all religions should get along with each other. There is only one “Savior”and by the same token there is only one true religion and it is the religion of Jesus the Christ (James 1:27). Paul’s argument on Mars Hill was that in the face of all the religions, he was going to teach them about the UNKNOWN GOD (Acts 17:23). The ensuing verses show that God alone created the universe and man. He is the only God and the source of the only true religion.
Man, and not animals, was made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). God cares for all His creatures from birds, fish, and animals to even the smallest of creatures. Yet man is the only thing created in God’s image and likeness. Man is the only creature capable of sinning. Man therefore needs a Savior. The only One who could do that was Jesus the Christ. He gave His blood on the cross in order that all men might be saved (Ephesians 1:7). Men were taught to be baptized to wash away their sins (Acts 22:16). Jesus died for all people, races, groups and individuals (I John 2:2). The sad news is that not all men will accept what the Godhead has done for our salvation (Matthew 7:13,14).
John was the forerunner to prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 3:1; Isaiah 40:3). He prepared the way by teaching (Matthew 3:2). When Jesus came, He used miracles, wonders and signs to confirm Who He was (Acts2:22). Such wonderful power confirmed Him but it was His doctrine that defined Him. When people heard Him, they knew He did not teach as other men did. He taught as one in possession of authority (Matthew7:28). The line often used by the world today is that Jesus taught those who were outcast and not loved by society. He was opposed to the religious people of the world. All of that may sound “pretty” but is it the truth?
Here is how Matthew records the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. Jesus was healing all sickness and diseases of those who CAME to Him (Matthew 4:23). He was teaching in their synagogues about the kingdom. Sins defined in the Old Testament would have been known by Jewish audiences that would make up the synagogues. Lifestyles considered as an abomination by God under the law of Moses would have been rejected by those of Jesus day (Leviticus18:20-23). Adultery, idolatry, homosexuality and bestiality were seen as conduct being done by those of the land of Canaan. God did not want His people engaging in such living. Those in the synagogue, whom Jesus taught would not be of this grouping of people.
Further in the book of Matthew we find Jesus teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 9:35). Mark makes the point that when they came out of the synagogue, Jesus would come and heal Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31). Luke says, He taught in their synagogues (Luke 4:15). Who then were the audiences of Jesus in these efforts? It would have been the religious people. We know from the Scriptures that there were present many who would be classified as hypocrites by their actions. The point is that people from all walks of life came to hear Jesus. It is wrong to conclude that religious people were not among them. The gospel of Christ was first preached to devout Jews. The word devout means religious or pious. The charge then is made today that in “most churches”, the homosexual or prostitute would not be welcomed. What is implied is that we need to change what we are teaching so that these that are “unchurched” (whatever that means) can come and find acceptance. I deny prejudiced statements that include the whole body of Christ as to conduct. Those who love Christ teach what Christ taught.
He is the only Savior of the world. If we change Who He is in the eyes of the world in order to find acceptance of the sinner we are giving them a false Christ. Christ calls upon all men to change the course of their lives (Matthew 16:24). The religious person who does not know Christ or the immoral person who does not know Him must come in obedience to the Son of God. Even the moral person who trusts in his own goodness must come to the Lord. Whom therefore did Jesus teach? All who came to Him and those who accepted His teaching were accepted by Him.