Is there an alternative?
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NKJV).
When I went to school I had an interesting history teacher. He was notorious for eating garlic, which, back in those days was not considered completely “culturally acceptable”. He also “intervened” during exams. If he knew that someone had a good understanding of history but seemed to be somewhat hesitant or insecure he could walk up to the person in the classroom. After having stood next to the desk for a few minutes, looking over their shoulder, he would start asking “related questions” to the student. When they responded to his useful leg-up he would exclaim: “write man – what are you waiting for?”
Years later rumor had it that he had become a believer. One day I ran into him in a grocery store. I asked him if he remembered me. He nodded his head. I then asked him if he had really become a Christian. This time he did not nod his head but immediately exclaimed loudly – “is there an alternative!”
This was indeed a great conviction and a bold confession. This should be the conviction and confession of every believer in Christ, should it not? Even if there are many “alternatives” out there, none of them can offer eternal life and provide an abundant life – only Christ (John 10:10; Acts 4:12). Jesus’ statement was indeed exclusive, the only true one.