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How Can Exclusivism Be Reconciled with the Gospel's Call to All Nations?

The Law of Excluded Middle and Exclusivism in Truth Claims

Exclusivism is rooted in the logical law of excluded middle, a fundamental principle of logic that states either something is true, or its opposite is false—there is no middle ground. This is commonly represented by the formula "either A or non-A, but not both." In relation to religious truth, this principle applies with great clarity: if one religion's core truth claims are correct, any religion whose claims contradict it must necessarily be false. This foundational law is vital for understanding the framework of exclusivism in both philosophy and religion.

Scripture supports this principle of truth exclusivity. Jesus Christ, in His own words, exemplifies exclusivism by declaring, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Here, Jesus is making an exclusive claim: He is the sole way to God, and any alternative paths that claim to lead to the Father must be false. The exclusivity of this truth claim forms the backbone of the Christian faith and underscores the rejection of relativism and pluralism.

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Defining Religious Pluralism, Relativism, Inclusivism, and Exclusivism

In the context of religious beliefs, it is essential to differentiate between pluralism, relativism, inclusivism, and exclusivism. These terms outline various approaches to understanding truth, particularly in a religious context, and they help to frame how one interprets the existence of multiple religious beliefs in the world.

Pluralism asserts that all religions are equally true, and each provides a valid experience of the ultimate reality, even if some religions may be seen as more effective than others. A pluralist perspective denies any one religion’s claim to exclusive truth, asserting instead that multiple paths to God or the divine are possible.

However, this contradicts Scripture’s clear proclamation of the uniqueness of Christ. Acts 4:12 affirms, "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." If pluralism were true, this declaration of exclusivity would be rendered meaningless. Pluralism, by claiming that all religions are valid, ignores the mutually exclusive truth claims that each religion holds. For example, Christianity asserts that Jesus died and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), while Islam denies both the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. These are not minor discrepancies but central doctrines, and they cannot coexist as equally valid truths under pluralism.

Relativism takes the approach that truth is subjective and specific to the individual. Each person's religion is true for them, and no objective standard exists by which to measure the validity of one religion over another. Relativism denies that absolute truth exists in any form, rejecting the notion that any religion can claim to be the definitive truth.

Relativism falls into direct opposition to the biblical worldview, which holds that there is objective truth revealed by God. Jesus declared in John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." The Bible consistently asserts that God's Word is the absolute and ultimate truth for all people, regardless of personal belief or perspective. Relativism, by rejecting absolute truth, stands against the core foundation of the Christian faith and leads to a rejection of the authority of Scripture.

Inclusivism is the view that one religion is explicitly true, while others, though mistaken on some matters, may still contain elements of truth or can implicitly lead to salvation. This view often appears to be a middle ground between exclusivism and pluralism, suggesting that God works through all religions to bring people to Himself, though only one religion holds the fullness of truth.

Inclusivism may sound appealing in its desire to be generous toward other faiths, but it contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture regarding salvation. In Romans 10:9-10, Paul writes, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." This text highlights the necessity of explicit faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Inclusivism undermines this by suggesting that people may be saved without a clear acknowledgment of Christ, which runs counter to the gospel message.

Finally, Exclusivism affirms that only one religion is true and all others that contradict it must be false. Christianity, as taught in Scripture, is inherently exclusive in its claims, particularly regarding the way of salvation and the identity of Jesus Christ. Since Christianity makes unique claims about the nature of God, sin, and redemption, any system of belief that denies these truths must be false.

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The Biblical Foundation of Religious Exclusivism

Christian exclusivism is not an arbitrary stance; it is grounded in the explicit teachings of the Bible. The Bible reveals that Jehovah is the one true God, and He alone is worthy of worship (Isaiah 45:5). When the Bible makes absolute claims about God's identity and the means of salvation, it leaves no room for competing religions to be equally valid. Throughout Scripture, God distinguishes Himself from the false gods of the nations, and He calls His people to reject syncretism, the blending of beliefs (Deuteronomy 6:4; Exodus 20:3).

For example, in Deuteronomy 6:4, the Shema declares, "Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God, Jehovah is one." This passage emphasizes that the God of Israel is the only true God, in contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of the surrounding nations. This fundamental truth underscores the exclusive nature of biblical faith.

Furthermore, the first of the Ten Commandments commands, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). This command prohibits the worship of any deity other than Jehovah. If religious pluralism or inclusivism were true, this command would make little sense. The Bible consistently calls for exclusive worship of the true God and warns against the dangers of false religion.

The New Testament reinforces this exclusivity in the person of Jesus Christ. As mentioned earlier, Jesus explicitly claims to be the only way to God (John 14:6), a claim that cannot coexist with the idea that other paths may also be valid. The apostle Paul further emphasizes the unique role of Jesus in salvation when he declares, "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). This statement leaves no room for other religious figures or systems to mediate between God and humanity.

The biblical concept of exclusivism is also evident in the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His followers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that He has commanded. This mandate is grounded in the belief that the message of Jesus Christ is universal and authoritative for all people. The very act of evangelism and mission presupposes that other religious beliefs are insufficient for salvation and that all people need to hear the gospel.

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The Incompatibility of Christianity with Other Religions

Religious exclusivism also stems from the fundamental incompatibility of Christianity with other world religions. Christianity makes specific truth claims about the nature of God, the problem of sin, and the means of salvation that are directly opposed to the beliefs of other religions.

For example, Christianity teaches that Jesus is the incarnate Son of God, fully divine and fully human (John 1:1, 14). Islam, however, denies the divinity of Jesus and considers Him merely a prophet. This is not a minor theological disagreement but a direct contradiction of a central Christian doctrine. If Jesus is truly God, as Christianity claims, then Islam’s view of Jesus must be false.

Similarly, Christianity asserts that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of humanity and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Judaism, on the other hand, denies that Jesus is the Messiah and rejects the resurrection. Once again, these are mutually exclusive claims. If Christianity is true, then Judaism's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah must be false.

Hinduism presents yet another stark contrast to Christianity. While Hinduism embraces a belief in many gods and teaches that ultimate reality is impersonal, Christianity teaches that there is only one God who is personal and relational (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 6:9). The concept of salvation in Hinduism, which often involves escaping the cycle of reincarnation, is fundamentally different from the Christian understanding of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life (John 3:16). These divergent views on the nature of God and salvation cannot both be true.

Because of these irreconcilable differences, Christianity must reject the claims of other religions as false if it is to remain faithful to the teachings of Scripture. The exclusivity of Christianity is not based on arrogance or intolerance but on the conviction that God has revealed the truth about Himself and His plan for salvation in the Bible.

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The Necessity of Evangelism in Light of Exclusivism

One of the implications of religious exclusivism is the urgency of evangelism. If Christianity is the only true religion and faith in Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation, then it is essential that Christians share the gospel with others. The Bible teaches that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus (Acts 4:12), and those who do not believe in Him stand condemned (John 3:18).

This exclusive message is what drives the missionary efforts of the church. In Romans 10:14-15, Paul writes, "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?" The necessity of hearing and believing the gospel for salvation compels Christians to proclaim the message of Christ to all nations.

Far from being an expression of intolerance, Christian evangelism is an act of love. If there is only one way to be reconciled to God, it would be unloving to withhold that message from those who need to hear it. The exclusivity of the gospel motivates Christians to engage in evangelism, knowing that eternal destinies are at stake.

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The Biblical Mandate for Religious Exclusivism

The exclusivism of Christianity is not merely a philosophical position but a theological necessity based on the clear teachings of Scripture. The Bible affirms that there is only one true God, one mediator between God and humanity, and one way of salvation through Jesus Christ. This exclusivity is not a barrier to loving others but a call to share the truth of the gospel with a world in need of salvation.

Exclusivism stands in stark contrast to the pluralism and relativism of our culture, but it is a truth that Christians must hold firmly. The message of Jesus Christ is not just one option among many; it is the only path to eternal life. As Christians, we are called to proclaim this truth boldly, knowing that it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16).

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).