How are we to interpret the drive towards Christian unity in the ecumenical movement and the wider goal of religions culminating in one world religion? Can all religions really be one? If every religion believes whatever they want, that directly affects the existence of truth. They can't all be true, can they? If so, then truth is just an opinion and nothing more.

Religious Pluralism?

Some people think that believing in Jesus Christ as the only way to be saved is arrogant, narrow minded, and intolerant. Statements about exclusive belief in Jesus have even been considered hate speech. These people claim religious pluralism: the philosophy that all religions are equally true and all lead to salvation.

But when it comes to Christianity, which states that Jesus is the only way to salvation, pluralism is wrong. In reality, pluralism is just as exclusive as Christianity because it excludes anyone who believes in a single path to God. Therefore, pluralism contradicts itself by admitting that some religions are false. Believing that all religions have the truth is simply illogical, especially if some religions claim to hold the only truth.

The Christian faith is based on the Bible. There are historical, archeological, prophetic, and personal reasons for some to place such faith in a book. But the Christian has also the natural world as evidence of a loving and wise Creator. Scientists and surgeons of all ages have admitted that only a designer and Creator could account for the lavish complexity of Earth.

What does the Bible say about Salvation?

Is it possible to believe in the Bible and at the same time to believe that salvation can be gained through other religions such as Buddhism or Hinduism? Let us go to the Bible itself and find the answer:

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6).

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life (1 John 5:11-12).

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:7-10).

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Matthew 7:13-15).

It is not arrogant to believe that Jesus is the only way. The Bible clearly teaches in these verses that He is the only way to salvation and that all other ways are a counterfeit of the truth. But this poses a question for many. If Jesus is the only way are the people who have never heard of Jesus or the Bible or even God for that matter, are they lost? The Bible contains this answer as well:


Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (James 4:17). 

God is just, loving and fair. It is His desire that everyone is saved:
For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye (Ezekiel 18:32).

I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there (Psalm 87:4-6)

God is all knowing and all wise; He reads our hearts and judges each of us accordingly. We are all responsible based on the opportunities we’ve had to know the truth. God will judge people as individuals, not as a group of any kind. But whether people acknowledge it or not, according to the Bible, if we are saved it is because Jesus is the one who saved us.

Many are seeking unity through pluralism or conformity, but again the Bible must be our guide. Read about the true unity that Jesus calls us to

In order for all religions to unite in a one-world religion, the belief of Jesus as the only way to salvation must be downplayed. Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims will not unify with Christians if Jesus is lifted up as the only source of salvation. This principle of Jesus as the only way is under attack in our world today.

Through the efforts of the New Age Movement and pluralistic thinking, the glorious work of Jesus is downplayed. He is being replaced by a "universal Christ that satisfies them all." This universal Christ bears many names and disguises, is acceptable to all religions, and isn't really God. This universal Christ claims to be just a teacher—no more divine than he claims all humans are. He speaks of global unity, world peace, and justice for all.

Although this false Christ's messages sound peaceful, in reality they will only bring peace to those willing to comply with global manipulation. The true Christ's message is of peace that will come when God eradicates Satan and the problem of sin from Earth and humankind.