Is Jesus the Only Way to Be Saved?
A common question asked of (and by) Christians is “ What about those who have never heard the gospel? Can they be saved? Or is Jesus the only way?” Both universalism—which says all people will eventually be saved—and pluralism—which says there are many ways to God—say Jesus is not the only way to salvation. However, Scripture clearly and consistently says many will be eternally separated from God under divine judgment (Matthew 7:13; Revelation 20:15), and also condemns religions that reject him (Exodus 20:3–5; Isaiah 31:7; 1 Corinthians 10:7; 12:2). Neither universalism nor pluralism can be true. Exclusivism and Inclusivism The two views held by evangelicals are exclusivism and inclusivism. Exclusivists (restrictivists) say, “Only those who have heard the gospel and believe in Jesus as their Savior can be saved.” Inclusivists say, “Jesus is the only way to be saved, but it is possible for those who have never heard the gospel and do not know Christ to be accept