Jesus: The Only Way to God: Must You Hear The Gospel To Be Saved?

"What is at stake is the eternal salvation of perishing people." ~John PiperTalk about hell and people think you are hateful. Talk about a belief in Jesus as the only way to God and it gets worse. Recently I've even had people tell me that I'm the one who is taking a risk believing in Jesus. They seem to indicate that I should be researching other religions to make sure I'm believing the right things. And truthfully I have done some research into other religions over the years and have found nothing as powerful as biblical truth, especially truths from The New Testament.John Piper presents his arguments well although I must say there is a lot of quoting going on throughout the book which sometimes can break up the flow of thought a bit. He backs up all his ideas with scripture and this makes the book powerfully convincing.So what does John Piper really discuss. Well he basically answers a number of questions based on one question. Is Jesus the only way to God? He also discusses whether people from different religions can get to heaven through just their belief in God. Or do they need to hear the gospel first? Some of the questions John Piper answers include:Will anyone experience eternal conscious torment in hell?Is conscious faith in Christ necessary for salvation?How were people in the Old Testament times saved?Does hell have real fire and is it eternal fire?These are important questions although I can see why they might make peoplewho don't believe a little upset. Still if you are reading this and want to know whatis in this book I'm willing to tell you.What it really comes down to in the end is that repentance leads to eternal life. Instead of hating Christians for saying what they believe, the world should be thanking Christians for caring enough about their eternal souls to tell them what might happen if they don't believe in Jesus. I think this book would be especially helpful for missionaries and pastors. But if you are just curious about this topic or need your faith renewed it is also an excellent place to start.I will say that one story in this book gave me more hope. If someone is searchingfor God, they won't be ignored. God will send someone to them to help them find their way.~The Rebecca Review

*****In this short but deep and profound book, author John Piper proclaims Jesus as the only way of salvation. He discusses alternative popular beliefs among Christians: (1) Universalism--the belief that everyone will be saved eventually and that hell (if it exists) will lead to repentance and salvation; (2) Annihilationism--the belief that at death, if one is not saved, one just ceases to exist and experiences no torment or punishment instead of an eternity of suffering into hell; (3) Pluralism--the belief that many different religions can lead to God; and (4) Inclusivism--the belief that Jesus died to save everyone, and even those who have never heard of Him will be saved.This book is written in an understandable, yet definitely theological style. It is not light reading, and although it is short, it took me a while to get through it (far more than the short hour I'd planned). Yet it is definitely worth the work. The writing seemed to me to be clear and brilliant, and the author's arguments--all taken from Scripture--were very convicting. It was powerful, challenging, and made me think.In the book, John Piper thoroughly answers these three questions: (1) Will anyone experience eternal, conscious torment under God's wrath?, (2) Is the work of Jesus necessary for salvation?, and (3) Is conscious faith in Jesus necessary for salvation. He uses the Bible to defend all of his positions, which are "yes" answers to all three questions.This an important book for Christians or highly interested non-Christians. I would not see this as an evangelistic text except for someone exceptionally familiar with theology and the Bible. I see it as a mandatory read for anyone concerned about the state of the church, orthodoxy, and evangelism. I especially see it as an important read for Christians who disagree with any of the author's positions (as I did before I read this book) but are opened to being convinced otherwise from Scripture (as I was).Highly recommended.*****

Piper argues that the Bible says that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is the only name by which we are saved. Piper explains that universalism (all roads lead to God) and annihalationism (unbelievers are simply destroyed and do not suffer eternal punishment in hell) are not Biblical. As much as we would like to believe that someone who hasn't heard of Jesus will be saved that belief is contrary to Scripture, which should create s sense of urgency for missions and for each of us to share the Gospel with everyone we know.I especially appreciated the end notes. Not only does he list sources (often several for a particular position he takes), but he also includes personal correspondence. For example, John Stott disagrees with John Piper and believes people who have not heard about Jesus can be saved. A footnote includes a rebuttal from Stott in a personal letter to Piper, soreaders can compare the two positions and decide for themselves. This reader agrees with Piper. The Bible doesn't always say what we would like it to, but it is always the infallible Word of God.

Piper does a very good job of giving specific answers to the question of whether Jesus is the only way to God. This concept is offensive to many and does not fit into our inclusive culture. But, the Bible is very clear on this point, and Piper presents the verses to back it up. The book is not very long and easy to read.It is amazing how much of the Bible clearly points to Christ as the solution for all to be saved. (There are not multiple paths to God.) Piper does not cherry pick verses but presents verses throughout the Bible - one after the other - that show Jesus is the only way to God. Yes, I'm sure there are many rebuttals that could and probably have been written. (Piper mentions some well known deceased pastors who believed in Universalism.) But again, read the verses and logic Piper presents and decide for yourself.

For those interested in the true salvation of sinners (everybody) this book is a must-read; it is very timely. The book comprises seven chapters whereby Piper shows that unquestionably Jesus is the only way of salvation. He clearly shows what is at stake by surrendering the universal necessity of believing on Jesus in order to be saved. People everywhere are perishing daily through the rejection of this truth. People in the churches, people on the streets, people in the workplaces, people in the shopping centres, people in the suburbs, people in the cities, people in government, people who are governed, people who are celebrities, people who are not. Jesus is the only saviour. Whoever you are, you need to read this book; you need to believe in Jesus. You need to hear the truth. This book is for you also; as well as the concerned about true salvation. Don't be trapped by the lies which so easily surround us;don't perish because you remain ignorant.

I've just read this book in one swift sitting. I found it difficult to tear myself away from it, as I found the author's exposition of the issues both compelling and inspirational. It counters much contemporary Christian thought with profound bible-based erudition. Ultimately, I knew the answer to the question before I even bought the book. However, the book has helped me greatly to be able to order and articulate my own thoughts.I would thoroughly recommend this book to all who are seeking answers to complex questions!

Nothing new here for me, but a wonderful single and concise resource of the biblical facts. Very helpful and useful.

Muito atual na igreja contemporânea que busca agradar os fiéis, e possíveis fiéis. Fortalece as convicções cristãs e a essência da nossa salvação pela obra redentora de Cristo Jesus.