Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6 (ESV)
This is a powerful and well known verse in our Bibles. It is a statement made by Jesus to his disciples, and it is statement that reveals His identity. This statement would have been revolutionary for his disciples to hear, as their teacher was claiming to be the way, the truth, the life, and the very pathway to the Father… This was the bold speech of a revolutionary!
But just as revolutionary as this statement would have been to his disciples over 2000 years ago, it was equally as revolutionary in the time of the Reformers 500 years ago. And, the controversy centers around one small word; the word “the.”
To read more about Jesus’ statement in John 14:6, click here.
The word “the” signifies the truth of the Reformer’s mantra “Solus Christus” or Christ Alone. The word “the” is exclusive. Salvation is through Christ, and Christ alone. Christ does not share his responsibilities. Christ’s work on the cross is both sufficient and efficient for our salvation.
Jesus was not just an option. Jesus was not a good choice among many, or a possible truth among many others. Jesus claimed exclusivity. He claimed that He is the way. He is the truth. He is the life. This is Solus Christus! And, this is the way the Reformers proclaimed the truth of Jesus’ exclusivity 500 years ago.
Solus Christus addresses a universal tendency in humanity. Regardless where you find yourself in human history, from the disciples 2000 years ago, to the Reformers 500 years ago, to our contemporary culture today, there have always been counter truth claims to the truth of John 14:6. 500 years ago, the reformers were dealing with issues such as the corrupt practice of the church selling indulgences in order to raise money for a building campaign. The selling of indulgences came with a powerful promise. Each indulgence promised that the souls of loved ones would be sprung into paradise. The popular saying was,
“As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs.” – Johann Tetzel
In this case, salvation was through Jesus… along with the help of a generous donation. In response, the Reformers cried out, “No! Solus Christus!”
Today, we may not deal with the issue of indulgences. However, we certainly deal with other truth claims that run counter to the truth of the gospel of Christ, and the mantra of “Solus Christus” is needed today just as much as it has ever been!
To read more about Jesus’ statement in John 14:6 and our postmodern culture, click here.
Solus Christus calls us to look to Christ alone for our salvation! There is no other way, and there in no middle ground. Solus Christus!