Jesus’ Binary Message

Our recent “Homeward Bound” sermons (on eternal things) put the big question on the table:  Where do you stand with Jesus?  Are you ready to meet your Maker? This Holy Week as we watch Jesus go to the cross, again let’s ask:  What do you make of Jesus?

The New Testament message is clear:  either we follow Jesus on the road to life or abandon him to take the path of destruction (Matt. 7:13-14).  There’s no half-way recognition of Christ; luke­warm religion nauseates him (Rev. 3:16). New birth is necessary:

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).  John 3:16 puts the dualism bluntly:  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Either we trust in God’s Son to rescue us from sin’s guilt, or we turn away from him and perish.  Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; who­ever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him (John 3:36).

Some chafe at the New Testament’s binary vision:  “Such blunt polarity, such stark dualism—surely God must be more open-minded than that!”  But think:  only dualism acknowledges the uniqueness of Jesus; only a binary vision of reality can show how mag­nificent the living, reigning, all-glorious Christ truly is.

If Jesus were the religious leader for one of many life-path options, he’d be reduced to a non-spectacular figure with nothing to commend him as supreme.  Such a leader would not be worthy of worship.  Nor could such a figure ever meet our deep need for mercy or satisfy our deep longing for eternal joy and peace.

Thank the Lord for the Bible’s blunt, good word!  Jesus speaks to you today:  I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (14:6).  Trust him, lay down your pride, confess your sin, and receive his life!