One Faith, One Lord
The Christian faith is a unique and indispensable faith that stands alone in its claim of salvation through Christ's purpose, death, and resurrection.
Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the uniqueness of the Christian faith, highlighting the importance of contending for the faith entrusted to the saints. He addresses the misconception of Christianity being just one religion among many, asserting that Christianity stands alone due to Christ's atoning death and resurrection. Hughes urges believers to live by convictions rather than opinions, seeking a deeper understanding of the truths of the Christian faith.
Text
"... contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints." (v. 3)
For reading & meditation:
Jude 1:1-16
What makes the Christian faith different from every other faith? Prince Charles, who is next in line to the British throne, has let it be known that if and when he becomes king he would like to be regarded as Defender of all faiths rather than Defender of the faith - the Christian faith. Living now as we do in a multi-faith rather than a Christian society, he said, it is important that this shift be reflected in the duties of the monarch. No Christian would want to deny any individual or group the right to follow or practice the faith of their choice, but we must be careful that tolerance of other religions does not cause us to fall into the trap of thinking that Christianity is just one religion among many. Decidedly, it is not. Christianity is in a category all by itself. If that belief opens us up to the charge of arrogance, then so be it. Recently, I heard a religious commentator say on television that one religion is as good as another. One religion as good as another? How utterly absurd. It sounds broadminded but actually it is the judgment of ignorance. No one would ever make that statement if they understood the purpose of Christ's coming to this world, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection. We are not unmindful of the spiritual glow which comes from other lamps, but our claim for Jesus is the claim He made for Himself - He alone is the Light of the world, and thus utterly indispensable to salvation.
O Father, help me comprehend even more fully and clearly the truths of the faith into which, by Your grace, You have brought me. I cannot live by opinions, I must live by convictions. May Your truths become my convictions. In Christ's Name I pray. Amen.
Sermon Outline
- The Christian Faith is Unique
- The Claim of Jesus
- He alone is the Light of the world
- Utterly indispensable to salvation
Key Quotes
“One religion as good as another? How utterly absurd.” — Selwyn Hughes
“We are not unmindful of the spiritual glow which comes from other lamps, but our claim for Jesus is the claim He made for Himself - He alone is the Light of the world, and thus utterly indispensable to salvation.” — Selwyn Hughes
Application Points
- It's essential to live by convictions rather than opinions, especially when it comes to your faith.
- You can respect other religions while still believing in the uniqueness of Christianity, as long as you don't compromise your convictions.
- The Christian faith is a unique and indispensable faith that stands alone in its claim of salvation through Christ's purpose, death, and resurrection.