Is Jesus the Only Way? What about Those Who Never Hear the Gospel?
In the second message from our Tough Questions series, Senior Pastor David Rose tackles what may be the most challenging question of our pluralistic age: Is Jesus really the only way to heaven? And if so, what about those who have never heard of Him?
While every religion throughout history centers on humanity’s attempt to reach God, Christianity is the story of God reaching us.
Whether you’re questioning Christianity or struggling to explain it to others, listen in to find the clarity you’ve been searching for.
Key Takeaways
- God knows the good news is worthy of honor
- God says the gospel is the way to righteousness.
- God will pour His wrath on the unrighteous.
- God says creation order points to Him.
- God says the sinful willingly turn from Him (Romans 1:21-32)
The Gospel
If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, we would love to talk with you about it.
Reach outThe Gospel is the truth that God has made a way for sinners to be made right with Him—not through our efforts, but through Jesus Christ alone.
In Romans 1:16–17, Paul tells us that the gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” That power isn’t found in our rule-keeping, our self-improvement, or our religious rituals. It’s found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul defines this gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4—that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
It’s not a message for “religious people.” In fact, Romans 1 paints the opposite picture: humanity has suppressed the truth of God (v.18), exchanged His glory for worthless substitutes (v.23), and spiraled into deeper rebellion (v.24–32). This passage describes all of us—not just “those people.” As Pastor David said, we’ve all “exchanged the priceless to embrace the worthless.,” Whether through self-righteousness or self-indulgence, we’ve turned from God.
But here’s the good news: Jesus is the way (John 14:6). He lived the perfect life we could never live, died the death we deserved, and rose again to give us new life. He is the true Lamb, the Great High Priest, the Light, the Bread, the very Presence of God come near.
Through faith in Christ—not works, not religion, not our attempts to fix ourselves—we are made righteous (Rom. 1:17). We are rescued from the wrath of God (Rom. 1:18), and we are welcomed into the joy of knowing Him.
So the call of the gospel is simple: turn from your sin and trust in Jesus. Not just to improve your life—but to give you life. Not just to help you cope—but to raise you from the dead. And if you already believe, this is the good news that still sustains you today.
This is the Gospel. It’s not one truth among many—it’s the only hope we have. And it’s more than enough.