The Apostle Paul had a special opportunity to testify before a Roman governor and named Felix. In Paul’s defense he made this statement:

“But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,” Acts 24:14 ESV

Christianity was described by Paul as “the Way”. This is fitting since Jesus made the claim “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This is also a fitting term for the path of Christ followers because it’s not merely a way, one among many, it’s The Way. Trusting and following Jesus is only path of life. The New Testament scholar D.A. Carson commented on this term the Way:

“Christianity is more than a belief system; it’s a way of living. Moreover, it provides a way to God, a way to be forgiven and accepted by the living God—and that Way is Jesus himself (John 14:6)”.

The Gospel message that Christians believe and proclaim has an element of exclusivity. This was something that Jesus and the Apostles weren’t bashful about declaring. The invitation of the Gospel is given universally to “anyone” and “whosoever” will believe (John 3:16). Yet the Scripture emphasizes that there is no other way of finding salvation, eternal life and forgiveness, except through faith in Jesus the Savior (Galatians 1:6-10). Salvation can be found in none other than Jesus the Savior of the world. The Apostles said:

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 ESV

Now this rubs many the wrong way because our American culture largely embraces relativism. In many conversations that I’ve had with unbelievers about God, I’ve heard comments like: “if that works for you, good”, “I’m glad that you found your way”, “there are many ways to god and you found one that works for you”. Many people today reject the claim of absolute truth. Yet the ones making such claim that there is no absolute truth imply that their claim is absolute truth. Also, those who object to Christians being intolerant, are often the very ones being intolerant towards Christians.

If followers of the Way are to be faithful and true to their beliefs they must unashamedly embrace Jesus as the only hope and way of salvation. And if they really believe that and genuinely love those around them who don’t know Jesus as their Savior, then they must speak about the hope and salvation of Jesus Christ.

May we boldly tell others about the Way and show them how to follow Jesus, by living according to His rhythms of grace!

Here is a great song that celebrates and declares this truth: