This week we begin with Question 20 of the New City Catechism, found in Part 1 (questions 1-20), which focuses on God, creation and the fall, and the law.
Question 20: Who is the Redeemer?
Answer: The only Redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, in whom God became man and bore the penalty for sin himself.
Many have said that all religions lead to the same place because there are many ways to God. But according to the Bible, that statement simply is not true. It denies a central truth of the Bible’s story, which is that God’s plan is to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth (Eph. 1:10). God’s eternal plan is to exalt his Son by appointing him King, Judge, and firstborn among many brothers with whom he will share a new creation (Rom. 8:29). God’s plan is very Christ-centered, because the Son is the greatest delight of the Father.
This is why “there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time” (1 Tim. 2:5-6). It is why “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). It is why Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
There is no salvation outside of Christ. Those who adhere to other religions, no matter how good and kind they may be toward others, are not rightly related to God through faith in his Son. Therefore, the most important thing we can do for others is share the good news about Jesus with them, for without that news, they have no hope of salvation.
Suggested passage for family or personal reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-7. What does Paul teach about God in this passage? What does he teach about Jesus? What does he teach about how we should pray?