Just one way to God?

I think something that many people struggle with in Christianity is the idea that there is only one path to God. I believe the Bible could not be more clear on this issue, as it talks about it from cover to cover. All the way through the old testament we see God stating that he is the one and only true God, giving a command for his followers to have no other gods before him. When Jesus comes onto the scene, He has the same message and boldly declares that he is the one and only way:

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,'" -John 14:6 NIV.

Our culture has a hard time accepting a message that says there's only one way to God, because they think it's not inclusive enough. I would argue that is simply not true though, and would say that Christianity is the most inclusive view on God that exists. I think Tim Keller summarized this view best when he said:

"The gospel is an exclusive truth, but it's the most inclusive exclusive truth in the world."

Every worldview has an exclusive truth claim. Christianity is not like most other religions of the world that are works based and have steep requirements for getting into the afterlife or attaining enlightenment. No, the requirements of Christianity are simply faith in and devotion to the one true God: everyone is invited to the table, but it's up to us if we accept the offer. How's that for radical inclusivity? The offer is for everyone, but many do not want to submit control of their lives to God and they want to be the masters of their own destiny. God gives us this choice. Where we spend eternity is completely up to us.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life," -John 5:24 ESV.