Why One Way?

1. Christianity asserts absolute, objective truth in a postmodern world

"Authentic Christianity starts with the premise that there is a source of truth outside of us. Specifically, God's Word is truth (Psalm 119:151; John 17:17)."

Absolute truth exists. Christianity fundamentally opposes postmodernism's rejection of absolute truth. The Bible claims to be objectively true, regardless of individual opinions or cultural trends. This truth is:

• Universal: Applies to all people in all times and places
• Exclusive: Contradicts other belief systems
• Knowable: Can be understood through careful study of Scripture

God's Word is the source. Christians believe the Bible is divinely inspired and inerrant, providing a reliable foundation for understanding reality, morality, and spirituality. This stands in stark contrast to postmodern relativism, which denies any single, authoritative source of truth.

2. Biblical truth is rational and self-consistent, not contradictory

"We believe the objective revelation of Scripture is rational. The Bible makes good sense. It contains no contradictions, no errors, and no unsound principles."

Logical coherence. The Bible presents a unified, internally consistent worldview. While some passages may be difficult to understand, careful study reveals that apparent contradictions can be resolved. This rationality is essential for:

• Apologetics: Defending the faith against intellectual challenges
• Hermeneutics: Interpreting Scripture accurately
• Practical application: Living out biblical principles coherently

Contrast with irrationalism. Some theological traditions embrace paradox or contradiction as inherent to faith. However, MacArthur argues this approach undermines the Bible's authority and opens the door to subjective interpretations that distort its meaning.

3. Scripture is the supreme authority for Christian faith and practice

"Scripture is absolutely true whether it affects you and me or not. Scripture would be true whether we ever lived or not. In no way is the truth of Scripture decided by anyone's experience."

Ultimate standard. The Bible serves as the final arbiter of truth for Christians, superseding:

• Personal experience
• Cultural norms
• Human reasoning
• Church traditions

Sufficiency of Scripture. MacArthur emphasizes that the Bible contains everything necessary for faith and godly living. Christians don't need additional revelations or external sources of spiritual authority.

Practical implications. This view of biblical authority shapes how Christians:

• Make ethical decisions
• Evaluate truth claims
• Structure church life and worship
• Engage with culture and other worldviews

4. The Bible's truth claims are incompatible with other worldviews

"As Christians we must understand that whatever opposes God's Word or departs from it in any way is a danger to the very cause of truth."

Exclusive claims. Christianity asserts that Jesus is the only way to salvation, directly contradicting other religions and secular philosophies. This exclusivity is:

• Essential to the gospel message
• Increasingly unpopular in a pluralistic society
• Non-negotiable for faithful Christians

Apologetic stance. Christians must be prepared to defend biblical truth against competing ideologies. This requires:

• Understanding other worldviews
• Identifying points of contradiction
• Articulating biblical responses
• Lovingly engaging with those who hold different beliefs

5. Christians must boldly proclaim biblical truth with authority

"If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God."

Divine authority. When Christians accurately teach Scripture, they speak with God's authority, not merely human opinion. This requires:

• Careful study and interpretation
• Confidence in the Bible's truthfulness
• Courage to proclaim unpopular messages

Rejecting false humility. MacArthur critiques the "hermeneutic of humility" that downplays truth claims in favor of dialogue. While Christians should be humble in character, they must be bold in proclaiming God's Word.

Practical application:

• Preach and teach with conviction
• Confront error lovingly but firmly
• Resist pressure to water down biblical messages

6. Postmodern tolerance undermines the exclusivity of the gospel

"The relevance of the gospel has always been its absolute exclusivity, summed up in the truth that Christ alone has atoned for sin and therefore Christ alone can provide reconciliation with God for those who believe only in Him."

False inclusivity. Postmodern culture promotes a view of tolerance that:

• Rejects absolute truth claims
• Treats all beliefs as equally valid
• Views exclusive truth claims as intolerant or oppressive

Gospel at stake. This worldview directly contradicts the Christian message of salvation through Christ alone. Embracing postmodern tolerance means:

• Compromising core doctrines
• Undermining evangelism and missions
• Losing the distinctiveness of Christianity

Biblical response. Christians must lovingly but firmly maintain the exclusivity of the gospel while engaging respectfully with those who disagree.

7. The church must resist cultural pressure to compromise biblical truth

"Now is not the time to make friends with the world. It is certainly no time to capitulate to worldly cries for pluralism and inclusivism."

Cultural opposition. Christianity has always faced pressure to conform to societal norms. In the postmodern era, this includes:

• Downplaying doctrine for the sake of unity
• Avoiding "intolerant" truth claims
• Seeking cultural relevance at the expense of biblical fidelity

Dangers of compromise. When the church accommodates worldly thinking:

• It loses its prophetic voice
• The gospel message is diluted
• Christians become indistinguishable from the culture

Faithful witness. The church must maintain biblical distinctiveness while engaging culture redemptively. This requires wisdom, courage, and a deep grasp of Scripture.

8. Sound doctrine and careful interpretation are essential to Christianity

"Only the true interpretation of the text is the authentic Word of God, and any other interpretation is simply not what God is saying."

Importance of doctrine. MacArthur emphasizes that correct understanding of biblical teaching is crucial for:

• Spiritual growth
• Guarding against heresy
• Effective ministry and evangelism

Principles of interpretation:

• Compare Scripture with Scripture
• Consider historical and literary context
• Seek the plain meaning of the text
• Apply sound hermeneutical principles

Guarding truth. Church leaders have a responsibility to:

• Teach sound doctrine
• Refute false teaching
• Equip believers to discern truth from error

9. Biblical truth is unchanging and relevant for all generations

"Changing times do not change the truth. Scripture is as unchanging as God Himself: 'But the word of the Lord endures forever' (1 Peter 1:25)."

Timeless relevance. While cultures and circumstances change, the core truths of Scripture remain constant. This means:

• The Bible speaks authoritatively to every generation
• Its principles apply across cultural boundaries
• It provides a stable foundation in changing times

Resisting revisionism. Christians must guard against attempts to:

• Reinterpret Scripture to fit cultural trends
• Dismiss biblical teachings as outdated
• Adapt the gospel to make it more palatable

Applying timeless truth. The challenge is to faithfully communicate unchanging biblical principles to each new context without compromising their essence.

10. Christians are called to defend the faith against error and false teaching

"We must recover our love for biblical truth, as well as our conviction that it is unassailable truth."

Contending for the faith. Christians have a responsibility to:

• Identify and refute false teaching
• Equip believers to discern truth from error
• Engage in apologetics to defend the faith

Loving confrontation. While firmness is necessary, Christians must:

• Speak the truth in love
• Seek to win people, not just arguments
• Show grace to those who disagree

Practical steps:

• Study Scripture diligently
• Learn sound theology and apologetics
• Engage respectfully with opposing viewpoints
• Prioritize truth over artificial unity or cultural acceptance

Last updated: October 12, 2024