would you rather...

I love college.  A place where we can eat spoonfuls of Froyo (Kit Kat-topped Froyo, that is) while trekking deep into uncharted lands.  Where friendships are forged with a simple smile or daily hello. Where it's cool to be immersed in a community of peers passionate about the world (and about Sherlock #swoon).

Last night I grabbed dinner with a friend, and while munching on pepperoni pizza and stir-fry noodles, and we got to journey into an awesome conversation about faith. She asked me a really thought-provoking question.

"Isn't Christianity exclusive?"

At first, her question made me jump (and I'm sure my eyes may have widened a bit) because it took me by surprise.  To be honest, when I was just a baby still learning how to walk on my faith journey, I had actually thought about this too.  What happens to people in Timbuktu and far-flung places who've never personally heard the Gospel? And yeah, isn't Christianity sort of exclusive for basically saying that all the other religions aren't valid?

I'm not perfect so I don't have the perfect answer at all...but in my search for answers, my beliefs have been affirmed and re-affirmed that Christianity is actually not exclusive.

So here's the gist. God created every human being, and as followers of Jesus we are called to love one another (Jesus Himself gave us that commandment in the New Testament :) ).  The gift of salvation ~ Jesus dying on the cross, atoning for our sins, and opening the gate to eternal life ~ is offered to everyone. Everyone. (And when I mean everyone, just think of how the "Pokemon Emerald Version Gameboy Game" is "rated E for Everyone"...  so yeah, everyone).

Young, old, rich, poor, citizens of all nations, humans of all cities, people of all hat shapes and shoe sizes and hairstyles ... the list goes on!

God offers this awesome gift of salvation to everyone. It's just up to each individual on whether or not he or she accepts that gift.

So in that sense, Christianity is not exclusive. Jesus is not exclusive.

But I understand where my friend is coming from. I understand her uncertainty and hesitancy.

Christianity may seem "exclusive" because there is only one way to heaven: through Jesus Christ. But that's just it. It's the truth. Jesus Himself said "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14: 6). Truth, by nature, negates all other statements because it can hold itself up against any condemnation and stand on its own beautifully.

I see why my friend struggles with this. Heck, I'm sure we've all asked this question at one point or another. It is not for me or for any of us to judge others, and ultimately I do not fully know God's mind to predict who will go to heaven or not.

But I do know this.
God is so merciful and loving and forgiving that He willingly bled for us and died in the most excruciating way. All just to save us from our sins. To show us that He loves us.

I'd rather run towards Him than run away from Him. I'd rather stretch my foot out and step out onto the stormy waters of life than hide in fear of what the future may render. I'd rather believe than not believe.

What do you guys think? I'm interested in learning your thoughts! Do you think Christianity is exclusive? What is truth and the nature of truth?