Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:21-25

Being a Christian is Exclusive

Intro.

1. The gospel is for all – don’t suggest otherwise (1 Tim. 2:3-4).

2. Truth is not self-defined, it is revealed in the word of God.

3. Denominations object to one way of truth: “you think you’re the only ones going to heaven” (“only Christians”), Matt. 7:21 (7:14); Eph. 4:3-6.

-Seen in ecumenical attitude and actions, 2 John 9-11.

of many differing moral and doctrinal beliefs and/or practices – all of which do not and cannot agree with the NT.)

4. Is it God’s will that we agree to disagree on revealed truth? No. (John 8:31-32; 17:20-21; Eph. 3:3-4; 5:17)

5. It is not arrogant to understand, appreciate and advocate the exclusive nature of the gospel. In fact, it is essential.

-Being a Christian is exclusive, because…

I. JESUS IS EXCLUSIVE.

A. The Only Begotten, John 1:14; 3:16.

1. Unique, one of a kind – monogenes, “only one of its kind, unique, single of its kind, only,” A & G; Thayer, 417.

-Heb. 11:17: Isaac exclusively child of promise (11:18) – So also, Jesus is exclusive in position, preeminence, authority (Col. 1:18)

2. Likewise, Jesus is unique:

a. God’s anointed (Christ, Messiah) - (Ps. 2:6-7).

-Can we believe differently, or must there be agreement?

b. God and man, Col. 2:9 (John 1:1, 14). Agree to disagree?

B. Jesus is the Exclusive: {Matt. 16:16}

1. Savior of men, John 14:6; Acts 4:12. Agree to disagree?

2. Sacrifice for sin, Heb. 10:12. Agree to disagree?

3. Authority to follow, Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17. Agree to disagree?

-2 Cor. 11:4: There is not another Jesus. (Only foundation, 1 Cor. 3:11)

II. HIS TRUTH IS EXCLUSIVE, John 14:6.

A. Jesus, by His Word Alone, Gives Men Spiritual Nourishment, John 6:33, 35, 48-51, 56-57, 63, 67-68.

B. His Word Excludes the Words of Men in Spiritual Matters, John 12:48; 1 Pet. 4:11 (Gal. 1:11-12; 1 Thess. 2:3-4, 13).

1. 2 Cor. 11:4: Hold against different gospel; Agree to disagree?

2. Gal. 1:6-9: Different gospel condemns; Agree to disagree?

C. The Truth of the Gospel Excludes:

1. Sin and immorality, John 17:17. Agree to disagree?

2. Error/false doctrine, 2 John 1-2, 4, 7-9 (1 John 4:1, 6). A to D?

3. Human wisdom/philosophy - Col. 2:8 (1 Cor. 1:22-23). A to D?

4. Human traditions, Matt. 15:3-9. Agree to disagree?

-1 Peter 4:11: Speak as oracles of God.

How to be Saved / Become a Christian

(Hear, Believe, Confess, Repent, Be baptized)

John 6:45; 8:24; Acts 2:38; 10:9-10; Mark 16:16

III. CHRIST’S CHURCH IS EXCLUSIVE, Matt. 16:18.

A. Entrance is Exclusive, Acts 2:37-38, 41, 47 (5:13-14). A to D?

B. Its Head is Exclusive, Eph. 1:21-23 (5:23). A to D?

C. Its Work is Exclusive (John 18:36). A to D?

D. Its Worship is Exclusive - John 4:24 (“must”). A to D?

E. Its Organization is Exclusive, Acts 14:23. A to D?

-No boards, councils, conferences; No denominations of the body, sponsoring churches…

-1 Tim. 3:15: The churches of men are not the church of Christ.

IV. HEAVEN IS EXCLUSIVE, Matt. 7:21 (14); (Luke 13:23-24).

A. No Uncleanness / Defilement, Rev. 21:27 (only certain ones).

-Sinners do not gain entrance. Rev. 21:8; Gal. 5:21 A to D?

B. No Pain and Death, Rev. 21:4.

C. Only those Enrolled, Heb. 12:22-23 (Book of Life, Rev. 20:15).

1. The church of Christ, Eph. 5:23 (1:22-23).

2. “Just” (righteous) men, Heb. 12:23.

-Phil. 3:20: Is your citizenship in heaven?

V. FELLOWSHIP IS EXCLUSIVE, 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 2 John 9-11.

-Eph. 5:11: Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.

Conclusion

1. Being a Christian is exclusive because Christ, His truth, His church, heaven and our fellowship are exclusive.

2. Without Christ, His truth and His church we will not be saved, we will not have fellowship with God now, and we will not have the reward of heaven that is promised to Christians.