“To each their own.” This four-word phrase is mentioned every time differences of opinion arise to avoid confrontation or as a sign of surrender so that each person can move on with their lives.  We use it with strangers, friends, and family.  And honestly, that’s completely fine.  The problem arises when we use it when referring to truth claims.

In a post-modern America, the belief that truth is subject to interpretation is one of the most dangerous lies perpetuated in our culture.  People think, “It’s fine if you believe that, but that’s not my truth.  That’s not how I interpret the facts.”  The idea that truth is subjective is self-refuting because by claiming truth is subjective, you are making an objective statement.  It just so happens that the statement is false according to the truth.

We also see people saying, that others’ “truths” don’t influence them.  To that, I reply, “How about the laws of physics and mathematics?”  They apply to everyone equally.  People fail to distinguish between beliefs, whether (or not) they are consistent, and truth.

For instance, if I have a stapler, no matter where in the universe I go, it will still be comprised of the same material and perform the same function.  If I were to manage to venture somewhere the laws of physics and mathematics don’t apply and the structure and function of the stapler become unknown, the laws of physics and mathematics do still apply.  I am merely lacking the understanding of their relation to where I would theoretically be located.

What does any of this have to do with Christianity?  A lot, actually.  The exclusive truth claims of Christ appear to be ignored by self-identifying Christians as though the Bible is silent on the matter.  However, any amount of reading the Bible will teach otherwise.

Christ himself says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:1, NASB).  How are we reconciled to God so that we may enter heaven?  By faith in the person and work of Christ.  There is no other way to be reconciled.

This is also evident when Christ says, “Truly, truly I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1) and explains this by saying, “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:9-10).

Who are these thieves who have found their way into the sheep pen?  False teachers and false converts who lead others astray or seek to devour the sheep.  Essentially, they do not believe the words Jesus has spoken.  It looks like someone teaching that Jesus is only one of many ways to heaven or that all people go to heaven, regardless of what the Bible says.  This is not what the Bible teaches, and they are not the words of Christ.

So, what are we to do about it?  Learn what God has said; it is contained in the sixty-six books of the Bible.  Going to a solid church where the Bible is preached, sung, prayed, and read is a good start.  Sitting in church weekly edifies our faith and helps us learn what God teaches.  Excellent resources are readily available for listening, such as Ligonier Ministries’ Renewing Your Mind broadcast.  Reading is also an option.  I highly recommend Knowing God by J.I. Packer.  It’s not an easy read, but it’s worth it.

What do we do when engaging with people?  You should give thoughtful consideration to what they are saying.  Just because you are not going to change your mind does not mean you should not care about what the other person is saying.  They are presenting genuine thoughts and concerns, and we can be sensitive to the discussion while not budging on our view.  I often find that the questions asked force me to learn more about what the Bible says, which is what I believe.

I want to be abundantly clear on this point: when we don’t have an answer, it’s not because the Bible doesn’t address it, but it is because we lack understanding.  Engaging with others is the perfect opportunity to, “…work out [our] salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12).  Sometimes the best answer is simply, “Let me find out, and I will get back to you on that.”  Remember, it’s not “to each their own,” but rather, “Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead as proof that his sacrifice was acceptable and to fulfill the law and the prophets.  If you repent and believe the Gospel, you will be saved.”