In the grand tapestry of human history, one figure stands unparalleled in His impact and significance: Jesus. Far from being a mere historical figure or moral teacher, Christ occupies the central role in God’s plan of salvation for humanity. Jesus is the Fork in the Road to Eternity. What we believe about Him isn’t just a matter of personal preference or academic interest—it’s a decision with eternal consequences.

The Bible emphasises this truth with unwavering clarity: salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This isn’t just theological jargon; it’s the bedrock of our eternal hope. As we delve into this crucial topic, we shall see why our response to Christ is not just important—it’s everything.

In a world of fleeting trends and shifting ideologies, one question towers above all: What do we make of Jesus Christ? Our answer isn’t just a matter of opinion—it’s the hinge on which our eternal destiny swings. Discover why your view of Christ could be the most crucial decision you’ll ever make.

Christ: the Only Mediator Between God and Man

In the courtroom of eternity, humanity stands guilty before a holy God. We need an advocate, a mediator who can bridge the infinite gap between our sinfulness and God’s holiness. The Bible points us to the unique role of Christ as this mediator. The Apostle Paul declares in 1 Timothy 2:5, Christ isn’t just one way to God; He’s the only way. Jesus Himself affirmed this exclusivity: remember John 14:6?

Jesus: The Fork in the Road. In a world that often celebrates multiple paths to spiritual fulfilment, the exclusivity of Christ in salvation stands as a stumbling block to many. Yet, it’s this very exclusivity that underscores the sufficiency and necessity of Christ’s mediation. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

The Deity and Humanity of Christ: Essential to Saving Faith

At the heart of Christian orthodoxy lies a profound mystery: Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. This isn’t a contradiction but a divine paradox, affirmed by the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD and echoed throughout church history.

Why is this dual nature so crucial? As God, Christ has the power to save us. As man, He represents us and can die in our place. Without both natures, the atonement falls apart. The Heidelberg Catechism beautifully articulates this truth in Question 15: “Why must He be truly human and truly righteous? God’s justice demands that human nature, which has sinned, must pay for its sin; but a sinner could never pay for others.”

The Belgic Confession further affirms, “We believe that Jesus Christ, according to His divine nature, is the only Son of God—eternally begotten, not made nor created, for then He would be a creature” (Article 10). This is the lifeblood of our faith. A Christ who is anything less than fully God and fully man is incapable of securing our eternal salvation. (READ OUR POST: Why do We Affirm Jesus is Fully God and Fully Man?)

Christ’s Work of Atonement: The Basis of Our Eternal Hope

At the cross, we witness the pinnacle of God’s redemptive plan. Christ’s sacrifice wasn’t just a noble example or a tragic martyrdom—it was a substitutionary atonement, where He bore the punishment we deserved.

Scripture emphasises the doctrine of penal substitution: on the cross, Christ satisfied the justice of God on our behalf. As Romans 3:24-26 declares, we are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood—to be received by faith.” (READ OUR POST: Penal Substitutionary Atonement: The Blazing Heart of the Gospel)

The sufficiency of Christ’s atonement cannot be overstated. It’s not a partial payment we’re to complete with our own efforts. It’s a full, final, and effective sacrifice that secures the salvation of all who believe. Our eternal hope doesn’t rest on our own merit but on the finished work of Christ.

Faith in Christ: The Instrument of Justification

Jesus: The Fork in the Road.  How do we receive the benefits of Christ’s atoning work? Reformed theology emphasises the doctrine of justification by faith alone (sola fide). When we place our faith in Christ, His perfect righteousness is imputed to us. We stand before God not in our own filthy rags of self-righteousness, but clothed in the spotless robe of Christ’s righteousness. This faith itself is not a work that earns salvation but a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Rejecting Christ: The Consequences of Unbelief

The flip side of faith in Christ is the sobering reality of unbelief. John 3:36 starkly contrasts the destinies of believers and unbelievers: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”

The Bible doesn’t shy away from the difficult doctrine of hell. It recognises God’s sovereignty in salvation while affirming human responsibility. The consequences of rejecting Christ are not merely missing out on blessings but facing eternal separation from God—a prospect so terrible that Jesus spoke of it more than anyone else in Scripture.

This isn’t meant to terrify but to awaken. The reality of judgement underscores the urgency of the gospel call and the preciousness of Christ’s offer of salvation.

Perseverance of the Saints: Assurance of Salvation in Christ

Jesus: The Fork in the Road. For those united to Christ by faith, Reformed theology offers the comforting doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. This isn’t a license for spiritual laziness but an assurance that God will complete the good work He began in us (Philippians 1:6).

Christ’s work doesn’t just save us initially; it keeps us saved. As our great High Priest, He continually intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). Jesus Himself promised, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).

This assurance isn’t based on our own strength or faithfulness but on the unchanging character of God and the efficacy of Christ’s work. It’s a call to persevere, knowing that our perseverance is ultimately sustained by God’s grace. (READ OUR POST: Calvinism’s TULIP: Why Affirm Perseverance of the Saints?)

The Call to Repent and Believe in Christ

In light of these truths, the gospel call rings out with clarity and urgency: “Repent and believe in the good news!” (Mark 1:15). This isn’t a casual invitation but a command from the King of kings.

To repent means to turn from our sin and self-reliance. To believe means to place our full trust in Christ for salvation. It’s a call that demands a response. As the Puritan Thomas Watson said, “Christ is not sweet till sin is felt to be bitter.”

For all who heed this call, the promise is staggering: “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47). Not “might have” or “could have,” but “has”—present tense, a current possession of an everlasting reality

Jesus: The Fork in the Road to Eternity

As we close, the question looms larger than ever: What do we make of Christ? Our eternity hangs on our answer. The Christ of Scripture—fully God and fully man, the only mediator, the atoning sacrifice, the object of saving faith—stands ready to save all who come to Him.

Does our view of Christ align with the testimony of Scripture? Have we placed our full trust in Him for salvation?

Let’s remember, it’s not the strength of our faith that saves us, but the strength of the Saviour in whom we place our faith. If we’ve never done so before, or if we’re uncertain, let’s turn to Christ today. Let’s repent of our sins and believe in Him. In Him alone is eternal life, unshakeable hope, and joy forevermore.

Our eternity truly does hang on what we make of Christ. Let’s choose wisely, for in the words of C.S. Lewis, “He is either the Son of God or a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”

Our Related Posts:

• Why do We Affirm Jesus is Fully God and Fully Man?
• Penal Substitutionary Atonement: The Blazing Heart of the Gospel
• Can Believers Lose Salvation? What Does Hebrews 6 Teach?