1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.

This statement by Paul matches perfectly the statement by Jesus Himself: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) All sorts of objections are raised to the “exclusivity” of Christianity, but there’s no arguing with the facts! We aren’t trying to shut other people out, we’re trying to lead them to the only path to eternal life. The Japanese term here is thankfully very clear and strong: absolutely singular. Faith cannot be forced, and we must always speak the truth in love, but we need make no excuses for the Gospel; it is the only way to salvation. The latest edition of Japan Harvest Magazine just came out, including an article I wrote about linguistic and cultural barriers to the Gospel in Japan, but this term, meaning absolute singularity, isn’t one of them. Actually, it is a barrier of sorts in just about every culture and language, because human pride doesn’t like being told there’s only one way. Humility is the first requirement for salvation, and some people would literally rather go to hell than release their pride. That’s tragic, but it’s the way we are. The miracle of grace is that God indeed provided a way for us, His sinful creatures, to be cleansed so that we can spend eternity with Him. As it says in the verse just ahead of this, God wants everyone to come to that place of blessing, but human free will is real, and we wouldn’t be God’s children without it. All we can do is rejoice in God’s mercy ourselves, and extend it to all who will receive it, for there is no other way to get it.

Of course, this is why I’m a missionary pastor. I devoutly wish that everyone to whom I express the Gospel would receive it with joy, but that isn’t how things are. All I can do is be faithful to my Lord as He gives me strength, sharing and demonstrating the love of God so that as many as will may receive it. It is certainly a huge joy when they do! Just as there is only one God and only one Savior, so my devotion must be singular, not distracted by all the things the world and the devil throw at me. He alone is my life, and I am to be at peace with that, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You that today is Pentecost, and it is also my 57^th wedding anniversary. May today, in 2026, be exactly what You desire and intend it to be, advancing Your kingdom for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!