Who is going to hell?

“In my Bible it says that people who believe in Buddha (or other religions) are not going to hell, but only people who are lost and have screwed up their lives . . . . Aren’t only believers in Christ going to heaven and no one else?”—Rachel

First, I’m not sure what “Bible” you are reading! Comments about Buddha aren’t found in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.

Be that as it may, Christianity is often criticized for being exclusive, of being dismissive of other religions that profess to be paths to God. The fact is Christianity by definition does hold that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to God.

Here is a sampling of what the Bible says. In the Hebrew text, which Christians accept as authoritative and inspired, Israel is adjured to choose God and His way (e.g., Deut. 30; passim). In the New Testament, Jesus said, “I am the Way . . . no one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jn. 14:6). Those who believe in Jesus receive everlasting life; they become the children of God (Jn. 1:12; 3:16).

In one of his early sermons, Jesus’ disciple Peter declared, “Salvation is found in no one else . . . there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The Apostle Paul said, “In Christ there is no condemnation . . . if Christ is in you, your spirit is alive . . .” (Rom. 8:1ff).

An honest examination of Christianity reveals that this faith makes a simple yet profound claim that Christ is the only way to God and eternal life. By nature neither harsh nor condemning, Christianity extends to every person an invitation to peruse this claim carefully and see whether or not it is true.