The popular Christian song "In Christ Alone," by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, has grown to become a staple for the modern Christian. You’ve probably heard at least one of these covers or versions:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENtL_li4GbE
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzseOqwn8oo
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNRFumI2ch0
Now, the question arises, do these millions of listeners actually understand what they’re singing, and if so, do they affirm it? In a survey taken by Pew Research, only 29 percent of professing Christians acknowledge the lyrics of "In Christ Alone."
This important doctrine fails to be understood by the church, even though it is in the title of this popular and well-written song. This doctrine, Solus Christus, which is Latin for "by Christ alone" is the teaching that Christ is the only mediator and only Savior. It is through Christ alone that anyone is saved, and by no other means. B.B. Warfield defines it: “The saving power of faith resides thus not in itself, but in the Almighty Savior on whom it rests.”
Acts 4:12 states, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one will enter the Royal Gates without Him. (John 14:6)
Objections:
That’s not fair. What about those who have never heard of Christ?
This emotionally burdening question is difficult to affirm, so there are many objections. Those who affirm Solus Christus do not deny His attribute of love, but rather, affirm of attribute of justice.
Obviously, not everyone hears the Gospel or even the name of Jesus. However, they do know of the one and only God and how they owe their due to Him (Romans 1). The reason such people are condemned is not for rejecting the gospel, but rather for rejecting their Creator and not following his laws. This truth can be difficult for Christians to understand; they must wrestle with it just as Jacob wrestled the angel of the Lord.
Is this doctrine necessary to the Gospel?
It is absolutely essential. Christians must understand that their salvation is not by their own works nor another’s, but solely by Christ Jesus.
In his book, "Christ Alone: Living the Gospel Centered Life," Sinclair Ferguson writes: “When we see salvation whole, its every single part is found in Christ, And so we must beware lest we derive the smallest drop from somewhere else.” Deriving pseudo-salvation from other saviors is in juxtaposition of Christianity.
What does this mean for the Christian?
You cannot have faith in Buddha, Allah, Vishnu, yourself, and Christ. Your faith in Christ must be singular. Denying a pluralistic religion is the difference between life and death. Affirming this doctrine is an emotionally laden task, but how much more precious is Christ if He is your sole savior?
Are you acknowledging your need for salvation, if so, is that salvation in Christ? For there is no salvation, lest you find your hope "In Christ Alone."
For more information, see:
http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/christ-alone/
http://www.ligonier.org/learn/qas/are-those-who-have-never-heard-christ-going-hell/
