The debate between inclusivism and exclusivism has been ongoing within Christianity for centuries. At its core, this debate centers around the question: Is salvation only available through explicit faith in Jesus Christ, or can those who have never heard the gospel still be saved? Exclusivists argue the former, while inclusivists argue the latter. In examining this issue, Christians look primarily to the Bible as their authority and source of revelation from God.
Definitions
Before diving into the biblical evidence, it will be helpful to define inclusivism and exclusivism:
- Inclusivism is the belief that while salvation is made possible only through the work of Christ, it is not limited only to those who have heard the gospel explicitly and professed faith in Christ. Some inclusivists argue that those who respond to the light they have received, even through general revelation or other religions, may be saved through Christ unknowingly. Salvation is through Christ alone, but explicit faith in Christ is not absolutely necessary.
- Exclusivism, on the other hand, is the belief that explicit knowledge of the gospel and faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ is absolutely necessary for salvation. The exclusivist view holds that Scripture teaches there is no salvation apart from hearing and responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
So in short, inclusivists believe some may be saved apart from knowing Christ explicitly, while exclusivists believe explicit faith in Christ is required.
Biblical Support for Exclusivism
There are numerous passages in Scripture that point to the exclusivist position. Here are some of the main biblical arguments:
Jesus is the only way to salvation
One of the clearest passages supporting exclusivism is John 14:6, where Jesus declares “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This verse teaches that Jesus Himself is the exclusive source of salvation. No other path exists except through faith in Christ.
This exclusivist message about Christ was echoed by the apostles. Acts 4:12 says “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.” 1 Timothy 2:5 adds “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Passages like these point to the exclusivist position that Jesus alone is the way to salvation.
The necessity of gospel proclamation
If people could be saved without hearing of Christ, then gospel proclamation would seem less important. Yet the New Testament emphasizes the necessity of Christians proclaiming the gospel message so that people can hear and believe.
Matthew 28:19-20 records Jesus sending his disciples out with these final words: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Hearing the gospel message was essential for people to become disciples of Christ.
Romans 10:13-15 reiterates this need for gospel proclamation: “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” For someone to have the possibility of salvation, they first need to hear the gospel message, which requires Christians to proclaim it.
Condemnation for unbelief
If people could be saved by merely responding to a limited amount of general revelation, it would seem unfair for God to condemn unbelievers. Yet Scripture clearly warns of coming judgment for those who do not believe in Christ.
John 3:18 states: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 similarly warns: “…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” Passages like these reveal that rejecting the gospel has disastrous consequences, supporting the exclusivist position.
Unity of the Bible’s revelation
Some inclusivists argue that while general revelation cannot save, it may draw people to God in a way that then leads to special revelation and salvation through Christ. But the Bible portrays a consistent revelation running throughout Scripture, not separate general and special means. Deuteronomy 4:2 warns against adding to or taking away from God’s word, indicating its unified message.
The examples of Cornelius and the Ethiopian eunuch show God drawing people to Himself through Scripture, not separate from it (Acts 10, 8:26-40). Any precursor to salvation in Scripture still involves exposure to God’s special revelation, not merely general revelation.
Biblical Support for Inclusivism
While there is substantial biblical evidence for exclusivism, there are also some passages put forward in support of inclusivism or a wider hope for salvation. Here are some of the main biblical arguments:
Old Testament saints
Inclusivists argue that figures like Abraham and Rahab in the Old Testament were not necessarily saved through explicit faith in Jesus, but were still saved (Romans 4, Hebrews 11). If salvation was possible for them without knowing Christ, it may be possible for others as well.
However, exclusivists would counter that while they did not know Jesus by name, the basis of their salvation was still trusting in God’s revelation and promises that would be fulfilled in Christ. Their salvation was still connected to Christ (John 8:56, Galatians 3:8).
Condemnation requires rejection
Verses like John 3:18 and 2 Thessalonians 1 cited above reveal condemnation results from rejecting, not merely lacking, the gospel. Inclusivists argue that if someone has never heard the gospel, they have not rejected it and therefore may not be condemned.
However, exclusivists respond that general revelation reveals God existence, yet all still choose to reject even this limited knowledge, rebelling against what God has made plain (Romans 1:19-20). Only embracing God’s gracious revelation brings salvation.
God desires all people to be saved
Passages like 1 Timothy 2:4, which states God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth,” seem to imply a broad scope for salvation. Inclusivists argue that restricting salvation to only those who hear the gospel does not seem to align with God’s heart for the world.
Exclusivists respond that while God may desire all to be saved, human rebellion thwarts God’s desires. They also emphasize that this verse says God desires people to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth, implying both are needed.
Judging with mercy
Some argue that while Scripture presents exclusivist statements, God may apply these in practice with more mercy than is apparent. For example, James 2:13 warns that “judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy.” Inclusivists argue that this hints that those who respond to general revelation with faith may receive saving mercy from God.
However, exclusivists say we cannot go beyond what Scripture definitively states. Biblical examples emphasize the need to respond to the light given, with greater knowledge bringing greater responsibility (Luke 12:47-48, Acts 17:30-31).
Conclusion
This debate between inclusivism and exclusivism has continued for generations, with respected voices on both sides. There are two main approaches in assessing the biblical evidence:
Exclusivists emphasize the many clear biblical statements that salvation and eternal life come only through faith in Jesus. They see passages about a “wider hope” implying mercy as more speculative. They also argue that inclusivism diminishes the urgency of gospel proclamation.
Inclusivists, on the other hand, argue that the biblical affirmations of a loving God who desires all to be saved suggest a wideness to God’s mercy. They claim exclusivism puts limits on God’s grace and falsely portrays God as cruel and arbitrary.
Within Christendom, biblical scholars and theologians continue attempting to wrestle with and better understand what Scripture states about this issue. This article has outlined some of the main biblical arguments put forward by each position.
Ultimately, it is clear that Christianity teaches salvation is made possible by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ alone. The debate continues over whether Scripture leaves open the possibility that in God’s mercy, some may be saved through Christ without knowing Him explicitly in this life.
