Russell Vought, a confessing evangelical Christian, was nominated to serve deputy director of the White House Office of Management and Budget. Last week, he faced a Senate committee that was tasked to evaluate his qualifications to serve in that capacity. Somehow, the process caught the attention of many news outlets. Of particular interest was the interchange between Bernie Sanders and the nominee. Most news reports raise the question: Was Bernie Sanders applying a religious test for serving in public office, and thereby violating the U.S. Constitution?
Reading the transcript and watching the video, it is clear that the senator’s line of questioning had to do more with theology than public service. Sanders took issue with the foundational Christian belief that Jesus Christ is the only way that any person may be “saved” and that those without Christ are condemned (John 3.16, 18; 14.6; 1 John 5.11-12). It appeared that he wanted to lecture Vought on the proper belief. He was pretty passionate in expressing that a person who held such a belief was “hateful” and not fit to serve in public office.
Most commentators, whether or not they agreed with the Christian belief, felt that Sanders’ position comes too close to violating the constitution (if not actually doing so). Specifically, Article VI states: “No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.”
The constitutional issue may be important and may have future implications. But I will not pursue that matter here. All this simply challenges me to reflect on my own belief. Where do I stand on the issue of the exclusive nature of the gospel? Curiously, some commentators identifying themselves as “Christian,” though criticizing Sander’s actions, also critiqued the idea of “exclusivist Christianity.”
There seems to be a misconception concerning the exclusive nature of the gospel. Some see the words “exclusive” or “Christ alone” and assume that followers of Christ are committed to condemning those who do not believe. That is so far from the truth. The exclusivity of the gospel means that there is no other way to God and to receive his blessings of salvation except through Christ. But it also means there is a way back to God and that way is actually open to all. And that way was costly for God. And he was willing to pay the cost for the salvation of all (1 John 2.1-2). This is gospel—good news. And our task is not to condemn but to call people to receive life. Christ himself has commissioned his followers to go and bring that good news to all people. The gospel is exclusive with regard to the means, but is inclusive with regard to invitation.
—Keith Y. Jainga