Amidst the debate over Barack Obama’s controversial comments about salvation, I asked why progressive Christians don’t believe that John 3:16 means one can only be saved. Community member “Robert” responded:

Even Billy Graham has said that he has come to believe that, while all who are saved are saved through Christ, not all of the saved know that Christ saves them. Crunchy might agree with this, but perhaps he would rather not say so.

Why should the language of John 3:16 be interpreted exclusively. If anyone who believes in Jesus (who was the Word back in chapter 1) is saved, does that verse tell us anyone who doesn’t believe in Jesus isn’t saved? Or if Jesus is the only way to salvation, does that mean everyone must be aware of this fact to enjoy the benefit of it? It seems to me if Christians really believe in the saving power of Jesus, they should pay more attention to Jesus and less attention to who says what about Jesus.