Is this teaching biblical?
When Larry King asked directly whether Jews and Muslims who reject Christ can go to heaven, Joel Osteen — a pastor responsible for the souls of 50,000 people — responded 'I don't know.' A shepherd who cannot clearly state the way of salvation is not a shepherd at all. Jesus was never 'careful' about this question — He stated plainly that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Osteen's evasion, driven by a desire not to offend, leaves millions confused about the most important question in human existence.
What did Joel Osteen say?
"You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know... I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity."
Speaker: Joel Osteen
Source: Larry King Live, CNN, June 20, 2005
What does Scripture actually teach?
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
— NKJV
Jesus was never 'careful' or ambiguous about this question. He stated it plainly: no one comes to God except through Him. A pastor who cannot echo Christ's own words on national television has disqualified himself from teaching.
John 3:36
"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
— NKJV
Scripture does not leave room for 'I don't know.' Those who believe in Christ have life; those who do not believe face wrath. Sincerity in a false religion does not save. Osteen's reluctance to state this truth endangers the very people he claims to help.
Related False Teachings
"99.9% of all people are good people."
— Joel Osteen | Denial of Sin
"I don't think anything I've said has offended someone of a different faith."
— Joel Osteen | People-Pleasing Gospel
"I believe there are many paths to Jesus. You don't know how Jesus would reveal Himself to somebody, ..."
— Joel Osteen | False Gospel