THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE – 45 God Has One Way

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6, KJV).

Loved ones, in the religious world, including both those who believe in Christ and those of other religions, most think that there are many ways to heaven. They explain that even though different roads may be taken, all are headed for the same destination. That sounds good, but that is not what the Bible teaches.

Who said that there are many ways to heaven? Jesus did not say that, and neither did those who know what the Bible teaches on this subject. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Here Jesus is saying that there is but one way to heaven, and that He is that way.

Those who say that there are many ways to heaven are those who believe all kinds of unscriptural things concerning heaven and how to get there.

On another occasion Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber" (John 10:1).

Now I didn't say that, but Christ Himself said it. Jesus is the way to heaven, and therefore, Christ says that when one tries to go another way, he is “a thief and a robber” because the way he travels has not been authorized.

It is true that in this world there may be many roads to travel to a particular destination, and most people apply that same idea to spiritual matters. They picture all the different religions ultimately leading to heaven, but again, Jesus declared that He is the one and only way to that eternal home.

This world has become very "pluralistic,” which means that any "god," any religion, is counted as acceptable. The reasoning is that as long as people are "good" and are trying to follow their "god" and their religion to the best of their knowledge and ability, God will accept them.

Shiva and Vishnu of Hinduism are alright. Islam with Mohammed as its prophet is another way. Buddhism with its pillars of "goodness" is followed by many. The Pope is thought by adherents to be God's "vicar" on earth. Preachers in "community" churches and denominations preach a feel-good doctrine that assures listeners that everyone will be saved by God's unending grace.

The problem with all of these ways and promises is that you cannot read any of this in God's Word! These were lies created by Satan to deceive the world (Revelation 12:9).

But thinking about the many roads that lead to a particular city, suppose you are officially authorized to take only one of these routes. In that case, you would have to follow the rules if your boss were to be pleased with you. If you took another way, not only would you be going against the wishes of your boss, but you would also lose your reward at the end of the way.

So it is with the spiritual road. Christ has authorized only one way. He Himself is that way because the Gospel says He came into this world to live among men and to die on the cross for man’s sins, to be buried, and then to be resurrected, to assure man of salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). If He paid that kind of price, He has every right to make it clear what He expects of us if He is going to save us and take us to heaven.

In the case of our spiritual life, there is no other road. Jesus Christ is the only Savior (Acts 4:12). He began only one church to which He adds all the believing, obedient saved souls (Matthew 16:18; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 41, 47), and He authorizes the wearing of only His name – Christian (Acts 11:26).

Ephesians 4:4-6 teaches that there is one God, one Lord, one Spirit, one faith, one baptism, one body or church, and one hope. There is also one way to worship — in spirit and according to Truth (John 4:24; 17:17), and one way to live – faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10).

There will also be one judgment (Hebrews 9:27), when each soul will give account of all that was done in this life: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10; cf. Revelation 20:12-15).

Following the judgment, there is one heaven and one hell for all eternity (Matthew 25:46). If this is the designated way for the saving of one soul, it is also sufficient for the saving of all souls — all, that is, who will submit to the Lord and follow His directions in all things (cf. Matthew 6:33).

With the foregoing being true, why would anyone dare to teach that there is more than one way to heaven? What would be the reason for it? Surely the Lord, our Maker, knows what is best for man, and He has prepared a way – ONE WAY — for us to be saved, one way to heaven (John 14:1-6).

Christ warned that the majority will be on the broad way that leads to destruction, and only a few will be on the narrow way that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). It’s all about believing and obeying (doing) God’s will as revealed in the New Testament (vs. 21-27).

Which way are you going? We urge you to let Christ be your way, the only way that leads from this temporary sin-cursed world to an eternal home in heaven with God…forevermore.

Through the free gift of God’s grace by Jesus’ blood (Ephesians 2:8; Revelation 1:5) and your obedient faith (Romans 1:5; 10:17; 16:26), salvation is offered.

Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. He is in control, so trust Him. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35).