IS JESUS THE WAY

One of the main foundations of our prayer life is the understanding that Jesus is the way.... The only way to God.... Jesus said we must pray in His name.

I know this seems like a useless question to most Christians, but a recent poll among professed believers in Jesus indicates over sixty percent believe most any religion will take you to heaven.

In other words, Jesus is only one of many ways to heaven.If you are like me, when I see a well-known minister appearing on an evening talk show and they are asked the question, “Do you believe faith in Jesus is the only way to heaven and eternal life?” I am interested in w-hat his or her response will be.

I have repeatedly been disappointed with respected ministers who have avoided the issue or have even professed they agree with the belief that there is more than one way to eternal life.

I thank God for those ministers who boldly agree, “Yes, I believe Jesus is the only way to eternal life because that is what the Bible teaches.”

THE UNIVERSE RUNS ON LAWS

Jesus, speaking with the Pharisees, commented on their perception of the natural laws governing the weather. He answered them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” (Matthew 16:2-3 KJV).

The universe and the earth run on laws that do not vary. The sun always rises in the east and sets in the west. The weather forecast can tell us the night before exactly when the sun will rise and set the next day or on any day in the future. The laws of nature are precise.

You cannot put just anything in the gas tank of your automobile and expect it to run. You cannot drive on any side of the road and expect to arrive safely at your destination. You cannot eat just anything, including poisonous plants, and expect to maintain your health or live a full life.

ALL ROADS?

If the universe runs on laws that never vary, why would we believe the answer to the ultimate question in life, “How do I gain eternal life and get to heaven?” Do all roads lead to heaven? Would it not seem plausible that the same God who created the universe to run on unchangeable laws would also create an unchangeable plan to spend eternity with Him?

Do all roads lead to Rome? The answer is no. Why don’t you get into your car this evening and start driving down the road and see if it gets you to Rome. Of course, it won’t. Then why would you trust your salvation and eternal life to any road, any religion, or any philosophy?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

A friend of mine once told me this story, "I was once seated next to a college professor on a flight I was taking. After learning I was a minister of the gospel, she informed me she believed Jesus was very “open-minded” toward all religions and believed there were many means of arriving in heaven. My response was my belief that Jesus was very “narrow-minded.” I also related to this professor Jesus’ statement, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father but by Me.” I explained how the book of Acts says there is no other name under heaven, given among men by which we must be saved than through the Name of Jesus Christ. I commented to the professor how this also seemed narrow-minded. However, this also makes eternal life and getting to heaven very simple. There is only one way. Find it and you are assured of your eternity."

POLITICALLY CORRECT

In these days of not wanting to offend anyone, the gospel remains offensive. In other words, the gospel is not politically correct; it is completely correct!

The world does not want to hear such dogmatism concerning religious matters. The world wants religion to be “personal,” meaning there is a right religion for everyone regardless of what it is. Just choose one and you will get to heaven. This broad-minded view will keep anyone who embraces it from “ruffling the feathers” of the world. Yet, Jesus “ruffled feathers” in His day as did believers in the book of Acts.

Christians have been controversial since the New Testament writings were completed.Christians do not need to be antagonistic, but neither do they need to back down from what the Bible teaches. Right is right. We are not just preaching a message, we are giving a warning. If the bridge is out ahead of us, we need to warn the cars behind us. Those drivers may not appreciate us waving our arms at them to warn them of impending danger, but once they reach the collapsed bridge they will be thankful! Today we are warning people of the impending danger down the road ahead. The world may not like our warning, but will one day understand. Heaven and hell are in the balance!


We are living in a time when the truth is being challenged on every front.

Folks, the only way to pray to the father is asking in Jesus name.. not Budda or Alla, or by meditation or incantation... it's only by the name of Jesus!