Have you ever stopped to consider how others think they can get to heaven? Some feel that we are all going to get there one day. Others think that Jesus is a way, but not the only way. Some feel Jesus is the only way. Some of course have entirely different ideas that do not include Jesus at all.
What do you think?
I talked with someone a few years back who tried to tell me that he would tell God what was what when he died. He compared getting into heaven with getting into a group online. He pretty much did not like it that God got to make the rules, and he obviously felt that he would be in control of his fate.
I thought to myself, “How stupid is that?” He had no control over his birth. He will have no control over his death, but he thought he could control his eternal destiny.
I thought it all to be quite sad. His heart was so hard. I could barely discuss the subject with him. He had such an attitude of pride and arrogance. I can only hope that he will change before it is eternally too late.
How many ways are there really? Surveys have asked Christians that very question. The number who said that they think that there are multiple ways might shock you. My question about that is in which way are those “Christians” placing their faith? Maybe they aren’t really saved.
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
Jesus said He was the only way. In light of that, we must draw the conclusion that either folks don’t know scripture, or they think that Jesus lied. I hope it’s not the latter.
Many Christians, in an effort to be tolerant, have lost sight of some truths. When you don’t spend time in the Word, it’s easy to do. The pastor cannot cover it all in an hour each week. It’s important that we get our daily bread by reading the Word for ourselves.
And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Luke 4:4
In the past, when I did not read the Bible every day, I drifted. I forgot what exactly I believed. It became fuzzy in my brain. Faith and works got tangled. Life application did not take root. My understanding of God’s glorious Word just was not there. I could not stand on the Word of God because I barely knew what it was.
How about you?
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is two-fold. First, know that there is only one way to get to heaven. That way is Jesus. There are no alternatives. If you have missed that, perhaps you need to spend more time in the Word. If you aren’t reading God’s Word daily, I encourage you to do so. It’s life changing when you apply it, and it becomes clearer the more time you spend in it. Second, ask a Christian friend how many ways there are to get to heaven. If they say there are multiple ways, share John 14:6.