Dear Minister: Is Jesus the only way to heaven?
– A Person Wondering How to Ensure He is Going to Heaven
I have one key to my car. Anyone trying to get into my locked car is a car thief. I have one password to my computer. Anyone trying to get into it when it is locked is a hacker. I have one credit card. Anyone trying to use it without my permission is a thief.
On and on I could go with security systems in place where there is only one legal, permissible way to enter. Yet, when Jesus says, “I am the way” in John 14:6, we want to take exception with His authority to make that assertion: “It’s too dogmatic” or “it’s unfair.” The statement begs the question, “Way to where?” The answer is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus making this “I am” statement precludes the fact that there is no other way. Acts 4:12 says “And there is salvation in no one else for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
But what about those of other faiths and beliefs? As those who do not have a key to my car, my password or my Social Security number, they do so at their own peril and exclusion. While Jesus is criteria for salvation, He also paid the price for the ticket with His blood and that ticket is free (John 3:16).
What about those who have never heard of Jesus? Romans 1:20 says, “We are without excuse.” God has always had a witness to himself from the time of creation. We are only responsible for the amount of revelation of Him that He has given us.
Presently there is a major roadblock to the main traffic artery of Ocean City. There are detour signs to reach your destination. Your choice is to obey them and safely reach your destination or ignore them to your peril. Jesus said, “I am the way” to heaven and provided the free ticket to get me there. Not take it? Are you kidding? “We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus (alone) that, not of ourselves, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8)
Pastor Terry Lothian
Teaching Pastor
Ocean City Tabernacle
