One time too many, I have heard people convincingly declare that they are many ways to heaven. You just have to be sincere, they say. You just have to follow whatever you believe in faithfully, they say. And heaven will be yours.
But is this really true? Do all roads really lead to heaven?
Here is what Jesus says:
"Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (NLT)
There is a reason why the above verse is a part of the Bible. Jesus says He is the way. According to my secondary school English teacher, "the" is very different from "a". "The" is a definite article which means a specific way. On the other hand, "a" is an indefinite article which means any way. Saying "a man" means any man. But saying "the man" means a specific man.
If Jesus said He is a way, that would have meant there are many other ways. But He says He is the way. He and no other is the only way to the Father.
I love how my pastor explained this yesterday. He said, we all know that not all roads lead to Chicago. You can't just hop on any plane or drive on any highway and expect to land in Chicago. No, it doesn't work that way. To get to Chicago, there is a specific road/plane you must take. So to get to heaven, there is a specific road you must take: Christ.
And here is one thing about this road: it is no narrow and unpopular.
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way." Matthew 7:13 (NLT)
Yes, you read that right, friend. This way, the Jesus way is so narrow. It entails sacrificing. It entails losing your life to follow Christ. Sometimes it attracts mockery from friends and family. Sometimes it leads to death. But it is the right way. It is the only way.
So let me ask you: do you have a deep-seated conviction that if you were to close your eyes in death today, you will be with your Maker in heaven? Have you found peace with God?
For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." Romans 10:13
If your answer to the above questions is "no", I'll invite you to call on the name of the Lord. Ask God to save you because Jesus is really the only way. He is the only road that leads to heaven. This road is narrow but it is better than any other road you will ever take in this journey of life.
Amaka says
Love this post. There has been a misconception on this for a loong time.
I find that most people are confused. Some are highly resentful and instead of accepting the authoritative information from the word of God, I've found them substituting their own finite reasoning with "I think this, or I think that." Some believe that we're all going to be in Heaven someday even though we take different roads to get there. One university student told me that reaching Heaven was like climbing to the mountaintop by different paths. Others think that as long as you are sincere and worship the same God everything will "come out alright at the end." Lie.
All roads might lead to God, but only one road lead to heaven.
The Bible expresses says JESUS IS THE WAY.
Precious says
Those are all different shapes of lies, Amaka.
Scripture says Jesus is the only way. If there were so many ways then Christianity wouldn't be worth it at all.
Thanks for sharing, Amaka.
Bisola says
I love this.
Well done Precious dear. No other way to heaven oh my sister. I still talked about it yesterday in Sunday School. ALL the events of the end time, rapture, resurrection, millennial reign, final judgement etc everything is tied to Christ. He plays a key role in everything and God gave him that power and authority. He is the way.
No matter how nice, generous or pious you may be, no heaven without Jesus Christ.
I love your emphasis on that narrow way not being one of enjoyment. It can be lonely, and open one to mockery and insults. It's a road of sacrifice. Why some Pepe think otherwise is beyond me.
Precious says
Yes, sister. He says, "no one comes to the Father except through me." The Bible is very clear on this and that's what we choose to believe.
There is a lot of deception going in the world right now so we must remind ourselves of these truths so our zeal does not grow cold. Thanks for adding your voice to this!
itunu says
Thank you so much for this Precious!! Wow it feels like I haven't been here in a while. Missed your space. I loved the Chicago illustration. We can't hop into any plane and expect to get to chicago all the same. So true. I believe we also need to pray for men as the enemy of this world has blinded some to believe that no matter what happens, or whatever they do, heaven is theirs. It often saddens my heart to hear them say these things but our place is to speak truth (which you have done) and pray.
Much love. xo!
Precious says
So true, dear.As scripture says, the god of this world has blinded their eyes. Our role is to be the light in a very dark world.
favourmoyse says
Only one way to the father and its true Jesus! Which you stated above. No other way, no other way
karma is a bitch
Precious says
That's right! No other way but Jesus.
Dominika Goodness says
Dear Precious, thank you for this post. its a reminder to me that truly the road to my Maker entails so many sacrifices and I must remain focus. thank you again. please my regards to the family.
Precious says
Amen!
We need to often remind ourselves of how short life is. That helps us live better.
Have a great week, dear!