Imagine there are two roads; one is paved and has a lot of traffic; and the other is a less traveled dirt road. They both go towards a 2,000 foot chasm. The dirt road has a solid bridge; the paved road is full of road signs that say “bridge ahead,” but in reality no bridge exists. Only, by the time most drivers realize there is no bridge, it’s too late to stop and they plunge over the edge to their death. Now imagine you see your mother driving 100 miles an hour towards this illusionary bridge. How hard would you try to warn her? Can you think of any reason your mother would refuse to change course? Maybe she grew up believing in this bridge? What if all the people she trusted also believed in this bridge and were traveling with her on the same road?
In the time of Jesus, many religious people taught that the bridge to God [or a relationship with God] involved following religious rituals, doing good works, offering sacrifices, being a member of a religion, or following man-made ordinances. Jesus made this statement to warn people about this wrong road:
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Not every one that saith unto me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?” And then will I profess unto them, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23
Jesus was making the point that HE is the only way to heaven. Such an exclusive statement may surprise or even offend, but it is true nonetheless. The Bible teaches that there is no other way to salvation than through Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
John 14:6
He is not A way, as in one of many; He is THE way, as in the one and only. No one, regardless of religion, obedience to church doctrine, or personal holiness, can come to God the Father except through Jesus.
Jesus is the only way to heaven for several reasons. Jesus was “chosen by God” to be the Savior (1 Peter 2:4). Jesus is the only One to have come down from heaven and returned there (John 3:13). He is the only person to have lived a perfect human life (Hebrews 4:15). He is the only sacrifice for sin (1 John 2:2; Hebrews 10:26). He alone fulfilled the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). He is the only man to have conquered death forever (Hebrews 2:14–15). He is the only Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). He is the only man whom God has “exalted . . . to the highest place” (Philippians 2:9).
Jesus spoke of Himself as the only way to heaven in several places besides John 14:6. He presented Himself as the object of faith in Matthew 7:21–27. He said His words are life (John 6:63). He promised that those who believe in Him will have eternal life (John 3:14–15). He is the gate of the sheep (John 10:7); the bread of life (John 6:35); and the resurrection (John 11:25). No one else can rightly claim those titles.
GotQuestions.org
There is only ONE road to the bridge that Jesus made for us to the Father. To receive the gift of salvation, you must be born again! Salvation is not a process of things you do, or the religion you belong to; rather, it happens the moment your spirit and soul are born into the family of God. There is no back up plan. Religious rites like baptism won’t get you into heaven. How you feel about the truth does not change it. God’s Word is more reliable than any human thought or feeling. I want everyone reading this devotional to know the great HOPE of Heaven that Christ gives us when we are born into His family.
I want to see YOU on the other side of eternity!
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
To learn more about Kimberly Faith and the mission of Faith Strong, click HERE.
Out Now – Essential Faith, Volume II. Find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
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9 Responses
I love to read these and am moved. I fell away from reading for a time, but will get caught up. I am still in the Word in my mornings, but very much enjoy your devotionals!
God bless you, Doug!
Thank you for the devotionals. They are all very well written and I have not disagreed with anything you have said. I am 76 years old and and have been preached at for a long time and I know what I believe and you are with me so far. You are doing a wonderful work a lot of people need these readings and am so glad they are people like you that do theses devotionals. Keep up this wonderful work this old world needs it. Yours in Christ Margarette
I really was touched by this awesome powerful message. It open up my soul to want to live my life according to Gods will every moment of everyday Amen.
Amen!!
Kimberly Faith you’re a blessing to me. I love reading your devotionals , they bring me happiness, trust in my faith , and always inspire me. Thank you as always, keep doing what you do. Tammy Szymanski 🙏✝️🙏✝️
What a blessing to hear from you, Tammy! God is on the move!
Your devotionals are always inspiring and thought provoking. They help me to navigate this crazy world and keep my eyes focused on Jesus. Thank you.
Audrey, so blessed to be your sister in Christ!