[251 words]
The words are unbending. Most people would even call them dogmatic. But they are truth and come from the very lips of the Lord Jesus: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6).
Jesus allows for no possibility of misunderstanding. His language is clear, concise, and altogether unmistakable in meaning. According to His own words He is the way—and the only way at that—to the Father.
His disciples got the point. Not long after Jesus had ascended back to heaven, Peter boldly proclaimed, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Sincerity is important, but not all-important. Meaning well is an admirable trait, but by itself, without gospel obedience, it will never save a soul. Souls are saved now, as they were in New Testament days, in one way and in one way only—by coming to God through His Son, Jesus the Christ, in the manner prescribed within holy Scripture.
And what does Scripture teach? How does one come to God through Christ? Give close attention to the words of Galatians 3:26,27: “For you are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
If salvation is our aim, if heaven is our goal, there simply is no other way.
Dalton Key
Church of Christ
Tulsa, OK