Jesus is the only way:The Bible says Jesus Christ is the only way to God the Father of Heaven (John 14:6).But another way leads to destruction and eternal separation from God (John 3:16-18; Proverbs 14:12). In showing Jesus’ authority from God, the Bible records eyewitnesses of Jesus performing greater miracles than any other man (John 15:24). The Father said, in speaking of Jesus when he appeared on a mountain in a transfiguration with Moses and Elijah, “this is my beloved Son, hear him” (Mark 9:2-8). Jesus declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Contrary to the Bible, there are those who teach that there are other ways to God the Father.
Some say there are many other ways to God the Father. Examples of many who teach that Jesus is not the only way to God as the Bible teaches are Joel Osteen and Oprah Winfrey. In responding to an audience on you-tube, who asked her if Jesus was the only way to God, Oprah said, “there couldn’t possibly be just one way”—there are people who never heard the name of Jesus who do good. When Oprah asked Pastor Joel Osteen about the paths to God on you-tube, the Pastor said, “I believe Jesus is the way to the one God—but I believe there are many paths to Jesus.” The Pastor never told us what the many paths are; and he claims “youdon’t know how Jesus will reveal himself to somebody.”
However, Jesus did not equivocate—he made it clear in the Bible that only his Father in heaven reveals the Son to anybody (Matthews 16:15-17; John 6:44). Is Pastor Osteen’s claiming “there are many paths to Jesus” a way watering down and adding to the Bible’s clear statements that Jesus is the only way to God the Father; and that the Father is the only one who reveals Jesus to anyone who comes to the Father. Pastor Osteen apparently leaves room to add unbiblical doctrine in saying, youdon’t know how Jesus will reveal himself to somebody. *
Searching the Scripture reveals the truth about the way to God.The Bible says: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instructions in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Furthermore, in 2 Timothy 2:15 we are instructed to study the Scriptures to have a right understanding of God’s inspired words. The Word of God’s Word tell you the truth about the right way to the Father, and sets you free from wrong paths (John 8:32).
People of the early Berean Church searched the scripturesto see if what the Apostle Paul was teaching them was what the scriptures actually taught (Acts 17:11). Bereans who believed in the veracity and authority of the Holy Scripture were convinced that Paul’s teaching about “Jesus crucified” for the salvation of mankind was in line with scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:2; Hebrews 9:11-14; Isaiah 53:5). Thus, the Bible gives us an example of how we should check anyone out who claims to be teaching according to God’s Word. We should be careful to follow the example provided by the Word God to see if the teachings of anyone, including Joel and Oprah, are in line or out of line with the Scripture.
The Bible provides answers for those who might believe there are other ways than Jesus to God the Father:
- There is no other name than Jesus under heaven given among men whereby men must be saved (Acts 4:12).
- Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me”(John 14:6).
- God the Father said: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear him” (John 8:12).
- Jesus said, the works of miracles that I did–which no other man did— bear witness of me that the Father hath sent me and is in me (John 5:36;John 10: 38; John 15:34).
- A man born blind, who was healed by Jesus, said to unbelieving teachers “If this man were not of God he could do nothing (John 9:33).
- He was wounded for our transgressions…and with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).
- The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).
- Whosoever believes in Jesus has everlasting life… He that believes not is condemned already (John 3:16-18).
The Bible gives answers for those who might believe there are many paths to Jesus:
- Jesus said no man can come to me except the Father draw him” (John 6:44; Matthew 16:17).
- Jesus said, I and my Father are one (John 10:30; John 10:38
- Jesus said, “Believe on me as the scriptures hath said” (John 7:38).
- Whosoever believes in Jesus has everlasting life… He that believes not is condemned already (John 3:16-18).
- It pleased God that by the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified, those who believe shall be save (1 Corinthians 1:21)..
- There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof is destruction(Proverbs 14:12).
The Bible has answers for those who are concerned about people who have not had the privilege to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ:
- Those who know the gospel of the Lord should reach out to take the gospel of the miracles, the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ to those who have not heard or do not understand it (Acts 1:8; 8:30-38).
- All of the goodness or righteous of mankind is as filthy rags in the sight of God. (Isaiah 64:6). God’s righteousness is given to those who believe in his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23; 6:23; John 3:16-18).
- The Bible says the people who did not know the Lord’s will, but “did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few stripes” (Luke 12:48).
- However, those who knew the lord’s will and did not do it shall be beaten with many stripes. For unto whom much is given, much shall be required (Luke 12:47).
- The primary will of the Father is that we believe in his Son, Jesus Christ for salvation (John 6:29).
All of mankind have a choice: Individually, we can believe as the Bible says that Jesus is the only way to God the Father of Heaven; and that only the Father reveals Jesus to us. Or we can believe there are many ways to God and Jesus as others say.
*Joel and Oprah on you-tube:
https://youtu.be/_t6AscM4iF0 (Charles Stanley: Jesus–The only way)
