The Only Way Home
But Jesus didn’t come to make us happy. He came to solve the greatest problem humanity has ever faced: our separation from God.
The Only Way Home
Here’s a question I hear fairly often:
“Since most people believe there are many paths to God and that they all eventually lead us to the same place, why do Christians claim that Jesus is the only way?”
The first thing I point out is that Jesus Himself said it. Just before His death, while speaking to His disciples, Jesus said:
“I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6
That is the textbook definition of a remarkably exclusive statement.
I’ve heard people say that it’s arrogant for us to claim that Jesus is the only way to God. They ask, “What about Muhammad? What about Buddha? What about all the other religions that offer people meaning, peace or happiness?”
Well, let’s tackle it this way: if happiness is all we’re looking for, there are plenty of things that can make us happy. I know people who are perfectly happy worshiping sports, music, hobbies and themselves! Lots of things can bring pleasure and satisfaction. Pick one and be as happy as you want.
But Jesus didn’t come to make us happy. He came to solve the greatest problem humanity has ever faced: our separation from God.
The question, then, isn’t “Who would I like to follow?” or “Which religion seems best for me?” The deeper question is, “How can sinful people be reconciled to a holy God?”
The Bible clearly states the problem. God is holy. We are sinful. Those two things are not compatible. Romans 3:23 says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
How can sinners be reconciled to a holy God? In other words; how can I make my way back home?
We can’t make ourselves good enough. Our good works don’t erase our sin and our sincerity can’t remove our guilt. Choosing a religion that we like might make us happy but it won’t change the fundamental problem between us and God.
Our sin must be dealt with.
This is where the gospel becomes the foundation of our faith. God didn’t abandon us only to force us to solve the problem on our own.
He sent His Son.
Tomorrow: we’ll bring that all together.
