There’s Only One Way to God – Jesus (He’s the Reason)

It’s that time of year again…

Christmas! A highlight in the Christian calendar.

It’s a time when everywhere you go, you hear Christmas carols and can’t help humming along.

A time when you start to wind down after a long, busy year.

Or, you wind up as your social calendar erupts and you’re racing against the clock to get your Christmas shopping done in time.

Whatever this season holds for you, you’ve likely witnessed the manic that sets in for many as the countdown to Christmas begins. The world gets caught up in sparkly lights, hearty food and expensive gifts. And many of us forget the reason for the season.

Somehow, Jesus gets lost in it all.

But that’s not only the case for this time of year. It seems no matter the season, Jesus can get sidelined in our faith. As if He’s no longer the only way to our Creator God.

In today’s culture, many “ways” and “truths” exist. Truth has become relative – “my truth” can be different to “your truth”. And that’s led to confusion, not just in our world but also in the Christian faith. People believe there are different ways to get to God.

But the Word of God says something else…

“Jesus is “’the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:11-12

Let’s take a closer look at some myths, and the truth, about how we can receive salvation.

Diversifying religions won’t save us.

We live in a time when we always have many options available. And it’s normal to diversify to manage risk – and overcome boredom. We subscribe to multiple streaming services. We hold several credit and debit cards. We might even own multiple phones.

But Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44), has also led us to believe that we can diversify religions. That we can receive Jesus and also dabble in Buddhism or “draw energy” from New Age crystals. We might think this is harmless – if we believe Jesus is our Saviour, what difference does it make? But this deception leads us away from the truth, opening doors for the enemy to enter various areas of our lives. That stops us from walking in the fullness of what God has for us on earth. And if it’s the truth that sets us free, then it’s his lies that keep us bound.

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”

John 8:31-32

We may say Jesus is our Saviour but if we’re entertaining different religious beliefs, then He isn’t our Lord – the one whose authority we submit to.

“Jesus replied, ‘The most important commandment is this: Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord.’”

Mark 12:29 NLT

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?’

Luke 6:46

Our parents or friends won’t save us.

I grew up in a Christian household and was at church almost every Sunday as a child and teenager. It was what we did as a family. It was all I knew. Now, I could have believed that because of this upbringing I’m automatically saved. Like I’ve received “legacy” salvation.

But it doesn’t work like that.

As an eight-year-old, I decided for myself to follow Jesus. I had to intentionally step out, confess Him as my Lord and Saviour and receive Him in my heart.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Romans 10:9

I hate to say it (or maybe I don’t) but second-hand religion doesn’t bring salvation. It’s become common for people to identify as Christian because of how they grew up yet there was never a moment in their lives when they received Jesus as their Lord as Saviour. They don’t maintain a personal relationship with Him, the core of being a Christ-follower.

And then some believe that because they’ve got a Christian friend who prays for them, they’re all good. That somehow they’ll get a ride into heaven on the coattails of a devoted Christian.

I say this to emphasise that vicarious Christianity isn’t a legitimate thing. Again, it’s a lie the enemy feeds us. Jesus wants every individual to come to him personally, just as we are.

Being a “good” person won’t save us.

If you look across the different world religions, you’ll notice a common theme – there are things you can do to “earn” your way to heaven (or some equivalent). Let’s glance at a few:

• Muslims must practice five pillars successfully – good deeds need to outweigh the bad.
• Hindus must purify themselves from evil in each life, building good karma.
• Buddhists must renounce self to reach enlightenment/Nirvana.

As you can see, from certain acts to doing more good than bad, each religion has certain behaviours that are supposed to make you worthy.

But Christianity is different. The Bible tells us that we can’t earn our salvation by our efforts – it’s a gift from God.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

No matter how hard we try, we can’t achieve salvation without faith in Jesus. Religion is about works. Christianity is about a relationship.