Many people in today’s world will argue that there is more than one way to get to God. They take a more universalist approach, saying that whether you call God Yahweh, Allah, or Vishnu, it’s really the same God and whatever you do in this life will end up with you in the same afterlife. To suggest anything otherwise would be viewed as bigoted and intolerant. After all, who are we to criticize someone’s religious convictions and suggest that their personally held beliefs will send them to hell?
Although there a myriad of differences and contradictions between the world religions of today that we could analyze and focus on, we, as Christians, ought to aim our primary focus on what God and His Word have to say about this debate. Throughout the Old Testament, we can see that God does not tolerate other religious practices or forms of worship, and He lays down harsh punishments against those who stray from His Law (even when it’s His own people). In the New Testament, we find that the early church communities are repeatedly warned not to be conformed to the world around them and are rebuked when they are found to be doing so. However, there is one particular passage in the Gospel of John that leaves absolutely no room for debate, clearly stating that there is, in fact, only one way to God: Jesus.
In John 14, we find Jesus giving His disciples some final instructions and encouragements as He prepares for His impending arrest and crucifixion. He tells them that He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house (v. 2) and that He will return so that they may join Him (v. 3). Thomas, who is known for his skepticism and doubt, questions how they will know the way to the Father, to the Father’s house (v. 5). Rather than rebuking or shaming him, Jesus simply answers Thomas’ question—
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6, ESV
Within this short verse, Jesus claims to be three things: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. But what exactly does He mean by this? What do these three titles or descriptors tell us about Christ?
The Way
Jesus is the Way. This means that Jesus is our only avenue for access to God the Father. We can see this truth in a more concrete way when the temple curtain is torn at the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross, saying in essence that priests and sacrifices are no longer necessary to commune with God (Matthew 27:50-51). Jesus acted as our Great High Priest and the ultimate sacrifice for all our sins (Hebrews 4:14), allowing us to boldly approach God’s throne of grace whenever we have need (Hebrews 4:16). It is only through Christ that we are saved (John 3:16, Romans 10:9). It is only through Christ that we are reconciled to God (Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:18). And it is only through Christ that we have an advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1-2).
The Truth
Jesus is the Truth. This means that Jesus revealed the true God and preached the true gospel (1 John 5:20). In the same passage as His I Am statement, Jesus declares twice that those who have seen Him have seen the Father (John 14:7-9). As the Son of God, Jesus was equal with the Father, God in human form (Philippians 2:6-7). He was the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), the radiance of His glory and the exact imprint of His nature (Hebrews 1:3), and in Him dwelled the whole fulness of deity (Colossians 2:9). Yet, Christ was not only the revelation of God, the Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14). He was also the Messiah, the promised Savior who came to fulfill the Law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17), to crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15), and to save His people from their sins (Isaiah 53:5).
The Life
Jesus is the Life. This means that Jesus is the source of regeneration and eternal life for all who believe in Him. When Jesus saves us, He not only spares us from the judgment that is reserved for unrepentant sinners, He also transforms us into new creatures who are no longer ruled by sin (2 Corinthians 5:17). He gives us new life, a new self that is able to reject temptation and choose holiness (Romans 6:4, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:10). And this new life doesn’t end when we take our final breath on this earth. This life will extend into eternity, where we will enjoy the fellowship and glory of God forever (John 3:16, 5:24, 17:3). And this eternal life is not gained by our good works or obedience. It is only received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9).
The One
Whether they claim it or not, many people today are universalists, preaching that there are many ways to God, many possible truths, and many beliefs that lead to a satisfied and fulfilled life. But according to Scripture, this is just not true. The is only one Way, one Truth, and one Life—and that’s Jesus. Jesus is the Way, the one who allows us access to the Father. Jesus is the Truth, the one who is God in flesh and fulfiller of all Messianic prophesies. Jesus is the Life, the one who grants us eternal life with Him. There is no other way to come to God. There is no other truth besides the gospel. And there is no other life apart from Christ. After all, life without Christ is not truly life at all.
As Christians, may we never bow to the culture and agree to its universalist claims just to “fit in” and make others feel better about themselves. Instead, let us commit to preach the gospel—the one true way to life everlasting.
“For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” 1 Corinthians 8:5-6
